Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Ramapo Valley July 18, 2023

Sunday, July 16, 2023

a time to mourn

The loss of a loved one leaves a hole

An emptiness that aches in their absence

All the more difficult if that was your life partner 

A constant companion for half a century


The profound loneliness so often a woman's lot

Being a long time caregiver then going through hospice 

With lingering bouts of sadness sometimes surfacing

Finding daily reminders everywhere you turn


So we did not know what to expect 

Visiting a friend in these circumstances 

Hoping she would enjoy our company

Though it's still early in her bereavement


Meeting where we last walked with them both

In a lovely summer meadow animated by butterflies

As we passed the bench where he sat then to rest

She noted the memory without dwelling on it


Engaged with the life going on around us

Trying out a new nature app on her phone

Using it to identify unknown plants

Being interested in learning new things


So good to see her smile at times 

And hear what I understood her to say later

Be grateful for what you have 

Rather than lament what you don't


She is so easy to talk with

Conversation is a pleasure

Leaving us looking forward

To when we get together next 

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Celery Farm July 15, 2023

Mary Patrick Green Acres July 15, 2023