Houston . . . We have a Problem!: Gone From My Sight

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Gone From My Sight

8:17 PM

Geraldine Blanche Houston

'Grandma Geri'
April 17, 1937 - March 13, 2010

I do not yet have the ability to write what needs to be said about my amazing mother-in-law but we were given this poem & I think it is all that needs to be said at this time.

Gone From My Sight

I am standing upon a seashore. A Ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" There are eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

--- Henry Van Dyke

16 comments:

Joanne said...

Oh Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything you need or anything I can do, please let me know. Praying for you Jim and the kids.

March 21, 2010 at 8:55 PM

Jen said...

So sorry for you loss Laura. Much love to you and your family..

March 21, 2010 at 9:28 PM

Kelly said...

((HUGS)) Hoping you find peace and comfort soon despite your aching heart.

March 21, 2010 at 9:31 PM

Cdejulius said...

Laura, that is such a sweet way to think of Geri's leaving . . .comforting and sweet . . .and oh so true . . . Love, Mom

March 21, 2010 at 9:42 PM

Wendy said...

Laura...that is absolutely beautiful.

March 21, 2010 at 9:54 PM

alix said...

Sorry about your loss. Big hugs to you....
What a lovely poem..
You will be in our prayers..

March 21, 2010 at 9:56 PM

Meri said...

I love that poem! It is so true and comforting. (((HUGS))) to you dear friend.

March 21, 2010 at 11:01 PM

Heidi / Jack's Pack said...

Laura, I'm so sorry for your loss.

March 21, 2010 at 11:27 PM

Lora said...

We are thinking of you and your family right now. That poem was great and perfectly said.
(((HUGS))) to you all.

March 21, 2010 at 11:31 PM

:) Tracie said...

So sorry you guys. Great poem.

March 21, 2010 at 11:53 PM

April Ann said...

I am so very sorry. I hope the wonderful memories you have help carry you through such a difficult time. I am sending you and your family loving, peaceful, healing thoughts. The poem is beautiful.

March 22, 2010 at 2:07 AM