Written by Karen D. Swim, Twin Suns Photo by Gracey courtesy of morguefile.com
“Man cannot command the sun to rise nor the stars to shine
In the darkest of days life will go on with or without you.”
These words echoed in my soul during a particularly difficult time in my life. I was overtaken by a sorrow that I thought would never lift. My days were lived in a fog of grief, and my visibility was limited to one step at a time. It was during this period, that I arrived home one night and exited my car. As the door closed I felt my eyes pulled toward the sky. Stars twinkled against the inky blackness in a brilliance so blinding I had to blink my eyes. I stood by the car staring into the night sky amazed that the stars were there. How could they twinkle when my heart was breaking? How long had they been there without my notice?
And so it was that my healing began. The next day I noticed sunlight on a leaf. My world once again expanded beyond my broken heart. My tears soon turned to fond remembrances. My eyes once again focused on something other than me.
We all go through difficult times. Sorrow and joy, pain and pleasure, life and death. It is the cycle of life which teaches our hearts to revel in the joy of what is good and strengthens us to withstand what is hard. Yet, I have learned to take comfort in knowing that “this too shall pass.” When I doubt, I only have to look up to confirm that life is indeed going on.
This post is my contribution to Liz Strauss’ 25 Words of Work/Life Wisdom project. If you would like to participate, it is open to all. The deadline is July 19th.
So what saith you dear reader? Do you have words of wisdom to offer? Please feel free to share whatever is on your mind. Comments are open and refreshments are free. 🙂
Great information! Thanks for writing this. It is an honor to participate in the discussion.
Thanks to the article, Now there is more reason to comment than ever before! Good post… I found it via Google. They most love you!
Ulla, I am so sorry for your loss. I am also a widow but this experience was after the death of my mom (pre-marriage). I am so glad that you were able to find healing. It is not easy losing those we love but healing is possible. Thank so much for sharing your story. Hugs ((((Ulla)))), Karen
Karen,
thanks for the beautiful post! I had the same experience last year, when my husband unexpectedly died and life just meant coping with one day after the other. Then I went on vacation with a dear friend of mine to Denmark. I set there on the terrace and just looked at the sky and watched the clouds going by. I listened to the chirping of the birds, and the healing began.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Looking across the Water
Melissa, I completely agree with you. The stars are amazing and sadly most people rarely take time to look up. Liz’s project was great. You should check out the awesome entries. Thanks for your encouragement Melissa!
What a beautifully written post. I too have looked to the stars and found them to help with healing. They are one of the greatest symbols of life that I’ve ever known. Thanks for sharing this, Karen.
Melissa Donovans last blog post..When it All Comes Crashing Down
Kelly, a word from you is worth 1000. 🙂 Thank you my dear, for reading and commenting.
Steph, thank you, thank you, thank you! Your words mean so much to me.
Liz, thank you for inspiring and challenging me. Sometimes we rise higher simply because someone asks. Thank you for holding the bar a little higher for me.
Ellen, I have really missed you! I am glad that I can be that strength for others, it definitely helps when you can help others from your own experiences, eh? The blueberries are exceptionally good, and I bet even better from your garden. Hmm, a drive East may be in order. 🙂 It’s so good to have you back!
This is why people rely on you, Karen. They sense you are a strong person. Like a rock – being a Capricorn and all. I know you have gone through some rough times in your life and anything you share will be good medicine.
Well, it’s Friday so time for a glass of Chardonnay everyone! Live long and drink deeply. And for those of you who don’t drink you can pick a blueberry out of my garden.
It’s good to be back and to hang out with you again. E
PS. I really like this photo.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Crossing the Border
Karen,
You brought such depth to this. Thank you. I’m taken by the photo, by the thought, and the words so carefully chosen. This is art.
Liz Strausss last blog post..SOB Business Cafe 07-18-08
I’m with Kelly. That was wonderfully written, Karen. I can relate to your story, as I’m sure many can, and I especially loved this part: “And so it was that my healing began. The next day I noticed sunlight on a leaf. My world once again expanded beyond my broken heart.”
This is a post to bookmark.
Stephs last blog post..All In a Day’s Work, Or, The Freelancing Life
Karen,
Lovely. Can I leave such a short comment? Lovely. Thanks for the inspiration.
Regards,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Dreaming BIG when you still feel small
Brad, thank you so much. Today was a day I needed to remind myself of that moment. You are so right strength comes when we least expect it and sometimes in unexpected ways. Thanks Brad for your friendship and support!
Robert, it absolutely was a testimony and that is only one fraction of the chapter God wrote in my life at that time! That night made me realize in a whole new way how the earth sings His song.
Nadine, wow, you always have these amazing insights. I never thought of it in that way. You are so right, not only must we look up but have the courage to follow. Nadine your gift with language goes far beyond translating. 🙂
Wendi, I am inspired by your strength. As I have learned more from your posts about your struggles you are truly a testimony! So often I have read your stories and they linger with me for days. Yes there is strength when we need it and often it comes from those we meet along the way. 🙂
Karen that was beautifully written and very inspiring.
One of the darkest hours of my life when I felt there wasn’t much worth living for anymore, I realized I still was a grateful person who felt blessed. I know that realization turned my life around and helped me to start living again. Your post just reminded me of that moment.
There is strength when we need it. And always hope.
In your immense sorrow you were able to look up and see those stars. Although they can be seen as a metaphor of the light at the end of the tunnel, it also takes a lot of courage to allow oneself to follow them, and gradually let go of the pain. Not everyone is able to do that. Brave Karen!
Nadine Touzets last blog post..Twitter Updates for 2008-07-17
Karen, what a wonderful testimony of healing and Grace! We’ve all wandered (or been led) into Caves of the Soul from time to time. Seems like every time, though, we always find ourselves wondering, “How will I ever make it?”
You portray a beautiful guide for finding your way. Thank you for sharing such a personal gift with us!
That is a beautifully written post, Karen. It reminds me of the scene toward the end of Cast Away when Tom Hanks explains how he survived being on the island by remembering that he just had to keep breathing. Your words express that idea even more powerfully. I am glad you found the strength to keep going. Isn’t it amazing how we sometimes find that strength when and where we least expect it?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..12 Things Writing and Golf Have in Common