With Gratitude

It is often difficult to find the blessings in one's grief, but one blessing that emerges is that our own grief calls us to be more compassionate toward others who are hurting.
Marva Dawn wrote a poem to a family that blessed her with compassionate understanding. It is entitled "With Gratitude."

You said,
"Call us, any time you need us,"
and I felt at home in your words,
I poured out my grief,
and you hugged me.
I told you my fears,
and you prayed that I would sleep protected.
I expressed my confusion,
and you helped me sort out the parts.
I tried to face my ugly self,
and you kept on caring.
I gave you my pain, and you gave me a kiss.
How can I thank you?
How do I express this awareness
that I have found a home in your love,
that I have been adopted in your grace?
It is like the Resurrection, promising life
and healing and hilarity.
It is just that Easter is incarnated in your care.