What major historical events do you remember? Neil Armstrong landed on the moon (major world event) A major earthquake ripped through the Cape and shook our walls and windows so that things fell and cracks appeared while my mother and I and 5 kittens retreated to our car My father (Welwood Armstrong) died just before … Continue reading 1969
grief
Speechless
My heart is filled with grief for the world I walk a balancing of caring until it hurts And blocking the pain out What this world needs is not peace It needs LoveWhat will peace mean if there's no LoveWe can pray for peaceBut Peace can be a shirade Where hidden underneath we at best … Continue reading Speechless
Unborn Siblings, Letter 3
Dear Unborn Siblings, Do you know what trigger warnings are? It is usually a statement issued at the outset about potentially disturbing content. Not everyone agrees that trigger warnings are helpful or necessary; especially for you folk that haven't been born it would probably not affect you, but anyhow, I add it out of respect … Continue reading Unborn Siblings, Letter 3
Raw Emotional Abrasion.
Poetry Style: 2/4/6/2 Aquarian Yes it's True I feel bad Euthanasia guilt Is real "You didWhat you felt bestThe kindest thing to do"They say Very Little comfort In my reality. Remorse Does not Help bring them back; It's just a fantasy. Feel stuck. You need,ApparentlyTo embrace compassionTo heal. BeforeYou mourn acceptYou did the best you … Continue reading Raw Emotional Abrasion.
How do we say goodbye?
Zoe, our family dog, once Siobhan's dog. 2022 Zoe 2022. Zoe and me cuddles. 2022. I lie beside my canine friend And stare up into the canopy of my private bower Watching butterflies flitter-flutter And birds sounding like squeaky dog toys. Leaves quiver shiver In the hot autumn breeze. I cuddle our family dog Taking … Continue reading How do we say goodbye?
A Postcard Stirs up Fond Memories.
https://churchwritinggroup.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/gwen_john_a_corner_of_the_artists_room_in_paris_cardiff.jpg Painting by Gwen John, a corner of the artists room in Paris. A Postcard Stirs up Fond Memories. (This was first written for the my group of writing friends in response to the prompt of the painting by Gwen John , A corner of the artist's room in Paris.) The image of the empty … Continue reading A Postcard Stirs up Fond Memories.
Bereavement During the Pandemic.
I imagine that many of you have already experienced the loss of a family member or close friend through covid. It is obviously not an uncommon experience these days. Here are my thoughts in these times. It is the most sobering when one finally experiences it personally. All the theory of practicing gratitude and positive … Continue reading Bereavement During the Pandemic.
Life is Sacred
Most of us value our lives right down to the last breath we take, and my mother was young at heart so it was not too surprising when she retorted, “I am not old! I am not a geriatric!” at 80 years old when I suggested we make an appointment for her to see a … Continue reading Life is Sacred
My first anniversary candle
In honour of Margaretha Armstrong.My memorial candle. I want to thank you for your response to my post on How do we grieve. I appreciated the connection which was shared. I decided to light a memorial candle to honour my mother’s life that ended on 7th October 2019. Since it is the first anniversary I … Continue reading My first anniversary candle
How do we grieve?
Margaretha Bertha van Riet (Margareet Armstrong) Wellwood Caldwell Armstrong. Also known as Joe in South Africa. As I mentioned in one of my last posts that my mother died last year October – 7th October to be exact. I am not going to tell you what an amazing person she was or how I miss … Continue reading How do we grieve?