Journey of Hearts

The author of this poem, My Own Shining Star, Linda Drewes, sent along the following poem in the hopes "that somewhere, someone will gather some comfort from these words and know that they are not alone." They seemed very fitting for the holiday, for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones.  As Linda so poignantly shared, "No matter how many years go by, the loss of a child always stays fresh within your heart." To the shining stars out there.....

Christmas days are busy days
And follow one upon the other.
But still, my mind keeps wandering,
And the tears I cannot smother.

I often think of days gone by,
Of Christmases that have past.
Sometimes I can't remember, son
That we have shared our last.

The packages are gaily wrapped,
The Christmas cards are posted.
The tree is up, the tinsel strung,
The chestnuts have been roasted.

And once again I see you, my son,
But I know that you're not too far.
For there you are atop my tree,
My own, my shining star!

And as the darkness settles in
And the lights again are lit,
My mind, at last, is quite content
I see you from wherever I sit................always!
 
 

With all my love to my precious angel,  Mommy
 

© 1975 Linda Drewes

Linda Drewes lost a son in a drowing accident on April 1, 1968. She discovered Journey of Hearts thru a newspaper article in our hometown paper [which we are still trying to discover]. She writes, "No matter how many years go by, the loss of a child always stays fresh within your heart, and I thank you for this site."
She describes herself as "a soon to be (January) 60-year-old mother of four living children of my own, and step-mom to three others! We have 19 grandchildren, all of whom are dearly loved." She writes "you never forget what once was...............especially at this time of the year. The questions are always in your mind.......what would they be like now? How many kids would they have? What goals would he have attained in their lifetime?"
This poem was a way to put feelings on a page so that I would have them to look at in the years to come, and so that others could share my feelings...... in dealing with the first Christmas without my beloved son.
She sent the poem with the message:

I just hope that somewhere, someone will gather some comfort from these words and know that they are not alone. I want them to know that there are so many other Mothers and Fathers that know what they are going through, and share, not only their grief, but their feelings. My arms and my love reach out to each and every one of them. I not only share their grief......I only hope that I can also share their love too...............