A CAVERN OF TENDERNESS

A cavern of tenderness is carved out in our hearts for those we love.
A continuous slide-show of memories,
Of sacred moments, joys and sorrows shared,
Embraces given and received.
Of understanding offered, grace extended.
Of distance allowed and closeness cherished.
Of knowing that we are accepted,
That our concerns are important and our feelings matter.

She leaves behind her cherished life,
Her place, the role that is hers alone,
All that is familiar, to tread a path unknown.
In the moment we glimpse her pain, we know
That she will be one of us forever.
Friendships, forged in time remain for eternity,
In a cavern of tenderness carved out for those we love.

A good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
Years of time measured in prayers, tears and hugs,
The hope, the strength, the encouragement, the very life-force
A healing balm to the bleeding, desperate, and weary.

A divine appointment upon the shoulders of a man—
To build within us greater faith in ourselves,
In God, and in each other.
You release us now, whole and healthy,
Prepared to step into the next phase of our lives with confidence.
You leave us, with gratitude for the years we have walked together as one.

It feels like we are losing you—a part of ourselves.
But often and eloquently we have been reminded
That One cannot be lost if you know where they are.
And we know exactly where you are—
In that cavern of tenderness carved out in our hearts for those we love.