THESE DAYS
By Richard Lawrence Belford
It’s hard to believe, as I look ahead to and beyond another Father’s Day that my own father has been gone for three years now, as it is equally difficult to realize that it's been over three months since my brother in-law's wife passed away, and less than twelve weeks ago that my aunt lost her son.
This means that other family members besides me have also been grieving, having lost either a grandparent, a parent, a spouse, a child, a brother or brother in-law, a sister or sister in-law, an aunt or an uncle, a cousin and/or a close friend.
The point is everybody loses someone, but not all losses are the same, nor do we all grieve the same way or at the same pace. Just like every relationship is different, so is every loss, but they can end up sharing two very different and distinct characteristics, gratitude and regret.
It was these thoughts, coupled by this quote from "Remember" by English poet Christina Rossetti ―"Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad” that inspired me to write the following parable.
I truly hope “These Days” heartfelt message stirs emotions in you that we’ve all felt; emotions that shine a more encouraging light not on a person's death, but on their life by helping provide those in grief with a measure of gratitude for what was, and less regret about what remains.
These Days
A lot has changed since you’ve been gone.
And I wish; I’d known, all along.
How your loss would always mean.
My having to wonder; what might have been.
I now believe with all my heart.
We grieve two people when, we part.
It’s the one we love; that’s for sure.
And the one; we once were.
Sometimes, I don’t know whom,
I miss the most. Maybe because;
We were so close.
I knew life would turn on a dime.
When you said, “We’ve had lots of time.”
And I found; just how tough it would be.
When I said, “We’ll never have enough, for me.”
There are times,
Although you’re no longer here,
When I feel you near.
And it becomes so very clear.
It’s a memory like this that helps one see.
As sad, as it makes me;
How grateful; I should be.
So, we must never forget the past.
It’s only our regrets we should cast.
In many ways there is no blame.
These days will just never be the same.
©2019 Richard Lawrence Belford
In this life, we often leave or are left wishing we had just five more minutes, please take one of them to share this article on behalf of those who not only miss their father, but anyone dear to their heart!
About the Author: Richard Lawrence Belford is an inspirational writer, a father of two daughters and the eldest of three sons who grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He has been twenty-year creative journey that has not only allowed him to become well published, but also fueled his genuine desire to provide faith, comfort and hope to those in grief.
Richard is the author of ”It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later” an inspirational book about life, love and loss whose parables honor the memory of those dear to our hearts. A parable is a symbolic short story that illustrates or teaches some truth, religious principle or moral lesson.
He invites you to follow him on Instagram and Twitter, like his Author’s Facebook Page or visit the “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later Facebook Group” and join the increasing number of people who believe this book will inspire you to always say; “I’ll see you later, instead of goodbye!”
Richard can be contacted by email at info@richardlawrencebelford.ca or visit his website at: www.richardlawrencebelford.ca for further information.
