At the beach when the tide is going out,
the waves recede and it seems 
that nothing is happening in the sea.
But the truth is that the great swells
are gathering strength beneath the waters,
building energy for the time 
the tide will return...

It's similar to times in our lives
when something we have depended on 
is goneand we are left 
with a feeling of emptiness and sadness.

At times like this we can take heart
Knowing that an unseen strength 
is building within us.
And if we can only be patient
relying on a sure faith,
the tide of life will turn 
and happiness and fulfillment
will once again return to us.

~Dean Walley~

FEAR NOT MY BROTHER

by Nick Alcantara © 10/2014

Déjà vu, fear not my brother…

When all the flowers are gone

Family and friends have dissipated

normal lives disrupted

Compassion seemed to have waned

But tears will continue to swell

Grief can sneak on you

when you least expect it. 

Be on guard my brother

This is the most difficult time

To be honest 

Gather your strength

For it has only just begun

but it's okay

Just honor and nurture  your feelings

Don't run away 

You will be stronger in the end. 

Rely on yourself

Seek help if you will

But don’t isolate

And dont hesitate. 

Confront your grief

Face to face

It's the only way .

And swing hard

And test your will

The 18th hole looks closer than you think

I will caddy you all the way

To sink that last ball

and  overcome the challenge  for this rough course

But take heart from me

Take one hole at a time

I have walked the walk

And fear not

There will be  times

The wind won’t go your way

Fear not &  listen to your caddy

He will show you the way

Your score wont even matter in the end

We will keep on trudging our journey together

-          whatever it takes

Emma and Mina will be cheering for us all the way.
~~~~@~~~~ 

It's wondrous what a hug can do. 
A hug can cheer you when you're blue 
A hug can say, "I love you so," 
Or, "I hate to see you go.

A hug is "Welcome back again." 
And "Great to see you! Where 'er you been?" 
A hug can soothe a small child's pain 
And bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug, there's just no doubt about it -- 
We scarcely could survive without it! 
A hug delights and warms and charms; 
It must be why God gave us arms

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers, 
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers; 
And chances are your favorite aunts 
love them more than potted plants.

Kittens crave them, puppies love them, 
Heads of states are not above them. 
A hug can break the language barrier 
And make your travel so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em; 
The more you give, the more there are of 'em. 
So stretch those arms without delay 
And give someone a hug today!