Butterfly Release 2010

Today was the Avow Hospice Butterfly Release. I honored Mark and the butterflies soared skyward. I wanted to share again something that was read. The people putting this event together have a gift at finding just the right things to show the feeling of the hearts attending:

I Am Always With You
by: Anonymous

When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too may tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.

so grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
then let you grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.

won't be far away for life goes on.
And, if you need me, call and I will come.
though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

All my love around you soft and clear
And the, when you come this way alone,
I'll great you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."

Hospice uses the butterfly as a symbol of hope. The reading also included "A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam. And, for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world. but then it flies again and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel luck to have seen it."

I have been giving a lot of thought to something that was posted here some time ago. A gentleman found our blog and took the time to send a beautiful message to me about how strong Mark and I had love for each other, because he could see it in the words of the blog. He also said that my continuing to blog periodically would continue to have an impact, showing others that live does go on when their loved one leaves them.

He was right. It does. I am not going to lie and tell you that magically, you reach a point where the pain is wiped away. Frankly, I don't want the pain to go completely away. I wear my heartache as a badge of the commitment and honor I had to and for Mark. I am not by any means wallowing in grief - that would not be productive and Mark would be very angry at me for letting that happen. So, I go forward, try to make everyday count for something and someone left in my life, while honoring the memory of my darling best friend and husband. I want all who read this to know I am a whole woman with purpose in my life. I'm still young enough to make a difference to those around me and I intend to do so. I love you all - NEVER GIVE UP!