On the day of Hamada’s Funeral my very dear Sister Sally – who is really a cousin but we call her sister because we all grew-up very closely together, and we love her so – presented me with this very beautiful framed photo of Hamada with a verse underneath. How wise she was at the time and although her so sad eyes showed her painful feelings for me and for the loss of our dear Hamada, she knew I would take great comfort when reading this verse after everyone had left and when alone.
During the past five months I have read this verse daily and as Sally had rightly thought, it has brought much comfort to me and the wise words contain therein have indeed helped my heart to heal some.
As I embark on new ventures this week, with my first holiday alone since Hamada died. I feel it would be good to share these words with my other friends who read here and are also sadly bereaved.
Blessings to you all dear friends. I pray that each day will bring light and peace and many unexpected blessings, as you make your way with your love tucked safely in your heart, to continue with a different life. Here are the words that have helped me:
“You can shed tears that he has gone, or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live for yesterday. You can remember him and only that he’s gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, and be empty and turn your back, or you can do what he would want –
Smile, open your eyes , love and go on.â€
I know Hamada would have wanted this – for me to smile, open my eyes, love and go on…
Beautiful words, Susie, and ones that I have tried to live by during these past 7 months. I’ve not always been successful, but I try because I do know it is “what he would want”.
Bless you, dear friend, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday.
Yes, you must smile and go on and cherish the love you had!
Thanks for sharing this lovely post!
Margie x
A wise friend indeed…..
Have a wonderful holiday, Susie, and take care of yourself !
I was looking at the pic of me and Haji this morning at my desk and I was smiling thinking of the fun we had that night at the curry house with Stu’s guiness escapade..
You both are always in my thoughts.x Love Ellie.xx
Wow Susie. I love the verse and love your “sister’s” thoughtful, heartfelt gift to you of such wisdom to strive for. In the striving, it is a new journey for you, with friends and family, without your beloved. But getting the idea of the blessings of knowing him can be challenging.
I remember when my Mum died one of the cards enclosed a poem and my Dad kept in on display afterwards and gained benefit from it. This surprised me as he was never really a poem person (that must be where I get it from.
Have a great holiday knowing that is what Hamada would want. xx
Thinking of you, learning, loving, growing and still sharing your heart with Hamada, even on your new journey… hugs!
Bless your tender heart, enjoy your holiday.
Thank you all for your lovely kind heartfelt messages and comments. I had a brilliant holiday, feeling wonderfully calm upon my return, after relaxing swimming, good conversation, delicious food and long walks in the sun. Blessings dear people.