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Love Well When I'm Gone

I was sitting today among a small group of women who've enrolled kids in a program called "Seasons," for children who've lost a loved one through separation or death. As I talked about Sean and the new love in my life, I thought (again) about the conversation Sean and I never had – the one that goes, "Please, please find someone and love again after I die." I'd said those words to Sean, but can't recall hearing them from him. Of course he'd want me to be happy. But I also think about the tremendous gift we mortals give each other when we say out loud what our loved ones may someday need to play back inside their heads. Operating instructions, post-mortem? Here are mine:

Love Well When I'm Gone
Love well when I'm gone.
Grieve for me, but not too long.
I'll give you signs you should go on.
I didn't live forever. Neither will you.

Find someone worthy of affection and offer your heart.
Someone who appreciates your gifts.
Someone astounded by your beauty.
Someone who understands loving, losing and living again.

Can she tell a story?
Does she make you feel you're home?
Are you relieved by her presence?
Do you miss her when she's gone?
Then take my blessing – love again – go on.

Listen to her heartbeat.
Mine's not there to hear.
She lives, breathes, moves – so full of life.
So are you, my dear.

Laugh until you cry.
Cry until you laugh.
Eat well, watch movies, walk hand in hand.
Enjoy falling in love (even making love) again.

She won't be perfect; Neither was I.
Honor my memory, but shrink the pedestal.
If she reminds you of me, it's because I live in your heart.
You'll love who you love when you find them.

Understand I brought you here.
Your cloth's woven from those you've loved.
I want you to be happy.
I want you to smile.

Grieve for me, but not too long.
I'll give you signs you should go on.
I didn't live forever.
Neither will you.

Love well when I'm gone.

Comments

  1. Debra ParkMay 26, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    This IS a keeper ~~ will print and tuck in my journal until you publish a book.... So happy to read of you finding happiness again.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MargieMay 26, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    oh...my heart. beautiful words strong one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. mammathinksMay 26, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Wow. What a beautiful poem, with such a beautiful sentiment. I cannot wait to hear more about the lucky guy who's reminded you of what can be.

    Do I dare guess? Is it the one who wrote about reading your blog and who assured you that it gets easier as the kids get older?

    I know you couldn't date someone who doesn't know the difference between your and you're :) So it couldn't be one of those (too many, eh?) Grammar is a fine screening tool, I think.

    Very happy for you, my friend. Please update soon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. StudioCherieMay 29, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    Such a lovely post. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete

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