Richard Lamoureux | + Follow Poet |
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Discovering Forever

When you gave me your news
The sides of my mouth rose in a maniacal grin
Was this some kind of cruel joke
Blood rushed away from my brain
Leaving me feeling faint
I could not comprehend
The possibility 
The reality
Of your mortality
It was like it was happening to me
"How could this be happening to me!"
You have always been here
I know you are not going anywhere soon
But this forces me to see
None of us is here forever
So I will not take you for granted
I will celebrate each moment of our laughter
I will fill up the storehouse of my memories
I will be the giver and receiver of hugs
Smiles will adorn my lips
Still, I will not be afraid of my tears
Today
Yes today
This very day 
I will scream
Scream out my anguish
Scream until I release my inner sadness
Until I am endowed with your strength
For you do not allow yourself to wither in pity
You dance
You celebrate what is
Not what is lost
You do what needs to be done
You prepare for battle with a warrior's heart
The blood you have given me
Pumps from my heart
Back to my brain
To my eyes that see you
To my ears that love hearing you
To my hands that enjoy your familiar touch
To my tongue that never tires of talking to you
All the parts of me that fully enjoy
Our time
One day there will be a time beyond us
Yet that time is not now
So for now I will  love you
I will appreciate the gift of you
When your time arrives
There is a part of you that will stay with me
The part that I will carry with me
To guide me along my own finite path
Until the time I bring it back to you
into the next world
The place that we will discover
Once and for always
That there is 
indeed 
Forever!

Copyright © Richard Lamoureux | Year Posted 2015

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Gerald Dillenbeck Date: 5/24/2015 9:48:00 PM There is indeed forever's fare-well; not so much good-bye. I too feel like you (once again) found the words I did not express as successfully to a specific special loss within this shared space and time. Finding language for our critical events is such a richly generous gift of actively engaging peace. Namaste. Login to Reply

Constance La France Date: 5/23/2015 8:21:00 AM Richard, your poem brought me to tears, this was me when the doctors told me my mother would die in the next few days, I had all those emotions also but I did the same, found the courage to face it, and I also kept the best part of her forever in my heart, a beautiful 7, and thanks for visiting my poem, my poetic flowers and for the help, much appreciated Login to Reply Constance La France Date: 5/23/2015 9:45:00 AM Oh Richard, I am so sorry, I will pray for your mother for sure, mothers are precious gems xoxo Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/23/2015 9:09:00 AM I think my mom's story will have a positive outcome. Please send a prayer her way.

Laura Breidenthal Date: 5/20/2015 6:29:00 AM This is so incredibly heartfelt and beautiful...I feel the pain.. I feel the anguish...and I feel most importantly, the love.. truly a treasure to read Richard. You always are.. Always, Laura Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/20/2015 8:55:00 AM You are kind Laura.

Monterey Sirak Date: 5/17/2015 9:37:00 AM This is so emotional and honest. No one wants to ever face the fact that our parents are mortal. Everything is a learning experience that moves us toward where God wants us to be. There are blessings to be found in every situation. Love and prayers to you and your mom. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/17/2015 9:43:00 AM Thanks Monterey, that is so true.

Paul Callus Date: 5/17/2015 8:54:00 AM Knowing that she is "not going anywhere soon" is a relief, Richard. But the shock and realization of the gravity of a situation are enough to make us think of today and tomorrows. Nothing on earth is forever, that is why we have to make the most of what and who we have. May this expressive poem inspire many of those who take things for granted. I am touched my friend. God bless you both. // paul Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/17/2015 9:13:00 AM Thanks Paul, we are praying for a full recovery but in the end it is in God's hands.

John Lawless Date: 5/16/2015 10:36:00 PM Richard, I have been through these times too often. Thank you for this wonderful poem and its message of forever's hope. I will copy it to give to a few of my friends as their roads are presently troubled. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/17/2015 7:41:00 AM I hope it will offer your friends some comfort. Thanks for your kind words.

Arthur Vaso Date: 5/16/2015 9:19:00 PM Aside from this is a beautiful poem you have my heartfelt support! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/17/2015 7:41:00 AM Much appreciated my friend.

Kp Nunez Date: 5/16/2015 7:35:00 PM Before I reached the end of your poem, I looked in hope to find the disclaimer. It wasn't there. If I understand it right, this is indeed the most devastating news a son can receive. A powerful poem which speaks of the forever beautiful love you can enjoy while the loved one is still around. You are both blessed. Hugs! Kim Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 8:44:00 PM I expect mom to make a full recovery yet it does create pause for reflection. Thanks for your thoughtful response to my poem. Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 8:43:00 PM I expect mom to make a full recovery yet it does create pause for reflection. Thanks for your thoughtful response to my poem.

Alexis Y. Date: 5/16/2015 6:56:00 PM What a heart felt poem.Allowing the reader to sense your love and agony.-Alexis Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 8:44:00 PM Thanks Alexis

Jan Allison Date: 5/16/2015 5:02:00 PM My heart sank when I read this poem Richard - I encountered the same kind of emotions when I discovered my father was ill - it hits you like a sledgehammer. Stay strong my friend - my thoughts and prayers are with you all:-) Hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 8:45:00 PM Mom is a strong women so I am sure she will be triumphant.

Robert Nehls Date: 5/16/2015 1:24:00 PM Hi Richard. What a blessing you have given us with this poem. Open, honest and revealing of your feelings. It seems that you have given them all to this poem and chosen to share them with us. This will be one that I will want to reread and share with others. A 7 and a favorite. Be strong my friend and God be with you.... Robert. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 8:47:00 PM Thanks so much Robert.

Mama Bear Date: 5/16/2015 12:28:00 PM Thank you also for the wonderful tribute and know that I feel your pain and remember that it is all for a reason. Love Mom Login to Reply Mama Bear Date: 5/16/2015 10:08:00 PM No need for anxiety It is all in God's hands and He is the great healer so will let Him do what needs to be done Good to hear your voice today Much love Mom Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 8:48:00 PM Seeing you in good spirits has helped alleviate some of the anxiety. Love ya!

Mama Bear Date: 5/16/2015 12:26:00 PM thank you for your words of love and support through my journey I am blessed to have such a wonderful family who is here when I need them. Though you are not here on Ontario I know you are totally with me and know your love and caring for me.I know that God has brought me to this place for a reason and that all will be well in the end. Much love to you for your caring and the emotional support. I am truly blessed Love Mom Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 8:48:00 PM I am a blessed son as well.

Tim Smith Date: 5/16/2015 11:20:00 AM Such truth..... Cherish the ones you love because tomorrow isn't promised Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 8:50:00 PM So true Tim.

Eileen Manassian Date: 5/16/2015 9:37:00 AM So sad.....so beautiful....so true....amazing. Hugs Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/16/2015 9:42:00 AM Thanks Eileen, it is so important not to take people for granted.