Friday, April 23, 2010

Gone From My Sight

In Loving Memory:


This is one of my favorite photos of my mom that I found while searching photos over the last week. And as I started to write about what has happened in the last week, it was too much for me. I am sure with more time I will be able to, but in honor of my mom, this poem has brought me great comfort.

Gone From My Sight
by Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

7 comments:

Rebecca DeWire said...

Your Mother was absolutely beautiful. My deepest condolences to you and your family. You seem too young to have lost your mother and I am so sorry to hear of this.

BriGaal said...

I am so, so sorry, Laurie. Your family is in our thoughts.

Life on the Cremona said...

Laurie,
We used that exact poem for my grandmother's funeral. It IS very comforting. I cry tears of pain for you but Sumner and I pray for you and your family's healing each evening. There are lots of great memories of your mom....so glad that you were able to surprise her during Christmas with your little Lady Back. How wonderful to have that video now. Love to your family.

Emily said...

What a wonderful photo of your mom. I'm thinking of you all the time - hang in there...

Mandy S said...

beautiful poem and picture! you look just like her!! carry on her beautiful spirit! you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Alicia Parr said...

I agree with Rebecca that you are far too young to lose your mother. I am really not any good at finding the right words in times like these, but do know our family wishes you comfort and healing during what must be a tremendously emotional and trying time.

Borendame Blabber said...

Beautiful photo! You look just like her! She is missed and she is watching you from above, always.