Death Poem

During the two years of my husband's terminal illness, death was never far from my mind. We had been told he was dying and even a time in which it was supposed to happen. We had no idea of how it would happen. I was loathe to let him out of my sight incase he should suddenly die and not return to me and woke each day fearing that he may have died during the night. Towards the end of his illness I sensed that death was near, waiting in the shadows to steal my love from me and wrote the following poem.

Death, it waits in the shadows

But it sneaks ever closer

I can sense it- almost smell it

Tangible- real- waiting

Death ? it waits like a vulture

Watching the once strong body falter

But it has no notion of will

The will to live which fights on

Refusing to see death even though

It stares him in the face

It does not honour courage

But I, witness to this brave struggle

Will forever hold my love in awe

His courage humbles me

His uncomplaining nature humbles me

His love un-changing and ever true

Holds me up

Despite his prognosis of three to nine months, Brian survived for two years. His courage never wavered and he fought a valiant battle to the end. Bed bound just three days prior to his death, he passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 54 years old.

Poem written by: Lorraine Kember ? Author of "Lean on Me" Cancer through a Carer's Eyes. Lorraine's book is written from her experience of caring for her dying husband in the hope of helping others. It includes insight and discussion on: Anticipatory Grief, Understanding and identifying pain, Pain Management and Symptom Control, Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, Quality of Life and Dying at home. It also features excerpts and poems from her personal diary. Highly recommended by the Cancer Council. "Lean on Me" is not available in bookstores - For detailed information, Doctor's recommendations, Reviews, Book Excerpts and Ordering Facility - visit her website http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com

Sympathy Flowers

Sending a floral tribute is a very appropriate way of... Read More

The Grief And Belief Connection

"Grief is healing: To take away our grief is to... Read More

How to Cope with Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory grief is the name given to the mix of... Read More

What this Rabbi Learned from Not being Re-hired

It's a familiar story, and I have been through it... Read More

Moving Beyond Grief and Loss

In my work as a coach and therapist, I have... Read More

Grief

I didn't know a heart could die before it stopped... Read More

How My Four Your Old Son Reacted To The Death Of His Great Nanny Biscuits

My nan was called Margaret and lived until the age... Read More

Am I a Mother - Tips for Handling Mother?s Day After Miscarriage

Are you spending this Mother's Day wondering if you are,... Read More

The Walking Wounded

When my phone rang the other day, it was a... Read More

Suicide in the Church, Part 3

Suicide strikes...AGAIN!This may wind up being the most important article... Read More

Dying at Home ? A Precious Gift

Few of us care to think about the inevitability of... Read More

New Tears [about Grievng--with commentary]

New Tears [about Grieving]If it rains or shinesLittle does it... Read More

Online Memorial ? A Dedication of Love for Your Departed Loved Ones

Life has always been a journey, a journey of finding... Read More

Watching Death

Like it or not, we think in line with our... Read More

Understanding Grief and Loss in Times of War and Disaster

There are many different kinds of losses we can experience... Read More

Are We All Losers? Understanding Grief

The well-known pioneer researcher Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross identified five states... Read More

The Truth About Emotional Intelligence

There is so much emphasis on emotional intelligence these days... Read More

Good Grief!

If tears are an indication of how special my relationship... Read More

On Empathy

The Encyclopaedia Britannica (1999 edition) defines empathy as:"The ability to... Read More

The Look of Grief

Never, since man has walked upright, have people all over... Read More