Links and poems for grieving parents and family members

After our precious Katarina was taken home to play with the other babies in heaven,
I searched the internet trying to find others out there like us.
I needed to know that we weren't alone and that the feelings I was feeling,
the feelings we were feeling were normal or at least okay. Deep down I think I knew that what
we were feeling was normal and understandable I think I just needed
people I could talk to about our Katarina. I felt as if I was walking on eggshells
around some people. I needed to talk about her and I still do talk about her.
To me she is still very much alive. Not in a physical form but she is alive
in my heart and she is alive in Heaven. I never imagined that my husband and I
would lose a child.
I had heard of it happening to others and it broke my heart but that kind of broken heart
is most defiantly not the same as when it happens to you. Whether it be a miscarriage,
a baby born still, neonatal, or SIDS. It is never easy. Our babies will be with us always
and I take a great comfort in knowing that I will be with my sweet Katarina
again one day. A friend of mine who had also lost her baby said the most beautiful
words to me. She said
"It isn't another day without her but another day closer to being with her again"

I thought of you all, I closed my eyes
and prayed to God today. I asked what makes a Mother
and I know I heard Him say,
A Mother has a baby.
This we know is true. But God can you be a Mother
when your baby's not with you?"Yes you can!", He replied
with confidence in His voice,
"I give many women babies,
when they leave is not their choice."Some I send for a lifetime
and other's for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb
but there's no need to stay. I just don't understand this God,
I want my baby here. He took a breath and cleared His throat
and then I saw a tear.
I wish I could show you
what your child is doing today. If you could see your child smile
with other children and say,"We go to earth to learn our lessons
of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much
I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a Mom
who had so much love for me
I learned my lesson very quick
My Mommy set me free.
I miss my Mommy oh so much
but I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep
on her pillow's where I lay.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
and whisper in her ear,
Mommy don't be sad today
I'm your baby and I'm here."So you see
my dear sweet one,
your children are OK. Your babies are here in my home
and this is where they'll stay. They'll wait for you with me
until your lesson is through.
And on that day that you come home
they'll be at the gates for you. So now you see what makes a Mother.
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of
right from the very start. Though some on earth may not realize
that you are a Mother until their time is done.
They'll be up here with me one day
and know you're the best one.
Written with love
for all the Mother's missing their babies
by Jennifer Wasik

I looked toward the clouds today
and for a moment saw your face
And wondered just where you have gone
with the hope it's a peaceful place

Did you show yourself to me today
to tell me you're all right?
Or was it just a daydream
playing tricks upon my sight

Then I thought of when you left
still too young to say a word
Yet the look you gave us said it all
in our hearts, your good-bye was heard

You have changed our lives forever
your short time here not in vain
and hope you know we tried it all
to keep you safe from pain

We will always feel the void inside
because you are not here
But each new thought you send our way
let's us know you're always near

So until our journey nears it's end
and we hear the Angels sing
We'll face each new day as it comes
and live off the Love you bring.

~James Sullivan

Don't cry for me Daddy
I am right here
Although you can't see me
I see your tears
I visit you often
Go to work with you each day
And when it's time to close your eyes
On your pillows where I lay
I hold your hand and stroke your hair
And whisper in your ear
If you're sad today Daddy
Remember I am here
God took me home
This we know is true
But you will always be my Daddy
Even though I'm not with you
I am Daddy's little girl
We will never be apart
For every time you think of me
Please know I'm in your heart.
I Love you Daddy!
You're Baby Girl

(Author Unknown)

Angels are forever
We were chosen to become the family of a very special child.
Who would come to earth from Heaven and visit for a while.
There are mothers who give birth to babies, too good for this world of men.
They touch our lives for a moment, then travel Home again.

This was to become our destiny. And, Why? We need not know.
For a parents greatest gift is to nurture and love a child with a perfect soul.
Our baby was born an Angel and stopped to pause this way,
Blessing us with sunshine, as we thanked the Lord each day.

Our child was like a ray of perfection and could not journey long,
The source of power being God Himself, quietly called our Angel Home.
As we walk in Springtime meadows, with nature posing all around,
We see the beauty of our little one in every sight and sound.

Whenever I gaze at this beautiful world, or look at a blue sky above,
I know that Angels are Forever
Warming our hearts with their light and love.
Author unknown

Don't Mourn For Me

Mother, please don't mourn for me; I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side, each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near. I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight--I'm the brightest star
on a summer night. I'll never be beyond your reach--
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around,
And the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond--
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring;
the first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on baby's face. Just look for me, Mommy,
I'm everyplace!
(Author unknown)

Hi Mommy
It's me, your little Angel
Just checking in with you.
I know you're sad
because I'm gone,
and Mommy I'm sad too.

It's beautiful here,
wherever I am,
there's such a lovely view.
But mostly when I'm sitting here
I'm looking down at you

I see all your feelings,
everyday when I look down,
I love to see you smile
and I know sometimes you frown

But guess what?
I have a job to do.
God saved it for your little girl.
I get to watch over you
and protect you from the world.

So though you cannot see me
and I know it's hard on you,
You'll surely see the benefits
of the job God has me do.
Author unknown

I will see you through
I know it was not easy, for you to let her go,
but love like yours would not hold back, your love to suffer so.
And so I took her quickly, so she would never know,
a lengthy time of darkness, that would distress her so.
I left her body here awhile, so you could have some time,
to be prepared to let her go, she was already Mine.
I bid her come while happy, with joyous plans ahead,
and laughter in her face and heart, and not one thought of dread.
You have the most to suffer, your loneliness to bear,
but know that she is safe with Me, within My loving care.
And never doubt My love for you, I know you wonder why,
just know My strength will be your joy, My love will never die.
I bore my son's own suffering, and I will bear yours too,
give me your doubts and pain and hurt and I will see you through.
Author unknown

I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God had laid, you see
I took His hand when I heard His call
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, Great children, A loved one's touch
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now, He set me free.

Author Unknown

Precious Angel
Precious angel sent to earth,
Did they tell you of your worth?
More than diamonds, rubies or gold,
Only you do I want to hold.
So perfect your beauty as I look into your eyes,
That gentle reflection of angels in the skies.
Each day you grew inside me, so big and so strong,
But your time here with me was not to be long.
Oh how my heart aches as I have to say good-bye,
As I let you go back to play in the sky.
(Author Unknown)

Special Angel in Heaven
There's a special Angel in Heaven
that is a part of me.
It is not where I wanted her
but where God wanted her to be.

She was here but just a moment
like a night time shooting star.
And though she is in Heaven
she isn't very far.

She touched the heart of many
like only an Angel can do.
I would've held her every minute
if the end I only knew.

So I send this special message
to the Heaven up above.
Please take care of my Angel
and send her all my love.
Author unknown

"Be very tender with her", He said,
"I took her gently from her mother's arms,
I did not mean to cause her mother any pain,
and she was not taken in vain.
She had such tiny hands and feet,
she was so helpless and dear and sweet,
She could not walk earth's stormy way,
so I bought her back to Heaven today."

She will grow beautiful, strong and fair,
for the ones she left behind who care.
Her family is very pained at heart
and over and over their teardrops start.

But we'll love and keep her, you and I,
until they come to meet her by and by.
A notion? Perhaps, but I'm sure of this:
This sweet child woke and smiled at the Angel's kiss.

(Author Unknown)

My Mom Is A Survivor
My Mom is a survivor,
or so I've heard it said.
But I can hear her crying at night
when all others are in bed.

I watch her lay awake at night
and go to hold her hand.
She doesn't know I'm with her
to help her understand.

But like the sands on the beach
that never wash away...
I watch over my surviving mom,
who thinks of me each day.

She wears a smile for others...
a smile of disguise!
But through Heaven's door I see
tears flowing from her eyes.

My mom tries to cope with death
to keep my memory alive.
But anyone who knows her knows
it is her way to survive.

As I watch over my surviving mom
through Heaven's open door...
I try to tell her that angels
protect me forevermore.

I know that doesn't help her...
or ease the burden she bears.
So if you get a chance, go visit her...
and show her that you care.

For no matter what she says...
no matter what she feels.
My surviving mom has a broken heart
that time won't ever heal.

(By Kaye Des'Ormeaux
October 15, 1998
Dedicated to the mothers who have
lost a child & have somehow survived.)

My Angel In The Sky
My angel in the sky,
who comes to me in dreams at night.
You left me without a single word,
but when I close my eyes,
your voice is heard.
Telling me you'll be alright,
that you're not scared,
you're in the light.

And now whenever I need you near,
I close my eyes and you appear.
He's my angel in the sky,
who comes to me in dreams at night.
To let me know that he's alright,
he's with God,
he's in the light.
(Tanya Kendall)

Precious Child Remembered

We know that you are hurting
We know just how you feel.
The pain deep inside your heart
You feel it can't be real.

We know what's going through your mind,
Thoughts that cloud it through the day.
We're on the road you're traveling now.
It can be handled, there's a way.

Don't fight the tears you're feeling,
You must just let them flow.
Speak of your child daily
To many people that you know.

Find others who can understand
They'll hold you as you cry.
The questions, we have all asked,
All the how's and every why.

We will always think of our child,
No one will have to say a word.
They will remain in our hearts
Our precious child remembered.
(Unknown)

A letter from Heaven

My Dearest Family,
Some things I'd like to say
but first of all to let you know
that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above
where there's no more tears or
sadness, there is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight,
remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you
when my life on Earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone,
as for your dearest family
they'll be here later on.

I need you here so badly
as part of My big plan,
there's so much that we have to do
to help our mortal man."

Then God gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do,
and foremost on that list of mine
is to watch and care for you.

And I will be beside you
every day and week and year,
and when you're sad,
I'm standing there
to wipe away the tear.

And when you lie in bed at night,
the days chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on Earth
and all those loving years,
because you're only human
they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry,
it does relieve the pain,
but remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you
of all that God has planned,
but if I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,
though my life on Earth is o'er.
I am closer to you now
than I ever was before.

And to my very many friends,
trust God knows what is best.
I'm still not far away from you,
I'm just beyond the crest.

There are rocky roads ahead of you,
and many hills to climb,
but together we can do it
taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too,
that as you give unto the World
so the World will give to you.

If you can help somebody
who is in sorrow or in pain,
then you can say to God at night
my day was not in vain.

And now I am contented
that my life it was worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody
who is down and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up
as on your way you go.

When you are walking
down the street
and you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind.

And when you feel the gentle breeze
or the wind upon your face,
that's me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace.

And when it's time for you to go
from that body to be free,
remember you're not going,
you are coming here to me,
And I will always love you
from that land way up above.

Will be in touch again soon.
P.S. God sends His Love
Signed, your son or daughter.
(Author Unknown)

An Angel Hug
Angels are ever all around us
And with love they do surround us.
When my heart is sore in need,
The Angels come my soul to feed.
They come to me from up above
and sing in whispers of Love.
When in my heart I feel a tug
I know that it's an Angels' hug.
(Author unknown)

MY LETTER TO HEAVEN

I would like to send a letter to heaven
and address it to the one I love.
My child has left this world,
to be with the Lord above.

I would tell her that I love her,
and that I miss her loving touch.
I would say we’re lost without her
and we miss her - - oh so much.

I would ask if she could visit,
if we promised not to cry.
Maybe one more time to see her
We forgot to say "Good-bye."

We will try to control our emotions
we truly feel we could.
So please - - we need a visit.
We promise we'll be good.

It is so hard, we miss her.
Oh Lord, this feeling is the worst.
We know you gave her to us,
yes, we know you had her first.

But you called her prematurely,
I'm sorry I question your will.
I know you have your reasons
but Lord - - I miss her still.

If you'd only make an exception
please consider what we plea.
It is so hard accepting that our daughter
- - We will never see.

Oh baby I write you this letter
with all the love there is to be had.
Because it's just not me who's hurting
there's your brother and your dad.

We need so much to see you,
then we'll try to let you rest.
But if not in this world, baby,
then we'll see you in the next.

So I’m sending a letter to heaven,
and pray you hear my plea.
But if the answer is not what I’m asking --
Lord come and rescue me!
(Paula Osipovitch)

MEMORIES
If we could have a lifetime wish
A dream that would come true,
We'd pray to God with all our hearts
For yesterday and You.
A thousand words can't bring you back
We know because we've tried...
Neither will a thousand tears
We know because we've cried...
You left behind our broken hearts
And happy memories too...
But we never wanted memories
We only wanted You.
(Unknown)

"My First Christmas in Heaven"

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below
with tiny lights, like Heaven's stars
reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular.
Please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above,
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift
more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
In the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or the love
He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.....

This poem was written by a
13 year old boy who died of a
brain tumor that he had battled
for four years. He died on
December 14, 1997.
He gave this to his Mom before he died.
His name was Ben.

HE ONLY TOOK MY HAND

Last night while I was trying to sleep,
My son's voice I did hear
I opened my eyes and looked around
But he did not appear.

He said "Mom you've got to listen,
You've got to understand
God didn't take me from you, Mom
He only took my hand

When I called out in pain that night,
The instant that I died,
He reached down and took my hand,
And pulled me to his side.

He pulled me up and saved me
From the misery and pain
My body was hurt so badly inside,
I could never be the same.

My search is really over now,
I've found happiness within,
All the answers to my empty dreams
And all that might have been.

I love you and miss you so,
And I'll always be nearby.
My body's gone forever,
But my spirit will never die!

And so, you must go on now,
Live one day at a time.
Just understand-
God did not take me from you,
He only took my hand.
(Unknown)

Bereaved Birthdays

Birthdays are a time for celebration
Not a time for tears
But what happens when the birthdays
No longer mark the years
A birthday marks the moment
A spirit enters earthly life
To share its special love and joy
And learn from earthly strife
Before a spirit comes to us,
It knows when and how it must depart
It chose its path carefully,
We are honored from the start
The sadness we now feel on such a joyous day
Is longing for our loved one's touch
It's natural to feel this way
For even though the birthdays
No longer mark a spirit's stay
Love continues on forever
To touch us everyday I hug my precious memories
Close to my heart
And honor my beloved spirit child
Who chose me from the start
(unknown)

I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a Mother
And I know I heard him say.

A Mother has a baby
This we know is true.
But God can you be a Mother
When your baby's not with you?

Yes, you can He replied
With confidence in His voice
I give many women babies
When they leave is not their choice.

Some I send for a lifetime
And others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb
But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this, God
I want my baby here
He took a breath and cleared His throat
And then I saw a tear.

I wish I could show you
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child smile
With other children and say

"We go to earth and learn our lessons
Of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much
I got to come straight here.

I feel so lucky to have a Mom
Who had so much love for me
I learned my lesson very quickly
My Mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep
On her pillow's where I lay.

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
And whisper in her ear
"Mommy don't be sad today
I'm your baby and I'm here."

So you see my dear sweet one
Your children are OK
Your babies are here in My home
And this is where they'll stay.

They'll wait for you with me
Until your lesson is through
And on the day that you come home
They'll be at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.
(Jennifer Wasik)