You could have
been 53 years old today.
You could have
been anything you wanted to be.
You could have
been a father, husband, brother, uncle, son, friend.
You could have
watched that train go by.
You could have
fought it.
You could have
lived and loved and been loved.
But you had other plans.
You gave up.
You chose not to be
53 or anything you wanted to be.
You chose not to be
a father, husband, brother, uncle, son, friend.
You chose not to
watch the train go by.
You chose not to
fight or live or love or be loved.
I hope with all of my heart
and every fiber of my being
that your plan
brought you peace.
In loving memory on your birthday and every day,
Your sister,
Jodi
Oh, Jodi. Love and prayers, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Pam. 💛
LikeLike
Heartbreaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sending good thoughts Jodi. No words suffice. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so sorry
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you beth
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry Jodi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH Jodi, sometimes your heart is in your throat and you don’t know how to reply,, other than lots of love and hugs and prayers dear friend! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you c 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Take care, Jodi. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a handsome man! I know your heart is breaking. Hugs my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Pam! ❤❤
LikeLike
So very sorry. Jodi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLike
Oh, Jodi. There are no words. I’m sobbing here for you. Such raw grief, such pointless tragedy, such waste… my heart goes out to you, your family and your brother, forever 52.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your love is felt Lynda thank you. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very sad. Love and prayers to you Jodi xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poem moved me to tears because the words are filled with love, anger and truth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You made me realize it is Bernadette. When I wrote it, I just wrote from raw emotions And those are all emotions I did feel. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Jodi… I’m with you!
LikeLike
Sorry for your loss Jodi. I dont know you well enough to respond like this, but forgive me … mental illness and depression is not a choice that is made. Its a very dark place and such a struggle to understand. People self medicate with alcohol and drugs, or some think nothing is wrong so dont seek help. And those that seek help dont always get the treatment that they need. Very scary and sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mary. You are right. I wrote from raw emotion. Sadness, hurt, love, even anger. But you are right. The disease stole him.
LikeLike
Sometimes, in our grief, raw emotion is the only response we can have. And that’s okay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for understanding
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no words for this, just sending love and hugs.💗💗💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mary. 💛
LikeLike
At the risk of sounding strange, God woke me up last night and brought you to my mind to pray for. Had no idea today would have been your brother’s birthday. May God do what only He can do – bring beauty in the midst of what’s broken. Consider yourself hugged.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Kathy. I have no words with a lump in my throat and tears. Thank you. 💛
LikeLike
I’m so sorry Jodi. They are not in their right mind when they do it. If they were, they wouldn’t do it. Your brother was a very handsome man. My niece was a very beautiful woman. May they both rest in peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
xx
LikeLike
Wow, Jodi! So powerful and filled with heartfelt emotion! What love you have for your brother and so hard! Praying for you today as you remember!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much joy! 💛
LikeLike
Thinking of you Jodi xx sending big hugs across the pond xx
LikeLike
Big hugs Jodi xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it is so hard to comprehend someone giving up on life. Your words touched me today Jodi, your love, your anger & your loss speak volumes. Sending you love & wishes for a lighter heart.
LikeLike
Appreciated. 💛
LikeLike
I am saddened by your loss Jodi – take care – I am sending you hugs today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such beautiful words and strong emotion. It amazes me that some people crumble from life while others blossom. So sad about your brother but hoping that he is at peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLike
My heart is hurting for you! Sending prayers of comfort to help ease your pain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so appreciate Suzy 💛
LikeLike
So very sad Jodi… ! My cousin was a bright young man with everything to live for too… It’s such a tough thing to come to terms with, thinking of you… xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLike
I’m so sorry. It is never easy to lose someone but especially hard when they seem to choose to be lost. Much love to you… ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Teresa. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life doesn’t make sense sometimes as you know, Jodi. I’m sorry for your loss and the pain of loosing someone this way. Wrapping you in a bear hug and sending you peace and comfort today, friend! 🐻💕😘 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so appreciate. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so very sorry Jodi. Sending hugs your way…
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛
LikeLike
I’m so sorry Jodi 😢
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jenna 💛
LikeLike
Loss is so sad, Jodi! Your words cover all emotions. Open, truthful, and understandable! Peaceful thoughts! 💐 Christine
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Christine. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
It feels so wrong to click “like” on this, but it is a beautiful, though heartbreaking, tribute. I wish you peace to heal your heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your kindness and consideration is so greatly appreciated.
LikeLike
Hugs & prayers, Jodi, may your brother rest in peace…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Donna 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
How I remember his birthday……Jennifer’s birthday is also today. We will always remember Johnnie
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know Aunt Gwen – a day of sadness and also happiness… happy we can celebrate our sweet Jen! ❤
LikeLike
Oh, Jodi. So heartbreaking. Loss is such a overwhelming emotion. I feel your loss. And your deep sadness. And yet, your expression of all that surrounds the end of your brother’s life and the hole in your life where he should be is beautifully written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mark. ❤
LikeLike
your words are beautifully spoken Jodi, heart breakingly sad – yet with an inner strength. When a family member chooses, to go no further in this life our sorrow is a deep thing. Slowly… it will heal. many many hugs with love, Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Debi. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’re welcome 🙂
LikeLike
Heartbreakingly beautiful, Jodi.
LikeLike
thank you george
LikeLike
Thinking of you, Jodi. Saddened by your loss, take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you effie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry for the pain you feel. Sending my thoughts and prayers and love to you ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you Ginger ❤
LikeLike
This is so beautifully written Jodi. Heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friend. 💛
LikeLike
Oh huge hugs Jodi. My sister would have been 50 a week ago, but her life did not end in the same circumstances but still tragic nonetheless. I hope your brother found his peace too. xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you kathryn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sending hugs, Jodi. I can’t think of any words… sorry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you tom
LikeLike
I’m so sorry, Jodi! Losing a loved one through suicide is such a horrible and complicated thing, and I so wish you didn’t have to go through it…. You are in my thoughts and prayers on this difficult day. I know that sounds so trite, but please know I how much I mean it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do Ann – and I thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jodi, Your poem really moved me. Sending you love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you very much carol
LikeLike
Pingback: Creative Inspiration in Food, Watercolor, Photography, Writing and Life in Between.
Pingback: Creative Inspiration in Food, Watercolor, Photography, Writing and Life in Between.
Pingback: Creative Inspiration in Food, Watercolor, Photography, Writing and Life in Between.
Jodi,
My heart is with you. Jim’s sister left her family and her friends at 57- many times, a permanent solution to a temporary situation. You have captured in words something we think and feel everyday. Thank you for sharing. Hugs to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person