She is Gone by David Harkin

This post doesn't have anything to do with running, nutrition or fitness of any kind. It is simply something that stemmed from an experience I had last week and I wanted to share it.

I am lucky enough that I get to spend a lot of time with elderly residents who live at a care facility near my house. Last week I attended a memorial service for residents who passed away and the following poem was read: 

She is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

David Harkin

The poet's message resonates so loudly with me and as we all experience loss at some point in our life I wanted to share it with all of you.