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Reflections of the Heart

From the lens Journey Through Grief.


 ♪ Pachelbel's Canon

  • karmicchristian May 27, 2012 @ 1:11 am | delete
    Very touching lens. Pain, suffering and loss are encountered by each of us and pray to God for the courage and fortitude to endure the suffering. Keep well and best wishes.
  • jsr54 Feb 26, 2012 @ 6:49 pm | delete
    Well I cried all the way through this; my heart knows how you feel but we are called to continue on living life and that is what I wish for you - life to you and yours!
  • jksterling Nov 9, 2011 @ 3:33 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing your grief. It helps to know we are not alone.
  • aesta1 Oct 23, 2011 @ 8:59 am | delete
    Loss really takes out so much life from us...a part of us we have lived with and loved. One can only embrace it.
  • kiwinana71 Sep 29, 2011 @ 6:06 pm | delete
    A very moving lens, but beautiful, yes death does bring a lot of stress. Thanks for sharing with us. ** Blessed by a passing Angel **
  • Jewelsofawe Sep 29, 2011 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    This is so heart wrenching, to lose both parents so close together. I lost my Dad and step dad 2 years apart. I can't imagine losing your mom and Dad so close together, well I guess I can and it must be so hard. Bless you! And I am blessing this lens!
  • dthonstad Jul 11, 2011 @ 10:50 am | delete
    This brought tears to my eyes reminding me of two different occasions where I was at the bedside of both of my grandpas. One passed away while I was sleeping in a chair nearby and the other I watched him close his eyes and stop breathing. Thank you so much for sharing.
  • Ladymermaid Jul 5, 2011 @ 9:39 am | delete
    Beautifully written. I visited before but this time it really struck me how deeply moving this lens is. Thank you for sharing your journey.
  • Rafick May 6, 2011 @ 11:06 am | delete
    Some people can't accept loss. About 2 months ago a friend of mine died just one week after his wife's death.
  • Ladymermaid Apr 4, 2011 @ 8:55 am | delete
    I couldn't remember the stages of grief. Thank you for the refresher. Best wishes.
  • Dynamite8 Mar 6, 2011 @ 4:41 pm | delete
    Wow, beautifully done. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
  • beerhead Feb 22, 2011 @ 11:08 am | delete
    Beautifully written lens. It is very hard when you lose someone dear to you. It is a cruel part of life that we must all at sometime deal with, stay strong.
  • BalanceByDesign Jan 10, 2011 @ 11:21 pm | delete
    I read your lens with tears rolling down my face-as memories of shared losses overwhelmed me. What a beautiful way of sharing your pain and healing. Thank you for sharing
  • Dec 30, 2010 @ 7:54 pm | delete
    Wow, Janel, you have done an awesome job moving through and beyond your sadness. This lens is heart warming and uplifting. Joy! I've rolled to several of my lenses, thanks.
  • ajgodinho Dec 16, 2010 @ 4:27 pm | delete
    Wow, what a personal touching lens ~ I'm so sorry for your losses and can only pray that the Lord give you the strength to persevere as you continue life's journey. Life is such that we just never know what tomorrow has in store, but what we can do is make the bes of the present and love one another while we still have them. I lost my dearest daddy over a decade ago, but I still miss him so much. Thanks for sharing these reflection of your heart. **Blessed by a Squid-Angel**
  • agalova Dec 2, 2010 @ 11:11 am | delete
    I am sorry for your losses. I think grief is something that connects us all, and that it helps to heal us when we share it. Unfortunately it is also sometimes a taboo subject.
  • capriliz Nov 15, 2010 @ 6:34 pm | delete
    I am sorry that you lost your brother. You have a beautiful lens here about your memories of loved ones. Thank you for sharing your story.
  • kougar Nov 15, 2010 @ 11:32 am | delete
    Thank-you for sharing your experience, faith and hope. I was deeply touched by your thoughtful lens.
  • SynchronicityHouse Nov 10, 2010 @ 1:14 pm | delete
    Awesome lens - you write so beautifully and It helps to know how others experience and cope with those tragic losses and emotions (my son was killed by a drunk driver 10 years ago). And you have a the lovely Candle Lighting from Gratefulness.org - one of my favourite peaceful websites to visit!
  • ICanCook Nov 9, 2010 @ 6:43 pm | delete
    This is very beautiful and the music is more beautiful. Thanks you
  • Nightowl_John Nov 9, 2010 @ 12:20 pm | delete
    This is a beautiful lens. Thank you for sharing your story. It touched me deeply.
  • darciefrench Nov 8, 2010 @ 9:40 pm | delete
    I love this lens, it really moved me. You write beautifully about transcending grief. Angel blessed and will be featured on November Blessings. Much love, Darcie
  • debnet Nov 8, 2010 @ 3:57 am | delete
    Wow! What a beautiful lens. I imagine this has been therapeutic for you to write and relive so many personal moments. May you take comfort in knowing how many people are reading your words and agreeing with the sentiments.
  • sousababy Nov 7, 2010 @ 11:12 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing a most painful journey. You are very brave and I sense that your loved ones are always around you somehow. You have held out your hand and helped to guide others through the unbearable. Thank you so very much. Take Care, Rose
  • LadyelenaUK Nov 6, 2010 @ 11:40 am | delete
    Lovely of you to write this. Everyday people are losing loved ones...
  • decapod Nov 5, 2010 @ 5:05 am | delete
    This is a lovely tribute lens.

    The grief caused by loss can be extremely intense and painful but I have come to realize that it is ultimately a matter of perspective. I found healing after stumbling across NDERF, Bettie Eadie and Zingdad. Maybe this information will ease the suffering of others...
  • CastleRoy Nov 4, 2010 @ 10:29 am | delete
    this lens ins wonderful beautifully done and full of great information on grieving
  • Cajean Nov 2, 2010 @ 12:08 pm | delete
    What a beautiful lens of tribute to your family. My heart goes out to you for all of your losses. I recently lost my 90 yr old father, after being his caregiver for two years. He & mom were married almost 71 years. She (89) has dementia, but is very aware of everything. We're still caring for her 24/7 with help, and by God's grace. I miss my dad terribly, but was able to be with him in hospice at the end. His photo popped up as my screensaver today on my 60th birthday; I felt like he was sending b-day wishes from heaven! :-) Thank you for sharing your heart on this well presented and lovely lens. Thanks for visiting mine too.
  • my_never_bored_hands Oct 29, 2010 @ 9:26 pm | delete
    Wonderfully written lens. Thank you so much for sharing it with us... This lens touched me so much, because I didn't have a chance to say Good Bye too... and I lost my dear mother being far far away, and like you I received a call from my brother who told me this. She died on the April 13... I can't hold my tears even now. May be one day I will be brave enough to share and tell story about my lost, but now I'm still not ready to do so...
  • badmsm Oct 23, 2010 @ 9:49 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing with us. Great lens!
  • Encourager Oct 23, 2010 @ 5:26 pm | delete
    Dear Janel, you have been through a lot and suffered deeply. You have shared your sadness with such sensitivity. Hand over your parents and your brother to the ever loving arms of Father God who is able to take them to the new life He has prepared for them. It is right to grieve and then start handing over your grief to Father God who will start taking over the grief and filling you with thankfulness for all that you have received from your family. Did you ever go and have bereavement counselling? May God bless you and fill you with His Shalom Peace.
  • Desilegend Oct 23, 2010 @ 6:11 am | delete
    Sorry... I't so hard to loose someone and it's harder to let them go...
  • howtocurecancer Oct 22, 2010 @ 11:29 pm | delete
    You are very brave. I am so sorry for your lost, my mom is a breast cancer survivor, not yet a thyroid cancer survivor and my dad is hypertensive. Keep your family close and your mom and dad and brother always in your heart.
  • Marijoyce Oct 21, 2010 @ 8:59 am | delete
    I am so sorry you went through so much in such a short time, but this is a marvelous lens. It touched me deeply and made me cry, but also brought me comfort, especially when you said triggered memories can suddenly make you remember your parents even after years have passed. I understand that totally. Thank goodness, though, you had such a lovely family and that you were all so close to each other. That is a real gift. Thanks for sharing this. I know it had to be hard to write but it will help a lot of people. It's beautifully done, honest, and the photos you chose are lovely. A very comforting and touching piece.
  • BusyQueen Oct 20, 2010 @ 8:19 pm | delete
    A tough subject to share and a brave person to do so! This lens will help others and that is a great thing to do. God bless.
  • CDT Oct 20, 2010 @ 5:53 am | delete
    I've read every word of this lens whilst wiping away tears for you...I am so sorry that you have sufered such loss...the love that all the members of your family have for each other shines through and I too am sure that life is eternal and that one day you will be reunited. - this life is just a passing moment and the best is yet to come...
  • susanelainegalloway Oct 12, 2010 @ 9:24 am | delete
    Hi, Just to say how moving your Lens is the whole content is wonderful. I could not say goodbye to my Mom and know how that aching gap feels too. Not all the time but sometimes. You have the strength to see it through.
  • WordCustard Oct 10, 2010 @ 6:03 am | delete
    This was a brave lens to write but will help so many. Thanks for having the courage to share. Being so personal made it all the more powerful. I hope the good memories are starting to ease the pain of loss of Richard for you as they have with your parents.
  • karendd123 Oct 7, 2010 @ 7:35 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing. This is a beautiful lens.
  • theraggededge Jul 30, 2010 @ 5:47 pm | delete
    {{{Hugs}}} I am sure, really sure that death is merely a doorway to our next big adventure. I am always comforted by the words of Connie, who asked her mom as she was getting closer to passing, "Who's there, Mom?" Her mom replied, "Everyone". That's *everyone*; all of us, we're all there and only a little bit of us is here. No-one ever stops. Life is eternal.

    Blessings :-)
  • Quirina Jul 22, 2010 @ 4:00 pm | delete
    I am very sorry for you. I think goodbyes are the hardest thing in life of all.
  • LeanneChesser Jul 21, 2010 @ 11:51 am | delete
    I'm sorry for your loss . . .
  • hlkljgk Jul 20, 2010 @ 12:47 pm | delete
    so very sorry for your loss.
  • happynutritionist Jul 19, 2010 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    I have read about each passing...so much loss...I am so sorry...may God strengthen the families and give you peace. I lit a candle.
  • Susan52 Jul 19, 2010 @ 2:57 pm | delete
    I'm so sorry for your recent loss, but what a beautiful tribute to your brother.
  • puzzlemaker Jul 17, 2010 @ 7:01 pm | delete
    I am so very sorry to hear about another loss in your life. I pray that somehow, you will have the strength to go on. I KNOW that every minute can be a struggle. Hang in there and take comfort from the ones that love you.
  • WindyWinters Jul 17, 2010 @ 6:34 pm | delete
    Sorry to hear of your recent loss. Your memories of your parents are so thoughtful. I hope others will find great comfort in your words and treasure their memories of their loved ones. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and heart.
  • vallain Jul 17, 2010 @ 4:52 pm | delete
    You've created a beautiful spot here to share the memories of these loved ones with the world. I found it very comforting when I created a lens for my younger sister, Shannon, after her death. Now others will be inspired by your words and find comfort in their own grief.
  • triathlontraining Jul 17, 2010 @ 4:41 pm | delete
    I'm sorry for your loss Janel. Remember the good times.
  • aesta1 Jun 4, 2010 @ 1:56 pm | delete
    It is very soothing to feel how others feel for their loved ones. Thank you for sharing what matters to you.
  • skiesgreen May 5, 2010 @ 3:50 am | delete
    A wonderful passionate heartfelt lens on a subject close to all our hearts. Blessed and featured on Sprinkled with Stardust
  • Levitah Feb 1, 2010 @ 6:56 am | delete
    Thanks for this wonderful lens 5*****
  • Jan 19, 2010 @ 5:56 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens, thank you for sharing - this will certainly help many people going through grief. God bless and thanks for your comment. Hope you enjoy the fudge and would love to try your rocky road recipe :)
  • Deeishere Jan 19, 2010 @ 3:49 pm | delete
    Thanks for doing a lens on grief. I wish I had this when I lost my mom and dad. I also love your pictures. Also thanks so much for visiting my weight loss lens and for the wonderful comments. I enjoyed doing my journey and you inspired me to update (smile).
  • LizMac60 Jan 16, 2010 @ 2:54 am | delete
    This is a lovely lens and I'm sure it will bring comfort to others. 5*
  • MarcMooney Jan 8, 2010 @ 11:13 am | delete
    This is why I like Squidoo so much, you find real people here, with real stories, Mums are so precious and bereavements are always a difficult time, there is nothing more difficult than losing your MUM, thank you for sharing your story. Perhaps one day I will tell mine. Thank you, Mark
  • Tipi Jan 6, 2010 @ 10:34 pm | delete
    You have expressed your loss very well and touched that ache in my heart for the loved ones I miss. I lost 11 people in 2003 by shocking accidents and still have trouble with the loss, although I'm sure they are all well, and better off. They will always be with me and in my heart. You will be now too, this is powerful, healing, and inspiring. ~ God Bless!
    Susie
  • pkmcr Dec 28, 2009 @ 10:57 am | delete
    I discovered your lens purely by chance and have sat here crying as I read it. It brought so many personal memories back and at this time of year I often find myself in tears! Thank you for touching my heart today and telling a story that I could so relate to. Blessed by a Squid Angel :-)
  • Spook Nov 29, 2009 @ 4:52 pm | delete
    Beautiful. I loved the tennis shoe part. Actually that's it, they are just in another room, we just can't see them. Blessed by an Angel.
  • KarateKatGraphics Nov 19, 2009 @ 10:13 am | delete
    Beautiful lens, will help many. Deserves 100 angel blessings!
  • Wednesday_Elf Nov 12, 2009 @ 3:36 pm | delete
    I'm still grieving for my wonderful hubby of 45 years, my best friend, my soulmate, gone now 2-1/2 years, but still here somehow in the love he gave us and our memories. This is a beautiful and thought-provoking lens. Thanks for sharing. It helps to be reminded we are not alone in our grief and can remember the joys of a life well lived.
  • AppalachianCountry Nov 12, 2009 @ 7:28 am | delete
    Wow this is such an awesome lens. We just went through all this and your words helped us tremendously. God Bless.
  • Heather426 Oct 30, 2009 @ 6:45 pm | delete
    very well told tale of your loss. I can totally relate to it...5*, blessed by a squid angel.
  • Irenemaria Oct 26, 2009 @ 3:53 am | delete
    The reason we are so chocked about death compared to birth is, that we humans were created with everlasting life inside us. We are simply not equipped to deal with death. I have experianced loved ones dying and I tell you - I am not the same any more! It is more than painful!
  • JaguarJulie Oct 22, 2009 @ 6:50 am | delete
    This is quite a heartfelt page -- I stopped by today to visit as we locally received some very sad news about a 7-year old girl that was found dead in a Georgia landfill. She had gone missing earlier in the week out of Orange Park, FL. One cannot possibly imagine the level of grief that her family and friends must surely feel.
  • BevsPaper Oct 6, 2009 @ 10:26 pm | delete
    When I visited this lens earlier in the year, I wished that I had the gift of Angel Dust to sprinkle. I came back today to do that very thing...Blessed by an Angel.
  • planetweaver Aug 2, 2009 @ 8:54 am | delete
    Thank You for taking the time to bring forth the treasures of your journey.
  • cconiam Jul 12, 2009 @ 1:55 pm | delete
    Very touching story, each loss is so different. Both my parents are still alive so I can't imagine losing a parent. I lost my 25 year old daughter and you're so right, sadness can be triggered by something very random...loss never goes away.
  • puzzlemaker Jul 11, 2009 @ 7:38 am | delete
    Sniff sniffle. My eyes are all watery as I read this. Your words are beautiful and comforting. You could easily write a book. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
  • BevsPaper Jul 5, 2009 @ 9:55 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing your story with us! Losing a loved one is always so difficult especially our parents. I know how painful writing this must have been for you but I also know from experience how healing it is to write it also. Without your knowing it, you will probably help someone else with their grief. Bless you!
  • a_willow Jul 1, 2009 @ 3:24 pm | delete
    This lens entered Fresh Squid Contest for July as one of featured lenses on Fresh Squid group in June! Come by and vote!
  • Pryzym Jun 6, 2009 @ 12:49 am | delete
    Very touching story. Thank you for sharing. My father passed away two months ago. We knew he would pass on sooner rather than later and we would talk about it often. He and I were very connected. We discussed the possibility of our sharing another life together. On the day he passed away, I felt a sudden and strong urge to pick up my laptop and look for a black dress to wear to his funeral. Later that evening I received a phone call saying that he was gone.

    I liked your page... thank you for sharing.
  • Nataliewadel Jun 5, 2009 @ 7:11 pm | delete
    What a touching story and very informational.
  • Ramkitten Jun 5, 2009 @ 3:13 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing. This is very nicely done. My father passed away a couple of years ago, though not suddenly. Anyone who's lost a loved one will relate to your well-told story.

by

jgelien

I'm Janel, married mom of three girls.No grandchildren but my daughters to date have provided me with a grandkitty and two grandpuppies. more »

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