Geese flying over my place form a wobbly “V”.
They call out to one another as they go and remind me that we all need help to hold it together.
I imagine that the stragglers in the flock want to give up.
Even instinct is not enough to overcome exhaustion.
I see it in my goat herd too. Wandering from weed to weed one or two inevitably miss the cue to move forward because their heads are down when the rest move on.
My favorite doe looks up and realizes she is alone. She bellows, begging the others to let her know which way to go.
Alone is hard.
Alone is scary.
And alone leaves me vulnerable to attack.
Every one of us, even the introverts and the boldly solitary, need to know that we are not really alone.
Left to myself, I’d give up. But with help, I can go on.
I’m so thankful I am not alone in this journey.
Not thankful that others know the pain of burying a child, but thankful that in our mutual loss and sorrow, we come together and cry “Courage” to one another.
I know when my race is through the ones who journeyed with me will be a huge reason I made it across the finish line.
That’s why I’m here.
That’s why I keep showing up.
Writing every day is a challenge. Sometimes the words are hard to find. But I’m committed to continue calling out as long as I have breath.
You. are. not. alone.
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thelifeididntchoose 
I hear you calling and love you for it x
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Melanie, thank you so much for sharing your pain with the other bereaved parents💕. For calling out to us to have courage.(I need that!) I’m sure writing the blog at times must be emotionally draining. Many sleepless nights I’ve searched my email to see if you have posted your blog. Many of nights you have written just the right words. You just have a gift, that brings so much comfort. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your blog💕 I pray blessings and comfort for you and your family many a nights! I hope one day you can put your writings in a book. I would be first in line to buy it. I’m sure it would become well worn, and stay on the top of the books stacked on my nightstand. Thank you so much, and I’m so sorry for your loss of your beautiful son, Dominic 💕
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You are my daily courage.
Thankyou.
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Melanie,
Thank you for your courage to continue writing every day. The words you post are full of comfort, community and for always pointing to Christ and the hope we have of eternity where there are no more tears. Some days you and I are tracking in a similar place in the waves of grief. Others the Lord uses you to remind of His goodness and trustworthiness when I am feeling abandoned by Him.
I am grateful that a grieving mom pointed me to your sight a year or so ago. We lost our son, Kent, around the same time you lost Dominic, when he chose to end his life.
I pray for encouragement for you as well as refreshment daily from the Lord.
In Christ Alone.
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I am so glad I found your blog! Thank you!
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Your words of wisdom in your sorrow are a great comfort to us all. Oftentimes the words you speak are words in my heart as well. Yes, together we can be strong even when I feel like giving up. Death shattered everything I thought I believed and I know I can’t stop believing because He has brought me this far. The darkness is so thick sometimes but I am holding onto the Light of the world to carry me through. Death hasn’t won. It’s just hard. Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season. Thank you, Melanie, for sharing your heart’s cry while missing your dear son, Dominic.
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Yes, Anna. Death is strong but not stronger that the Light of the Love of Jesus Christ. I am so very thankful both for those who journey with me and for that great promise. One day our work will be through and we will join our children. Hallelujah! Amen!
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Dear Melanie – We lost our son nearly one year ago on December 31, 2015. I found your writing early on during this long, sad journey and you have touched my heart. I cannot tell you how many times you have given voice to my thought and feelings… things I wish I could say. I have shared quite a few of your posts. As I sit here tonight, unable to sleep, dreading the next several days, and wondering how I am going to survive the holidays and the anniversary of his death, I once again found comfort in your words. It’s almost like you somehow knew I was struggling, and you reached out a hand to help me up. Out of the darkness, your voice cried out, “Courage!” Tears are streaming down my face as I write this. Thank you, thank you for your bravery and for sharing your heart, soul and faith. May God bless you and keep you…
~Marianne Thouret
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Marianne, I am so very sorry for your loss and your pain. This is a hard journey. I’m thankful that you know there are others who will walk with you, others who will encourage your wounded heart to keep going. I pray that the Lord will make Himself very present to you in these next days-days of remembrance and days of dread of remembering. May you hear Him singing love, grace and mercy over your heart.
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Thank you for your loving and encouraging words. You give me hope.
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Roger, you do the same with your blog. Thank you.
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