DEAR FRIEND

It has been said that the more deeply we loved,
The more deeply we grieve
My love cannot be measured
In the ways I show my grief

There is no “formula” for grieving
No pattern to which I must adhere
My grief is unique
As was my child

I ask this of you, my friends
Do not be afraid of me, because I grieve openly
Do not avoid me, because I often shed tears
Do not shun me, because I choose not to speak
And please, do not forget me, because I cannot forget my child

Please be there for me to share the tearful times,
The lonely times, the times of talking
And the times of silence.

My child lives on within me
I want her memory to live on within you

I lovingly speak her name often
Can you do this, as well?
Can you look at her pictures and see beauty
As I do everyday?

Can you do these things for me, my friend?
For me and for my beloved child?

Denice D’Andrea
July 2006