Two days to gather….
We had two days together…..two days to gather for Peter’s short leave
before he flies away into combat in a desert faraway,
two days of bonfires and doughnuts
and long yellow ribbons dancing in breeze
for his eyes to catch the love
and store it away
in his heart
where we always are.
Two days of soaking hungry in their laughter
and pressing through the goodbye hanging heavy
and learning to skype
and biscuits and gravy slow in the morning,
pot roast and trimmings painting air thick with memory.
Two days of simple errands seeming rich
and chairs pulled close around table,
treasure tucked away in the sweet spot of my mind.
And then time pushed ahead and tumbled in,
time to say goodbye.
And we all did it…..all stepped forward to say it
and took the pounding and pinching of it,
stood in the pain of it
alone and together.
I watched my brave ones bend as the sadness stormed down
and not go hard in the pain of goodbye
and I breathed weak thanks for this
and for two days to gather
and for Love that holds us each
and together
in tender knowing hands.
(It’s the idea that Love knows….really knows
and cares
that helps with breathing
in and out
and I open wide
to the comfort
that comes
….always it comes).
for his eyes to catch the love
and store it away
in his heart
where we always are.
yes.
Oh, so much love and so much goodness here. So much love that he must feel so full and rich in love. And that love will surround him and hold him and protect him and nurture him through all that he must face. It’s the enduring power of love, the gift from a mother to son that will get him – and you – through this.
And my heart aches – from one mother to another – at the pain and fear you must be living with.
You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace, Peace, Peace…
and love to you both.
Marion
PS – Just about to hit “post comment” when my daughter E came and and said why are you crying? And I let her read your post. To understand the cost of war, to understand the sacrifice and to understand what love can give. thinking of you!
so beautifully written
embrace love and release
into the world
he goes
nothing but goodness to surround him
to bring him home again
I will wrap help to wrap you all in prayers. Much much love, kath
Oops, it was supposed to say that I will help to wrap you all in prayers. Though I am not good with typing nor with proofreading, obviously today, I will pray for you and your sweet family, Jennifer!
Prayers yes.
Love always.
And in his heart
he carries you where ever he goes
and in your heart
he will always know
he is Love and Loved
Hugs my dear and beautiful friend.
My heart holds your gathering
in hands of Love.
my brother is in Aghganistan….an amazing thing happened one night not long ago:
My brother works seven days a week, 12 hours a day, as do all the men and women on this particular base, their routine rarely changing, never a day off.
For some reason, someone got it into their noggin to have a cookout this one night, a complete diversion from the usual flow of life at the base.
All were gathered in one particular tent, away from where they would normally be: their bunks, smoking outside the main tent, etc.
That night, their was a rocket attack on the base. Not one person was wounded, as they were all attending this cookout. The place the rocket entered was the place my brother and his friends usually hung around at the end of their long day, smoking, chatting, what have you. the bunk the rocket ended up hitting belonged to a man who, that one week out of the entire year, had decided to take leave.
*not one person was injured*, whereas, under normal circumsances, it would’ve been a very different story.
my brother tells me these sorts of stories, which speak to him of God’s keen eye on him and his friends, in a place that feels so “God-forsaken”…..
A mighty fortress is our God, Jen…..
“Whoever touches you, touches the apple of My eye.” Zechariah 2:8
He is in good Hands, Jen…….so are you….
much love,
Liz
he is so blessed to have you as his mom, dear jennifer.
gorgeous post. heart post. oh, how it is that we experience
so much letting go. my heart aches beside yours. & also
prays in comfort for you. lovelove to you. xox
Ah Jen you are an extraordinary woman. You know this goes into the book don’t you? I feel your heart and the heartbeat of your family, it’s an amazing gift to be able to express with words what is so intangible. May God watch over and keep you and yours.
feeling a heavy heart, knowing it is only an ounce of what you must be feeling.
Remember… one foot in front of the other, one breath in and then out, staying in the
present with mindful awareness of the great love that surrounds you in the present and that of the brave and courageous son you raised. Mindfully aware it will be only a short time in the wave of in life before he is back with you in your arms.
Love you,
Jennifer… what an incredible love you chose to share with us, an example to aspire to.
Your thoughts become beautiful words on paper and we appreciate you sharing them with us. With all the prayers going up for Pete you know he is protected and surrounded by love. Take care and hold tight to good memories. Love to all
Beautiful. Lots of hugs and prayers for you and your family.
I love all of beautiful you!
Peace to you in orange (courage!) pumpkins.
I love all of beautiful you!
Much peace to you in orange (courage!) pumpkins.
X)
Joanna
Jennifer, I’m so glad that you had this time together. May God keep him well and safe while he’s away from home. I’m glad that you will be able to Skype. Blessings. Julia
Such poetry, Jennifer, from Skype to painting air thick with memory! You take my breath away, and I’ll be praying with you for that son of your heart. You bless me, you know.
Hi Jennifer,
You have such a beautiful blog that touches the heart. I enjoyed reading and I love your pictures. Thank you for leaving a note in my blog. I so appreciate it.
Keep on writing. Keep on planting. Keep on dreaming.
SS
It’s there, safely tucked in that sweet spot of your mind and heart. Two blessed days, to store happiness in deep, thick honey drops. A dreamed remedy against cold days! By the way, that photo is awesome 🙂
Soaking in the love in your words and praying safety for your son and for the loving hearts that say good bye and yet hold him close.
i just could not imagine that as a mother…my prayers are with you and your family. your post is a beautiful way to commemorate your love for your son and family!
Beautiful family Jen. Always blessings and hugs.
Amazing and beautiful love you share, Jen. What a stunning family you have nurtured and set free. Prayers that they all return safe, and often.
With love,
Anita
two days of love and new beginnings.
i send you love~
two days. filled to the brim. with more love then some people ever know in their lifetime. how lucky is he ?
what a beautiful family you are !!
And – it’s exactly that love that will guide and carry you!! What a beautiful family!
Bless you, dear Jennifer. Lovely photos–I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
What a wonderful momma you are Jen! My heart felt every word as you talked about the two days of loving on your son before saying goodbye. What a wonderful son you’ve raised and how he is going have such special memories of love from his precious family loving on him before leaving.
I LOVE your family photo all together with those pumpkins! Now are these all your children sitting beside you? I think the other woman looks JUST LIKE Y♥U, so I’m figuring she belongs to you too.
Love you dear Jen,
Lee Ann
Oh, sweet friend. You didn’t have just two days to gather. Most of all, he didn’t. He’s had a life time of gathering love and memories and joy. Your table, your heart, your words, your expansive love – all, i am certain, have fill his arms and heart so full he overflows. All that love, he carries with him. Know that my friend. It is true.
Oh, where did the time go? How did I miss this? Sending you a big hug!