My heart is broken with the grief in the loss of my sister, Christine, to lung cancer. So, I come to my back porch for solace.
Hummingbirds are swooping, bees are traipsing from flower to flower, chickens are peck-peck pecking, my cat is dozing, birds are splashing in their birdbath, butterflies are dancing. I feel my sister with me here on the porch swing, holding my hand, gently reassuring me that all is well.
Contemplation comes easily with grief if you can get away from the noise. Cliches come to mind, yet I’m savoring each bit of comfort they truly express. It’s like one of those old fashioned hymns that requires a choral master and congregational answer.
They say, “She’s in a better place.” I respond, “Yes she is!”
They say, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” I respond, “I feel your empathy and it’s gratefully received.”
They say,” Remember her.” I respond, “We are capturing each and every story together as a family.”
They say, “I’m praying for you.” I respond, “Our soul to soul connection is a virtual embrace.”
They say, “She is healed.” I respond, “Indeed, she is!” Gone is all the anxiety and pain.
They say, “My deep condolences to you.” I respond, “With open arms, I receive your sympathy in this season of sorrow.”
You see what I see. You feel what I feel. In this bone-deep commiseration, we together honor my sister’s life. How blest am I to belong to you, my extended family and friends!
How long has it been since you told your sibling that you love her/him?
Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return that way. They will enter Zion with a happy shout. Unending joy will overwhelm them; grief and suffering will disappear.
My Dearest Sheila. Such a beautiful blog. God has given you a great gift to express yourself. It came in handy in this season of grief. Praying that the God of all comfort will reassure you that your sister will always be by your side. You gained an angel to watch over you and your loved ones on this side of heaven.
Thank you, Nawal. It means a lot to me from someone who knew the Graham sisters as a unit from way back when.
Your words are a blessing today. Christine is in your sacred connection to all of us.
Dear Sheila & the Graham family
Truly sorry to hear of Christine’s passing. Even though I only knew her for a short time when we were teenagers she was a kind hearted and gentle person. May God grant you peace during this difficult time of grieving her loss. She will always be in our thoughts as the beautiful & charming individual she was.
So good to hear from you, John. From the time of diagnosis till now it has been only three weeks. We are reeling and stunned. I can’t believe she’s gone. It’s so hard, especially with not being able to travel. Thanks for reaching out. Stay in touch. On another note, how did you find my blog?
Hi Sheila – John Sagherian forwarded your blog to me. I still remember the good times we had as teenagers in Beirut. Christine was a special person. She was always soft spoken, fun loving and had a great sense of humor. Please give my condolences to your sisters as well.
Hi there John. I’ll pass the word on to my other sisters. Thanks for reaching out!
Beautiful! I remember when my sister Diann died after five long years of battling the cancer foe. It of course was expected but not easy as I know yours is not easy. I hurt for you yet celebrate with you. Love you friend, Georgelyn
Thank you for your kind and understanding words.
Dear Sheila, I am sooo sorry for your loss. We went thru the same thing with my sister Ellen and we’ll never forget her. Remember she is in a much better place now with no pain at all. One day we will meet them again. Love to you and your sisters, give them our condolences.
Dear Sheila, I’m stunned…shocked coming across your profoundly sad words, here on FB. I was so fond of Chris. We reconnected for a short time, through Facebook and had a bit of fun, talking about art mostly. She had been in my Biology class at ACS and was unbelievably funny and friendly. Rosemary was my classmate, being a class of ’70 girl, too. She was lovely. You were in my brother Johnny’s class, I believe, and you all lived down the hill from us, on the mountain. I was so happy to find Chris again, though she fell out of correspondence. She shone so brilliantly, and I was so delighted to feel her company again. I was very unwell at the time, and perhaps she was, too? She didn’t say. It’s a crushing blow to find that she suffered this misery. How very sad for you…for your family and friends. I’m so very sorry, Sheila…my love and condolences to all of you. I’m grateful to hear the Graham wit, here, in your wonderful gentle generous words. I’m so very very sorry for the loss of your marvelous sister, Sheila. More love ~Anne Peet Carrington
Sheila,
We are praying for you and your sisters during these days as you adjust to the unexpected loss of Christine. Your family is so special to us and to a countless number of people, especially in the Middle East. Your grief will be felt and shared by many. Thank you for the witness that you continue to be to your friends and loved ones.
God’s special grace on you,
Wilson & Cheryl Tatum
Much Appreciated! We do share a rich heritage.
Sheila- I was very privileged to have worked with Christine. My name is Holly. I met your dear sister in 2015… she was a dear friend and esteemed colleague. I loved her very much and I have been tasing her and Gary in pray since I first met them. Christine treated me like one of her kids and she loved my kids like her own grandkids. She was such delight and precious light in my life. I had to move away from her so I could find work- I’m now down in San Antonio- not too far from you- and I will continue to think of her and remember all the good times and our projects together in teaching. Much love and deep condolences to you and your sisters. I have spoken with Gary last night and I’m very happy that Reta is there to help him through those
Thank you for loving Christine.
Words cannot express how l feel about your feelings beautifully crafted into words, so I’ll just let the tears come. Love you
We’ll just let them flow together!
Dear Sheila,
I’ve been so sad to read of your great loss, but couldn’t find any words until today. Even though I’ve never met any of you Graham sisters in person and have only met you on FB, I remember how highly your parents spoke of you all and feel a connection with you because I thought so very highly of them and of your Tim.
I have no sisters but have two brothers and know how difficult it would be to lose one of them.
No words seem sufficient except to say that you and your sisters are much in my thoughts and prayers.
My good friend just lost her sister and I plan to share your beautiful blog with her.
Blessings,
Harriet
I’m grateful that your words came back to you because they gave me something to hang on to you this morning. Thank you.