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Larry C
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since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States

0 posted 2003-01-17 10:19 PM



Uninvited Guests
By Larry Chadwick


Grief showed up at my door. She came unannounced and uninvited. Without question she was intrusive upon arrival and persistent in her delivery. I let her in. I considered my options and none of them were good. She brought Suffering with her but I sent him away. She came bearing tears and heartache, which I humbly accepted.

She stayed longer than I wanted and left sooner than I expected. But after she departed I found a message she left for me. It seems Suffering was horribly disappointed not to be let in. He had come prepared for a very long stay. He brought despair and hopelessness in great quantities in the desire that I would indulge in his generosity. And she noted that they never stayed together in the same place and thanked me for choosing her. She wished me well and expressed a certainty that I would be fine.

It seems she’ll likely visit again. But this time she has no intent of bringing Suffering with her. He rarely goes where he is not wanted. And he knew he was not welcome at my place. We’re not close friends, Grief and I, but we do understand each other.

January 17, 2003



[This message has been edited by Larry C (01-18-2003 07:51 AM).]

© Copyright 2003 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved
Kellie_Cantrell
Senior Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 1667
New York
1 posted 2003-01-18 01:27 PM


  aww, larry.
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
2 posted 2003-01-18 03:07 PM



Larry, you snuck this one in on me...
and I wrang dry with every word.

Duncan
Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455

3 posted 2003-01-18 03:51 PM


I doubt many could write this as sincerely as you have Larry.  The premise worked well.
Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
4 posted 2003-01-18 06:51 PM


Kellie,
Well...thank you.

Karilea,
So I'm guessing that may have been a soggy experience.

Duncan,
Thanks for such kind thoughts and your support.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

SPIRIT
Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745
California Desert
5 posted 2003-01-18 07:56 PM


I am going to make sure from now on to have plenty of tissues on hand. Brilliant read.

If we traveled backwards, from end to beginning, would the road, I wonder
Be the road we traveled from beginning to end?   ©das



Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
6 posted 2003-01-18 11:20 PM


SPIRIT,
Thanks for you kindness. Sorry about the soggy read.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
7 posted 2003-01-19 06:33 AM


Larry,
to write this without crying must have been a healing experience. Now If only I could have read it without crying. Very, very poignant piece.
Kethry

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



Midnitesun
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since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
8 posted 2003-01-19 11:39 AM


I was able to read this without crying.
So how come there are a few wet keys on this keyboard, and they don't look like java?
"Good grief"  Charley Brown!
as "Suffering Succotash!" just slithered away.
You knew I'd have to throw out some comedic levity, just to see if I could make you smile this morning.

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
9 posted 2003-01-19 12:40 PM


Kethry,
Thank you dear girl. And yes it is healing. Odd that it would take pain to have a greater appreciation of life.


Kacy,
LMBO @ U

Maybe the humidity is high where you are. It is certainly dry here. At least my keyboard is. Although there are times... And you know I could always use a good laugh or a warm smile. You offer both in perfect quantities. Thank you.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
10 posted 2003-01-19 01:01 PM


Larry, my friend...grief is a learning tool for sure!  
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
11 posted 2003-01-19 03:35 PM


Actually, the air is unbelievably dry in Denver!
The mile high altitude makes us dizzy, and causes nosebleeds for poor Sara and I.
Oh well, nobody said it would be perfect here. But we are glad we made this move. Sara had her first Colorado horseback riding lesson yesterday, and is nursing sore legs today. We'll be moving again (YES!!!) in a few weeks, to another location in Denver. I'll tell you more in a private email soon. Hugs to all, Kacy

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
12 posted 2003-01-19 03:36 PM


Larry,  Thanks for calling this to my attention...  
It grabbed me and still has not let me go...
I have been trying to concentrate on writing but my muse seems to be sleeping.... I hope she wakes up soon, so I can come back here and post.
Right now, I think my work is definitely not fit for posting...
I hope this piece has helped you to come to terms with our mutual old "friend", Mr.Grief
~ many loving chipmunk hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
13 posted 2003-01-19 04:41 PM


Hello Larry

I'm sure you knew how much I could relate to these words.  I don't believe the feelings of grief ever leave you completely, but they are always there lurking in the shadows.  This is how it is for me and I guess it is for you also.  It was so nice of you to send me this link and so nice to see your smiling face again.  I hope all is well with you.

Take care.....Sue

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
14 posted 2003-01-19 11:35 PM


Martie,
For most...but not for all. But what a waste if you don't grow from such pain. And thank you.

Kacy,
I have occasional problems like that here. Yuck! And I look forward to your report. It is thrilling to know you are pleased with your decision.


Lyra,
Well...my poetic muse is silent as well. A first for me. But I am enjoying prose a lot. And please know you are on my mind and in my heart. I wish for you good health SOON and peace and courage.


Sue,
You know I think of you and your loss. Peace to you and thank you for your support, always.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

cpalmer
Senior Member
since 2001-06-26
Posts 977
Phoenix, Az
15 posted 2003-01-20 02:31 PM


Larry,
This is incredible!  The feeling involved in this makes my heart ache...grief is such a difficult thing to deal with.  I believe you have dealt well.  My shoulder is always here for you!
Love ya
Cindi

Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903
In Your Poetic Mind
16 posted 2003-01-20 05:46 PM


I have always been told and reminded of,  time will heal all that 'ales' us......luv you this is a very emotional piece, yet in many ways full of much peace....I wish you that...always...

Lauren~


I sing to life
To it's tragic beauty
To pain and strife
Let all that dances through me
The rise and the fall, I lived through it all


[This message has been edited by Greeneyes (01-20-2003 05:48 PM).]

Mysteria
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since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
17 posted 2003-01-20 11:43 PM


I have found that grief is like riding a bike, and once you learn to do it you never forget how.  The ony problem is that each time someone expects you to get on the bike you wonder how long is it going to be for this time, and where will I go.  Larry I sure feel for you and know this feeling well, but I think you and I both have found a special place of acceptance and understanding of grief that few can ever find, and this I believe is due to the fact that we are no longer afraid for our loved ones, but instead feel a sense of calm?  This was a fantastic piece and thank you for sending it to me to read.

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (01-20-2003 11:46 PM).]

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
18 posted 2003-01-21 12:05 PM


Cindi,
I know you know. And it is so comforting to know you are there. And such sweet words.


Lauren,
Time heals. But it doesn't replace. And thank you for your support. Miss ya'.


Aww sweet Sharon,
You have meant so much to me. I think you figured it out perfectly. And thank you for such kind words.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
19 posted 2003-01-22 10:14 PM


Hi larry,
there was a fine distinction between Grief and Suffering...being an impressionable 23 year old, i have never thought of it that way before

i'm sorry that you have to comprehend this..there are some things that we should never have to comprehend at all...but thanks for teaching us with dignity intact..

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
20 posted 2003-01-22 11:51 PM


kaile,
We all will experience life and its end...
And thank you for your kind words. Peace.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Skyfire
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Member Elite
since 2000-12-27
Posts 3381
Riding
21 posted 2003-01-23 01:07 AM


*hugs*
You write beautifully.  Thank you for the opportunity to read this.  Grief does visit occasionally, but as long as she does, you can know that you still love

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
22 posted 2003-01-23 02:33 PM


Rhonda,
Now that is a nice thought. And thank you for your kind words. Bless you for your kindness and generosity.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Barbara Trautman
Member
since 2002-10-23
Posts 90

23 posted 2003-01-24 11:25 PM



What a wonderful way to deal with grief and suffering!  I will take your wise words to heart and never forget.  Too bad I wasn't as wise in my lifetime.  Barb

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
24 posted 2003-01-26 12:08 PM


Barb,
Thank you so much for such kind words. I am sorry for any sorrow you have experienced. It is never too late to learn.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Kellie_Cantrell
Senior Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 1667
New York
25 posted 2003-01-26 02:05 AM


Larry- Sorry I didn't write mroe before I was really distracted with some problems that I have been going through lately that are pretty disasterous in m life but miiscule in other peoples eyes. Life is realyl hard and I am learning that more and more each day, Larry you are a rock, someone who is always on the bright side when darkness is hovering. I am blessed by knowing you and I learn more and more from you each day. It is an honor knowing you. You are strong, and a great friend.

(¨`·.·´¨) (¨`·.·´¨)
  ·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)¸.·´
     *`·.¸.·´*
    Love Always
       Kellie

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
26 posted 2003-01-27 08:56 AM


Kellie,
I am sorry for you struggles. Life is rarely easy. I pray things are improving. Thank you for such kind words. Peace and courage to you in your journey.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

the_girl_next_door
Senior Member
since 2006-02-26
Posts 591
USA
27 posted 2006-06-19 09:43 PM


Larry.. I love everything I read by you.. I look forward to all new pieces by you..

~Heather~

Desire nothing except desirelessness. Hope for nothing except to rise above all hopes.
Want nothing & you will have everything.

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
28 posted 2006-06-20 03:36 AM


Larry , glad this one came up as I see I was not posting then. You are indeed my first born. We share so many understandings. best to you, mom
nedj
Member
since 2006-06-23
Posts 87
Oregon USA
29 posted 2006-06-23 02:36 PM


What a delightful read. I hope you won't be offended when I tell you that it made me laugh out loud several times--you know, the gentle sarcasm. I particularly liked the economy of thought and word. Well done!

And by the way, just because you don't remember sending out the invitation, doesn't necessarily mean you didn't do it. ;-)

A poem's just a poet in a word.

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
30 posted 2006-06-23 08:16 PM


Heather,
Thank you! That makes me happy.


MartyJo,
Thanks mom... And it seems we do.


Ned,
No offense taken. Though this was a response to the unexpected death of my daughter at the age of 28. But you know ya' put a smile on my face. I visited your website and am pleased to see you have joined our Passionate site. Welcome. Hope you like it half as much as I have.


If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

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