Passions in Prose |
![]() ![]() |
Grief & Suffering...Uninvited Guests |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Larry C![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States ![]() |
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 1667New York |
![]() |
||
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Larry, you snuck this one in on me... and I wrang dry with every word. |
||
Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
I doubt many could write this as sincerely as you have Larry. The premise worked well. |
||
Larry C![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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 1745California Desert |
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 |
||
Larry C![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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 9082Victoria Australia |
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![]()
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
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![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kethry, Thank you dear girl. And yes it is healing. Odd that it would take pain to have a greater appreciation of life. ![]() Kacy, 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 28049California |
Larry, my friend...grief is a learning tool for sure! ![]() |
||
Midnitesun![]()
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
![]() 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 8296Michigan |
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 ![]() Lyra |
||
Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
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 |
||
Larry C![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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 977Phoenix, Az |
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
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![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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![]() ![]()
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
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![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
since 2000-12-27
Posts 3381Riding |
*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![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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 |
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![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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 1667New York |
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. (¨`·.·´¨) (¨`·.·´¨) |
||
Larry C![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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 591USA |
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. |
||
latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
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 87Oregon USA |
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![]()
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
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. |
||
![]() ![]() |
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. |