Grief comes like waves. Some subtly cover your heart like waves gently coming to and fro. They wash over the filth of past shame, guilt, and regret. Grief says, “Come sit with me for a while; I wish you no harm. Healing is my wish. With me, there is no shame. I know the depth of your heart. Your pain is subdued like the depths of the sea. There is no guilt in me. Let me help you transform your regret into humility so that you can feel at ease.

Mercy arrives like a gentle breeze. He tenderly wipes your tears away, as a lover looks compassionately at his bride. He gently pulls her closer. He lovingly gazes at her teary eyes. He sees her pain. He connects and embraces her soul.

So, in stillness, she closes her eyes and acknowledges her Sadness like an old friend. Then, together with Mercy, they sit quietly, listening to their hearts beating in rhythmic tune.

Grace comes like a gentle breeze; she sings a comforting song. Together, they embrace their sadness and sorrow, nurturing and comforting each other. Sorrow tries to push Sadness away. But Sadness says, “Don’t suppress me. Don’t push me away. Let me grieve so I can heal.
I will come again, but not the same. Let us integrate our Sadness with Joy, and we keep his memory alive. Let me stay. Let me feel. Let me be cleansed through your tears. Your tears are as deep as the sea.

Sadness says, I want to live, Love, and laugh again. I want to thrive like a tree and stretch out my branches, but I can’t until I grieve. Regret holds me back; please let Grace set us free. Please don’t push Grief away. Don’t repress her. Let her stay with you for a while. Let her love hold you near while she mourns.”

Let’s sit quietly, holding one another, and gaze at the sea—no spoken words—just quiet serenity, in you and me. Communicating and connecting heart to heart. Then, when the waves of grief crash against us, and the pain is unbearably intense, I will hold you. When you feel as though you’re drowning in sorrow, I’ll reach out to you. I will sing over you, “Peace, peace, be still; It is I the God of Comfort, I am here. It is I who holds you near.”

II Corinthians 1: 3, Psalm 34, John 11:35, John 4:13, Psalm 56, Psalm 46

Dedicated to my son, Ramon, the apple of my eye. I wait with anticipation for the day we meet on the clouds.