40 days since Jerard died.
Seems sur-real in some aspects.
There are still mornings I walk down stairs expecting to see
him sleeping in the sala like he used to.
Occasionally I pick up his picture and rub my nose on his nose in the photo.
Grief washes over me at times
It robs me of energy
Some days seem so long and cumbersome
Sadness feels etched into my soul.
The loss of Jerard is deep
I miss him
I miss his feel
I miss his soft breath on my neck
I miss his drool on my shoulder
I miss the sounds he used to make
which actually ended two months before his death when he
had his major seizures on March 7 and lost all function; becoming limp like a rag doll, unable to move on his own:
he didn't bang on his tray anymore, or laugh, or smile.....
I started grieving his loss then
I miss rubbing my chin on his head
I miss rubbing noses with him
I started that with him when he was little
as my special kiss to him - Eskimo kisses - nose to nose
he'd laugh, he'd smile when I did that for him
and we had a bond
when he was upset
he'd settle with me
he loved graham crackers
he loved pancakes
I fought for him
I wanted the best for him
I sometimes questioned if I was the best for him...
but God's grace used Jerard to teach each of us so much
Jerard,
I loved you
I tried to do the best for you
I may not have given birth to you physically but I birthed
you from a sick with pneumonia, hydrocephalic 9 week old,
to a relatively healthy, blind, special needs little boy with so much to offer.
you taught me so much
I thank God for you, Jerard.....
I miss you
my arms ache to hold you again....
my little guy....
I love you
So, today, in honor of the Filipine custom to celebrate the 40th day after death we lit a candle at your gravesite, put fresh flowers there, reflected on memories of you, ate pancakes and graham crackers in your honor.....
As the song, "A Visitor From Heaven" states:
With aching hearts and empty arms.....
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we're so glad you came
We're so glad you came
A visitor from Heaven
If only for a day
We thank Him for the time He gave
And now it's time to say
We trust you to the Father's love
And to His tender care
Held in the everlasting arms
And we're so glad you're there
We're so glad you're there
I am thankful you are in the presence of Jesus!
I'll see you again some day!
Love you so much my son!
