Back Away from the Brink
Poem written after the death of my only child.41 total reviews
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Omigoodness.
First, my heartfelt prayers and condolences to you, Sandra. I just hate this tragedy happened to you.
But, second, I admire the way you have taken your talent for writing and expressing yourself and laid it out with such eloquence and understanding that anyone who reads this can find hope in the depths of their despair, too. You could have ensconced yourself into a cocoon and shut yourself off. Who could have blamed you? But, instead, you chose to be useful and helpful, generous and compassionate to everyone else. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that, because this piece touched me deeply.
And G-d bless your friend, Linda, who heard your heart and nurtured it back to health. She "loved you back to where she wanted you to be." No one is richer than someone who has a friend like that.
Seriously powerful writing, this one. xo
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2022
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Omigoodness.
First, my heartfelt prayers and condolences to you, Sandra. I just hate this tragedy happened to you.
But, second, I admire the way you have taken your talent for writing and expressing yourself and laid it out with such eloquence and understanding that anyone who reads this can find hope in the depths of their despair, too. You could have ensconced yourself into a cocoon and shut yourself off. Who could have blamed you? But, instead, you chose to be useful and helpful, generous and compassionate to everyone else. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that, because this piece touched me deeply.
And G-d bless your friend, Linda, who heard your heart and nurtured it back to health. She "loved you back to where she wanted you to be." No one is richer than someone who has a friend like that.
Seriously powerful writing, this one. xo
Comment Written 25-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2022
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Thank you, Dear Rachelle, for your words of comfort and support. It is an ongoing journey. One never really heals. There's just a scab over the wound so one can keep functioning in the living world. I appreciate your kind words and generous rating.
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Totally deserved.
My brother committed suicide at age 25. I agree that it's a never-ending journey. A scab is the best it ever gets. xo
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Thank you! Sorry, about your brother. Whew! That's a hard, hard grief to survive. One always thinks one could have prevented that death, but in reality, if someone wants to die, he or she will find a way.
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You are 100 percent right.
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I am sorry.
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Thank you. xo
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Danke Schon!
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bitte schon!!
Comment from BethShelby
This is a beautifully written but heart-wrenching free verse poem. I can only imagine the heartbreak of losing a young adult only child. I lost my first child, but I was young and able to have other children. I get your point. Life can be brutal and other things can trigger the desire to find comfort in the idea of death. I'm glad you had a friend that cared enough to pull you back from the brink. We all need a friend such as Linda.
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
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This is a beautifully written but heart-wrenching free verse poem. I can only imagine the heartbreak of losing a young adult only child. I lost my first child, but I was young and able to have other children. I get your point. Life can be brutal and other things can trigger the desire to find comfort in the idea of death. I'm glad you had a friend that cared enough to pull you back from the brink. We all need a friend such as Linda.
Comment Written 26-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
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Indeed, everyone needs a Linda. Thank you for reading my poem and for rating it.
Comment from Cindy Decker 2
Sandra,
Your exceptional account of this tragedy, and your subsequent 'healing' is inspirational to people.
You're so fortunate to have a compassionate friend--one who loved you enough to help you and give you compassion.
I've had some breakdowns myself, with family or a family pet to help me recover. But nothing like your devoted friend. (Though my family did everything they could to help--they have families of their own).
My last suicide attempt was a violent one, through physical therapy and nurses, I got better. The whole attempt was so painful, I do not let myself think of suicide as an option).
Sorry to have ranted on about me; it's just that I'm not completely healed emotionally.
I hope you thrive in your life and cherish all the good things about your beautiful daughter.
Good luck with your powerful entry,
Blessings,
Cindy
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
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Sandra,
Your exceptional account of this tragedy, and your subsequent 'healing' is inspirational to people.
You're so fortunate to have a compassionate friend--one who loved you enough to help you and give you compassion.
I've had some breakdowns myself, with family or a family pet to help me recover. But nothing like your devoted friend. (Though my family did everything they could to help--they have families of their own).
My last suicide attempt was a violent one, through physical therapy and nurses, I got better. The whole attempt was so painful, I do not let myself think of suicide as an option).
Sorry to have ranted on about me; it's just that I'm not completely healed emotionally.
I hope you thrive in your life and cherish all the good things about your beautiful daughter.
Good luck with your powerful entry,
Blessings,
Cindy
Comment Written 26-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
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Dearest Cindy,
Thank you for your words of support. Thank you for reading and rating my poem. But more importantly, thank you for sharing your journey towards emotional and mental health. We all need someone to confide in, someone to keep us away from the BRINK. I have Linda, but I am more than willing to listen to you and support you if you will allow me too. I hope you thrive in your life and cherish all the good things about you. I hope you use your writing as I do, as a cathartic tool to regain better emotional and mental health days.
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Thank you so much,Sandra. Your poignant story made me want to open up about my issues. I appreciate the shoulder you offered. Some day soon I might be able to open up about my attempt.
In the meantime I will enjoy your long-distance friendship and your touching writing.
Afa,
Cindy. 😊
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Best wishes to you!
Comment from jessizero
I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad your friend Linda was there for you when you needed someone so badly. Your poem was sad, but beautiful. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad your friend Linda was there for you when you needed someone so badly. Your poem was sad, but beautiful. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Thank you for words of kindness and support. I appreciate you reading and rating my poem.
Comment from Brian Grimes
I started crying as soon as I realized what this poem is about. It is written so beautifully and with so much emotion. I can feel your pain through my screen as strongly as the love of your friend. I have no words for your loss, only appreciation that you were able to share this with the world.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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I started crying as soon as I realized what this poem is about. It is written so beautifully and with so much emotion. I can feel your pain through my screen as strongly as the love of your friend. I have no words for your loss, only appreciation that you were able to share this with the world.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Thank you for your words of support and kindness. Reading and rating my poem are the added bonus. We all just want to be heard.
Comment from Carlos' girl
This is an excellent free verse on the pain you endured with the loss of your child. I can only imagine the pain. I have been brought to the brink myself and I had my Linda who accompanied me back to sanity.
Really well done. Thank you
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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This is an excellent free verse on the pain you endured with the loss of your child. I can only imagine the pain. I have been brought to the brink myself and I had my Linda who accompanied me back to sanity.
Really well done. Thank you
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Thank you for your words of support and kindness. Reading and rating my poem are the added bonus. We all just want to be heard, and God knows we all need Linda's in our lives.
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I am sorry for your loss.
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Thank you! I am sorry for your pain and hope you stay mentally well.
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That which does not kill us makes us stronger, Sandra.
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Not always, sometimes it breaks a person and let them walk broken among us trying to break others.
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You are right. It is terrible when that happens.
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Sad to say.
Comment from Carol Clark2
My sympathies and prayers for comfort in the loss of your daughter. We lost our grandson at 8 months, and we experienced many of the emotions your described in your writing. I'm glad you now are able to write about this deep pain, and I hope this process provides you a measure of comfort and peace. Blessings. Carol
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2022
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My sympathies and prayers for comfort in the loss of your daughter. We lost our grandson at 8 months, and we experienced many of the emotions your described in your writing. I'm glad you now are able to write about this deep pain, and I hope this process provides you a measure of comfort and peace. Blessings. Carol
Comment Written 22-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2022
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Thank you for your words of support. Yes, writing for me is cathartic. I still have my moments...i.e...her birthday, the death day, Christmas and Mother's Day. She died the month of Mother's Day. However, I am better. I appreciate you reading and rating my poem.
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You're welcome, Sandra. Those special dates are always the hardest days to get through. Prayers and blessings. Carol
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Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from Theodore McDowell
What a gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and sad poem. I am so sorry for your loss. The poem is authentic and honest without finding false comfort. Very well done.
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2022
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What a gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and sad poem. I am so sorry for your loss. The poem is authentic and honest without finding false comfort. Very well done.
Comment Written 22-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2022
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Thank you for your words of support. This poem is all you have said. It is only in the past 5 years I am able to read it at poetry slams without getting emotional.
Comment from dragonpoet
Sandra,
This is a well told story of loss and grief. Some say the hardest thing to survive. You have a good friend who showed true love and friendship to keep you alive during that time you were at the brink. It also gives hope to those going through it that they, too, can come out the other side. I hope the vast majority think backing away is the best option.
I can see it is losing a piece of the future to the family.
Keep writing and stay healthy.
joan
reply by the author on 19-Jun-2022
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Sandra,
This is a well told story of loss and grief. Some say the hardest thing to survive. You have a good friend who showed true love and friendship to keep you alive during that time you were at the brink. It also gives hope to those going through it that they, too, can come out the other side. I hope the vast majority think backing away is the best option.
I can see it is losing a piece of the future to the family.
Keep writing and stay healthy.
joan
Comment Written 19-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 19-Jun-2022
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Thank you for the words of support, reading and rating my poem.
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No problem, Sandra.
Joan
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Thanks!
Comment from Frances Jean
A well written piece but how achingly sad! What devastation yet with the help and support of your friend you have endured the loss and heartbreak. There was a time when I thought I would lose my daughter to drug addiction and it was an unendurable period in my life. Enjoy your life now. You are strong. Thankyou for sharing. Hugs Franky
reply by the author on 19-Jun-2022
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A well written piece but how achingly sad! What devastation yet with the help and support of your friend you have endured the loss and heartbreak. There was a time when I thought I would lose my daughter to drug addiction and it was an unendurable period in my life. Enjoy your life now. You are strong. Thankyou for sharing. Hugs Franky
Comment Written 19-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 19-Jun-2022
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Thank you for your words of support, reading and rating my poem. I am glad your daughter is doing better.
