Never, ever, take love for granted. Love in the present. Love in the past. Love has the power to tear people apart, to bring pain, but also give the greatest strength, the deepest joy and the most profound purpose to our life.
It was Andy's funeral last week. It was a difficult day to get through, but get through it I did, not alone, but with my brother (also a close friend of his) by my side, and surrounded by many other people who love me and many more who loved Andy.
His Dad, who has my deepest respect for the strength he showed in being able to stand and talk during the service in the most difficult circumstances imaginable, finished his eulogy with a poem that touched me deeply and that I want to share, for everyone who's lost someone.
LOVE CAME FIRST…
You don’t move on after loss, but you must move with. You must shake hands with grief, welcome her in, for she lives with you now. Pull her a chair at the table and offer her comfort. She is not the monster you first thought her to be. She is love. And she will walk with you now, stay with you now, peacefully. If you let her. And on the days when your anger is high, remember why she came, remember who she represents. Remember. Grief came to you my friend because love came first. Love came first.
Donna Ashworth
Cherish the love you have, every single day.
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