More than a rainbow greeted us with “Welcome Home” after attending the Evening of Remembrance at Journey’s last night. Arriving at this point with such a beautiful view capped a night of emotion.
Journeys, the children’s grief support group provided an opportunity to light candles representing Memories, Love, Grief and Courage. Luke read the reflection for the Love candle as well as prepared a special reflection from his heart about his Dad. Holding Ryan’s hand, they went in front of everyone (about 50 people) and he joked about Tony requesting he eat broccoli and touched everyone by speaking with concentrated, sincere love. His ending crested with, “I just think about everything he has done for me and I thank You Dad.” Ryan and his group of friends sang “Feelings of Grieving” to the families.
More storms than I expected occur in grief. Our grief story lately has been filled with not just the rain of tears- but also the bombardment of heavy, seemingly unending issues. My health has been pummeled these last 10 months. Our home was been hit with a flood that still remains in aftermath mode. (Still have no washing machine or dryer because the project is ongoing yet 2 months after it initially hit).
Last night in stellar, superbly Heavenly visuals our family and my boys especially were reminded what Hope looks like when you grieve. As we sat at Journeys the storm was fierce and strong like our grief. The rain came harder and faster-but we were aware of certain moments how light was present in the midst of that.
Remaining grateful is my ardent and dedicated prayer. May 8 gave myself and the boys dramatic reminders of the love of our friends and family as well as the love of strangers. As you walk through the pictures below, I have captioned the story of just one night such as this which helps during long illness, pain and ongoing sorrow. Thank YOU all for your LOVE.
Storms of grief give way to rainbows….
Flowers of Loving Memories emerge from time in reflection
Little hearts grieving slowly peek out of the ground watered with care
Opportunities for Memories with items we cherish,
We hold on to one another as tears come;
We remember,
We remember,
We remember.
We feel the love from Dad
The song below was sung at the end of the ceremony. It is from the Lion King on Broadway. It played in my mind the whole way home and tonight these words are reminders of how we are all connected and we can all work together if we quietly listen, notice what is all around- the beautiful presence and the Hope after every storm.
In the the young hands like Adriana and Aidan, we have felt hope
In the gift of a trampoline from a stranger we have felt hope
In the time of the Hernandez Family helping surprise the boys- we have felt hope
In the gift of child care from neighbors we have felt hope
In the visits of friends and family we have felt hope
In a storm of grief still so unfamiliar, we long for hope.
Thank You for being Hope to us.
They live in you
They live in me
They're watching over
Everything we see
In every creature
In every star
In your reflection
They live in you
After the boys jumped and laughed and jumped more, we sat together on the trampoline and prayed. My boys folded their hands and prayed in thanksgiving for the gift of the trampoline from the person in Texas and the dear Hernandez Family. Know that while we face our grief, we keep praying for all who face challenges and fight through storms. God Bless, Colleen and the Boys
Love, Light and Miracles 
