Grief, bereavement, mourning, and loss: the merest of words, without effect or consequence until such time that their association, their meaning, become personal in spirit and condition. At that moment, when beset by the suffocating gloom of life's raven-shrouded desolation, we require no encyclopedic explanation, no scientific analysis, no clinician's assessment, no psychiatric or psychological treatise, but the heart of love and the soul of compassion to tenderly assist us through that blackest night. It is neither a journey to be taken lightly nor willingly, yet an unavoidable path that we each must travel; a path that we are destined to follow: either alone, or with God.

We well may assist one another along the way; indeed, we should, for how much lighter the burden if shared with another of compassionate soul and caring heart. Alas, how few wish to make the commitment required, for in order to alleviate another's pain, we must first be willing to partake of it. We must open our fragile heart, and allow it to break. Otherwise, we do little more than mouth meaningless platitudes of which there is no end, and from which arise no tangible benefits.

Shall I share with you the pain that accompanies the loss of one deeply loved? You would be better served to ask a new mother to characterize the indescribable pain of childbirth, or, perhaps, the man suffering with kidney stones to detail the horrific sensations which accompany the slightest movement of the minuscule object which rends and tears as it winds its way to freedom. Regardless of the eloquence of either individual, you will find yourself none the wiser. In order to truly understand the pain associated with each condition, you must experience it on a personal level. And once the unimaginable achieves reality, you will no longer pursue such a line of inquiry. The answers, descriptions, and definitions will become exceedingly clear, yet the intellectual clarity achieved will prove of little satisfaction, and of no intrinsic value in assisting you through that longest night.

Would you feel better if I told you that it is typical to experience denial, anger, depression, and self-blame at such a time? I think not. To advise me that I am suffering from a terminal illness, and to follow that declaration with a scholarly analysis of said disease will avail little in providing the comfort, consolation, and hope that I will seek upon receipt of such dire tidings.

I invite you to accompany me, hand-in-hand, along that lonely path which leads to understanding, peace, and healing. There are no shortcuts; no quick fixes; no easy solutions. It is a journey that we may make together, sharing our tears and fears along the way; or it is a melancholic pilgrimage that we may make alone. Join me and we shall visit that place where hope never dies, compassion never sleeps, and love is, indeed, eternal.

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We invite you to share your pain and sorrow; your doubts and fears; your hopes and aspirations; and your love of our Lord by clicking on the A Love Eternal Guestbook button which follows.

If, upon the conclusion of your voyage into the harbors and havens of A Love Eternal, you discover that, in some small measure, you have been blessed by your pilgrimage, and, arises thereafter the desire to share your experiences with another (others), who may draw comfort and consolation from the tranquillity of these placid waters, we invite you so to do and thank you for your time, your kindness, and your consideration.

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