Letting Go Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

It was just as it once had been when our house filled with mirth
So much to do so much to care with children blessed from birth
Because the day was brimming with activity and fun
As daughter and her children stayed at grandma’s place hard won

Remembering that long lost time before age came to stay
As bright eyed, hopeful, they went forth and I began to pray
Today we said our fond goodbyes and wishes for good cheer
The room then settled to a pall - they were no longer here

A feeling of a sadness great then filled my waning life
I never would relive again those days of mom and wife
My husband died so long ago, our youngest met the Lord
An unexpected, painful day when angels, spirits soared

Too many things have come and gone - my heart can hardly name
But in my room of solitude it’s hard to still the pain
Yet I am grateful for God’s gifts and blessings from above
As words of faith and hymns of old still carry me with love

As evening falls I try so hard to bear the silence now
When play and laughter are long gone like ghosts in afterglow
I lie here on a narrow bed and feel the sadness grow
A feeling almost close to dread – I cannot let it go

Yet I believe that little babe whose birth we so adore
Can help with faith to comfort me as He oft did before
He is our friend no matter where in time our journey leads
From childhood’s trials and midlife cares to sadness in old age

Yes, there’s a time to let kids go to walk on paths unknown
Their chance to fly and try their wings in fields untried, unsown
All I can do is pray and hope when their feet bleed, hearts faint
That Christ in all his glory comes to pick them up again.