On this the last day of April, I am remembering my dearly loved departed ones who were born in April.
Song Of A Second April
April this year, not otherwise
Than April of a year ago,
Is full of whispers, full of sighs,
Of dazzling mud and dingy snow;
Hepaticas that pleased you so
Are here again, and butterflies.
There rings a hammering all day,
And shingles lie about the doors;
In orchards near and far away
The grey wood-pecker taps and bores;
The men are merry at their chores,
And children earnest at their play.
The larger streams run still and deep,
Noisy and swift the small brooks run
Among the mullein stalks the sheep
Go up the hillside in the sun,
Pensively,—only you are gone,
You that alone I cared to keep.
Edna St. Vincent Millay
My Father: William French
11 April 1916
25 March 2002
My parents My brother and I |
My dear Aunt Phyllis
15 April 1927
30 April 1988
Aunt Phyllis and Sally |
My daughter, Julie Ann Christiansen
8 April 1976
29 May 2010
Julie |
love the old pictures and beautiful poem
ReplyDeleteBittersweet. I hope that the good memories sustain you even though sorrow pierces its way through.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem and tribute to those that you miss so much. AS part of your heart went with them their love stayed to fill the empty space. God bless you and your family. Blessings, Joanne
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you for all the loss, Sally. You are in my thoughts during this time.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to memorialize our lost loved ones on their birthdays. I see that the anniversary of your daughter's death is approaching, and I wish you strength and comfort.
ReplyDeleteApril certainly has taken its toll on you and yours. Like Olga said, we must remember the good times along with the pain of loss in search of balance.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sally, what a perfect poem. Poignant, sad, but so very lovely and so very true.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing so openly your love for these people and your care and memory of them by honoring them in this way. I am glad April is over. It can be a cold, hard month. Sending wishes of love and healing.
I have only recently learned about your daughter's death and I am so sorry for that loss for you. I can only wish you the most comfort and strength possible as you face and feel these anniversaries.
ReplyDeleteI didn't expect to see a picture of Julie as a little girl...that was heart breaker. I'm thinking of you and wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteSuch a bittersweet remembrance. Julie's little girl picture breaks my heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Sally. I'm sorry that this beautiful time of year must be saddened by this loss. Still, I hope the cherished memories of Julie can someday make you smile each spring instead.
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. Losing a child has to be the cruelest of sorrows.
ReplyDeleteBoth of my parents' birthdays were in April, so it's a bittersweet month for me, as well. The poem you chose perfectly expresses the sadness.