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Area: Nurturing |
Topic: Bereavement |
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Article : A Blessing for Ernest |
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Underwritten
by ______
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your name listed here?) |
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Some words from Anne:
On my birthday, March 10th 2001, my 98 year
old stepfather, Ernest Isaacsen, was sitting in his chair with my mother in their
living room. They were listening to some beautiful music while discussing
the paintings on the wall and enjoying the fire in their fireplace.
He said he felt strange and ten minutes
later he was gone. Of course, I had accepted the fact that at his age,
we would soon be missing him, but I had not realized the impact his death
would have on me until it occurred.
For me, grief takes many forms and moves
in an out without reason or announcement. When I have experienced other
deaths, I have reacted immediately.
However, the loss of Ernest has wandered
through my mind like a butterfly gathering nectar on a bright summer day.
Now, Ernest touches my thoughts
and feelings meaningfully in unexpected moments. He gently challenges me
to search my motives and question my directions. This process started
the day after he died and I'm sure it will continue forever.
Each year on my birthday, I will remember
the closeness of birth and death, the quickness of the moments in between, the
gift of life, and the choices I have.
Most of my emotional processing is done
in my journal writing. It was therefore logical for me to do so as I
struggled with my grief. Following is the piece I wrote on March
11th the day after my stepfather died.
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Ernest with our
grandchildren, A deeply reverent person, he had ordered
this Bible for them a few months prior to his death. |
by Anne Wakenhut
3/11/01
May God speed your
journey,
Dear Ernest.
May His grace surround you
as you drift from our reach.
May we always feel
your strong hugs,
your anchored opinions,
and your deep faith in God.
May we always
remember
your continuous desire to do your share,
to contribute to this world,
and your respect for hard work.
May we always
appreciate
your warm acceptance of us,
the family you absorbed
when you married our mother.
At times, we
overwhelmed you,
Dear Ernest,
but you welcomed us
and prayed for our health and happiness.
We are grateful for that reliable expression of your love.
May we accept our
life challenges
as you did yours,
with loyalty, courage, and dignity.
May your Norwegian
heritage
be assimilated into our spirits,
giving us a balance of pride and humility.
And may God always
know
he can rely on you
to keep his woods clean
and the logs neatly stacked for a cold winter.
We will miss you,
Dear Ernest.
We thank God
for your wonderful stories
and the gentle strength you gave to our family.
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Capt. Ernie
(right)
with his "sailing crew" |
Ernest,
The weather is
perfect for your clear sailing.
Set your mainsheet
and let your spinnaker run.
May our love be your steady breeze
as God's hand holds the tiller.
May the familiar
sounds
of your boat's passage return to your ears.
And may you feel the joy
and freedom of your journey
as you sail home.
SEND
this article to a friend!
Other bereavement articles
to explore:
Ernest,
My Mentor for Caregiving, Gary's bereavement reflections about Ernest
Isaacsen, his late father-in-law. 03/11/01 (4 min.)
Some nice short pieces
for letting go and saying "Goodbye" to your loved one.
I Am Free
10/26/00 (1 min.)
After Glow 10/26/00
(1 min.)
For Those I Love 10/26/00
( 1 min.)
Do not Stand at My Grave and Weep 10/26/00
(1 min.)
This article
is underwritten by ___________
(Would you like to have your company, organization or your
name listed here?)
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