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The Dreaded Question
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The Dreaded Question |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State 
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The question came this morning, and found me unprepared. She asked it so carelessly, I doubt she even cared. My tongue couldn't find the words. I felt the welling tears. Could I answer as I had for all those many years? She looked at me and waited, as if I hadn't heard. Wanting to tell the story, I felt tongue ties ungird. "I've borne three lovely children, two daughters and a son. In answer to your question, my heart can't leave out one. How many children have I? The answer must be three. Two on earth, one in heaven, where someday I will be. The Father took him early and though it's lonely here, I'm leaning on His promise. The future has no fear. Some day we'll be together, he just forged ahead." That's how I should have answered. But "I have three," I said. By: Joyce 03/28/01 [This message has been edited by Joyce Johnson (edited 03-29-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
Words from your heart so deeply felt. Joyce next time your asked, please say it just the way you wrote it: "How many children have I? The answer must be three. Two on earth, one in heaven, where someday I will be." |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Wonderful poem Joyce! You're right of course, you still have three children! Betty Lou Hebert |
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coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
And three it should be. Very touching, Joyce. "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Dear Joyce... this is very well done, but I am sorry for its inspiration. I have never been there and I hope I never shall be, having two daughters of my own. It's a difficult thing to speak of such matters, but you have shown the courage and grace to do so here. May peace of spirit be yours. Andrew |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Thanks to all of you for your comments. Andrew, I'll give you a clue as to why I write about it. Everyone thinks they are sparing me by NOT bringing up his name and I hunger to speak of him. He was my first child and only son and so very, very special. Love, Joyce |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you do indeed find the courage to speak of him. He IS always near you in your heart. Melton |
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kcsgrandma Senior Member
since 2000-09-24
Posts 1522Presque Isle, ME |
Joyce, I have never had this kind of loss, either, and it is indeed the most terrible to contemplate. Your comment does remind me of a friend who had lost a young daughter, and told me that it hurt her that nobody ever wanted to take about Leah. It's hard sometimes to know whether it helps or hurts to talk about someone who is gone. If you you bring it up, you might be surprised how many are willing to listen, as we all are here. And if you can't talk in person, at least you are free to write for us. Thanks for sharing. To love another person is to see the face of God. |
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Suzanne Arlene Member
since 2000-10-09
Posts 377Ontario, Canada |
I am so sorry for your loss. But i do agree that speaking about your lost child keeps the memories strong. God Bless you and yours |
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Red_Feather Member
since 2001-01-19
Posts 131The Vagabond Sea |
This seized me...took my breath away...my mother has lost a son and a daughter, therefore i have lost a sister and a brother. I know what it is like to be asked such a question so casually. Depending on the person asking and my attitude at that moment i have answered both ways. I have found though, that even if the delivery of the question dosen't warrant the true answer, i feel better if i give it. Anything less feels almost like a betrayal of their memory. I am sorry for your loss. I truly am. |
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