I choose to remember
your tender heart,
your innocent smile,
the carefree days of childhood.
I choose to remember
the boy you were
before life stole your goodness…
before difficult circumstances hardened your heart.
I choose to remember
there was a good soul within
the shell the disease stole
and lied to and hid.
I choose to remember
you tried to care,
even though you struggled
to show it.
I’ll try to forget
the things that hurt both our hearts
that you couldn’t recover from
and found other ways.
I’ll try to forget
the things we were told
that broke our spirits
and shattered our souls.
I’ll try to honor
the boy you once were,
the man you tried to be,
the goodness down deep.
I hope your pain is gone,
your soul is free,
your demons slayed,
and that peace is attained.
(written the night I learned my brother died this week)
JODI….WHAT A GRACIOUS REFLECTION ON A DIFFICULT SITUATION…WE ARE NO STRANGERS TO YOUR LOSS…
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OH JODI… my heart! Talk about writing from the heart… this is so poignant and beautiful. Sending so much love and (((((HUGS)))) and prayers your way my sweet friend!!
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Thank you c
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Thank you Dick and Lois xo
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Sorry for your loss
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Thank you mary
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Oh Jodi, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs xxx
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Thank you lunn
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So sorry for your loss. It sounds as if your brother struggled to deal with many demons in his life. I pray he is at peace, and you as well. Your poem is a beautiful tribute.
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Thank you drvrs
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I am so sorry for your loss Joy. And this is a beautiful dedication. Take care, and plenty of hugs from this side of the world ❤❤❤
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Thank you ameena
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A very beautiful, heartfelt poem, Jodi! I’m so sorry for your loss! I hope he is in peace now too. Bless his heart and bless your heart! You will be in my thoughts all day. ((HUGS!))
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Thank you pj
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I am so sorry Jodi… the grace of your words is incredible…
Jenna
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Thank you Jenna
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Such beautiful words Jodi, very sorry for your loss. 😔
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Thank you John
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Very touching and beautiful.
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Thank you
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Jodi I am so sorry for your loss. Your poem to him is so heartfelt and beautiful. I hope he has found peace as well. Sending you a big hug and my thoughts and prayers ❤
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Thank you gonger
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I am choosing to imagine he is at peace and Stella star will guide his way ….
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Thank you. Me too.
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I’m glad I read the comments before commenting. I am sorry for this loss. You have honored him greatly. I wish more people showed this kind of love and understanding to those suffering. Be well
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Thank you rob
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You are quite welcome Jodi. Best wishes to you.
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Jodi, I am very sorry to hear this news. You and your family are in my thoughts.
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Thank you terry
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With deepest sympathy, sending love and prayers to you and your family. Your poem was a beautiful expression of love.
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Thank you kim
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Oh Jodi, I’m so sorry. Please don’t let this loss take away from your birthday. Celebrate with all the fun you have shown us on this blog, blow out those candles with a happy wish for yourself and end this year with your best smile!
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Thank you myra
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What beautiful words. Thinking of you during this painful time my friend. Very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.
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Thank you
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So sorry Jodi! A lovely poem that is so heartfelt! xo
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Thank you lunn
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Heartfelt sympathy and friendship, dear Jodi. ♥ Your beautiful words are healing ones. I hope you will reread your beautiful words as often as necessary as you heal your heart. Warmest hugs… and much love. ♡
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Thank you dawn
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I’m so sorry, Jodi.
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Thank you paul
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My heart aches for your pain. Stay strong.
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Thank you marguerite
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So sorry for your loss, Jodi. I’m sure that despite it all that he knew you loved him and cared for him very much. I’m sure he felt the same for you–despite his inability to convey it. You are right to choose to remember the very best things. Thinking of you today…
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Thank you jill
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Oh Jodi, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. Sending prayers and hugs to the entire family. Your poem is heartbreaking set so very thoughtful to choose to remember him that way. ❤
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Thank you kathryn
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Jodi, what a beautiful dedication to your brother. So sad to read of his passing. Peaceful prayers for you & family! 🎆 Christine
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Thank you chridtine
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I’m so sorry to read this. Thinking of you x x
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Thank you
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Sometimes life doesn’t make sense…sorry to hear of your loss, Jodi. Beautiful poem. I cannot imagine the pain you feel. Sending you hugs! ❤
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Thank you Jill
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I’m so sorry Jodi of your brother’s passing.
you have chosen, the path of remembrance that celebrates …the way he once was. Beautiful Jodi. Hugs. Love. Peace. and prayers, Debi
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Thank you Debi
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love and hugs, Debi
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much needed and appreciated
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🙂
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Heartbreakingly beautiful, Jodi. I’m so very sorry for your loss and pray that whatever heartache invaded his and your life can somehow be put to rest. God bless.
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Thank you george
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Sometimes words are not enough. So prayers being said. I know you have surrounded your life with love and joy via your husband and children. Hoping all of that strengthens your resolve to remember the good memories….
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Thank you mallory
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Beautiful, heartfelt thoughts. Many prayers for you and your family.
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Thank you Judith
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Such a deep poem Jodi! It tells of so many challenges Johnny went thru and yes may he be in peace! Treasure the Good and remember the Love!! Hugs and Love my sweet sweet friend.
Love you
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Thank you my sweet Jan
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So sorry….. 😦 what a beautiful poem showing us your heart and your love for your brother. I will be praying for you and your family. ❤
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Thank you Margaret
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My condolences, Jodi. A beautiful tribute to your brother……
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Thank you Donna
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Beautiful words. Remember them when a hard day hits.
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I will. Xo
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I’m so sorry, Jodi! Your poem was beautiful and heartfelt. Family relationships can be so complicated, on so many levels. I think you are very wise to choose to remember the good in your brother, and the man that he wanted to be. That’s the best way to honor him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you cope with this loss. Peace to you, my friend!
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Thank you Ann
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Jodi, I’m so sorry for your loss, and your families loss. It must be very difficult this time of year. Wonderful tribute to him, remembering the good times, not the disease. Praying for you!
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thanks so much amanada
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This is beautiful Jodi. May he rest in peace and in the hearts of those who knew his best self. (K)
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Thank you so much kerfe
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Thinking of you. May my hug bring comfort.
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Thank you Susan. It is much appreciated.
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heartbreaking…but still beautiful
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thank you so very much!
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I am so sad to hear of your brother’s passing away. I have two brothers who would be a big loss of either of them left this earth. . . hugs sent to you, much belatedly. ❤ xo
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I appreciate ❤
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It was a beautiful and touching tribute xo
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