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Outside of This Reality

I dial Dad, in early morning. The youngest of three in her family, his birth-day twin, his cousin passed away. I look at the snow covered branches as the sun comes up, this side of heaven. Should my heart be heavy, tears streaming down? They’d only freeze at these temperatures, and slide down the slippery slope of my steep driveway. My grand wanted to escape his home, yesterday, but I couldn’t chance to end up in a ditch across the street. He flapped his wings to make an angel in the snow, but didn’t get enough time outside; I thought they’d wear him out; where did childhood go? I remember the feel of frozen cheeks, sledding down hills (he so wanted that!); can’t judge. Each household runs on its own steam of responsibility, but, oh, how I wish for him, he could have stayed out late, slipping and sliding, agape…how much do kids miss out today; why can’t they play outside of virtual reality. Oh, has Cousin J. been set free to fly in whatever way her heart desires? Hope so, and with my mom, and Aunt J. too; enjoying her rest. God bless!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 1/13/2025 8:59:00 PM
Very sensitive, and heartfelt. Yes, I miss more than a few as well, the older I get the longer my list. Life is too short in the prime. I will say a payer for your loved one passed on.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/14/2025 1:14:00 PM
I know what you mean! Each one goes through your mind, a list of all those relations you’ve known. J. talked about me as a baby, sitting on the bank’s counter, talking away. She couldn’t believe how many words I knew at a young age. God bless you, Joe!
Date: 1/13/2025 3:24:00 AM
One always feels sorry for those departed. I'm sure they are in heaven. God wants them there.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/14/2025 1:12:00 PM
We will all be on the other side one day! I will be happy to meet you in heaven. Doubt it will happen on earth. xoxo
Date: 1/12/2025 9:26:00 PM
I hope she is in a happy place. She sounds wonderful. I enjoy the tenderness in your poem.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/14/2025 1:10:00 PM
Her obituary was amazing! She was very crafty. Quoted: “ Her artistic abilities were recognized on a national level when she had the honor of making a state egg for the White House, a testament to her exquisite craftsmanship.”
Date: 1/12/2025 5:51:00 PM
I want you to know how sorry I am, Kim. When I'm going through a tough moment, I find that poetry, particularly the sort you've written, helps release my emotions and lifts my spirits. By doing so, you have allowed us to partake in the love and memories of the ones you have lost and to feel a part of their spirits. Best regards
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/14/2025 1:05:00 PM
I really appreciate your sentiments, dear friend! Hugs and blessings <3
Date: 1/12/2025 3:27:00 PM
My condolences, Kim. This is a very thoughtful and sincere look at him and shows such nostalgia as well
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/14/2025 1:04:00 PM
Thank you so much, sweet Andrea!
Date: 1/12/2025 1:45:00 PM
Losing loved ones hurts so much. Reflecting on the sunrise 'This side of heaven' one can only imagine that there is also a sunrise on the other side for them and that they are reunited. This world feels stranger to us as we lose loved ones here, as well as see the world that has changed so much, children not playing like they once did. I find that sad as well. Hugs to you and your family Kim. My heart goes out to you and those hurting right now with the loss of your dad's cousin.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/14/2025 1:04:00 PM
Surely there must be a spectacular sunrise on the other side of heaven. When I saw Notre Dame, before the fire, I said to myself, ‘Wow, and heaven is better than this?!’ Indeed, we have no idea! God bless!
Date: 1/12/2025 11:48:00 AM
- We often feel we don't have enough time... a heartbreaking poem, Kim - ("how much do kids miss out today; why can't they play" ... agree) - Rest in peace to your loved ones - hugs
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/14/2025 1:02:00 PM
Thank you, dear friend!
Date: 1/12/2025 2:15:00 AM
Really searching emotions Kim..' May you be Uplifted by the words of a stranger on these Musings.' May the Lord show you his knowledge Of your desire.'
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/12/2025 10:51:00 AM
Joe, you are uplifting! Thank you, dear one!
Date: 1/11/2025 9:29:00 PM
Condolences on losses... and intriguing musings on what kids miss out on today. Does it forever have to be that way? :) gw
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/12/2025 10:51:00 AM
Hope not! Thank you kindly, my friend!
Date: 1/11/2025 9:10:00 PM
Heartfelt condolences on on the loss of dear family members, Kim. Your poem is so touching and lovely. Blessings.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/12/2025 10:52:00 AM
I appreciate you, dear friend! Thank you, Evelyn!
Date: 1/11/2025 4:39:00 PM
God bless your father. Rest in peace. Sincere condolences dear Kim.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:53:00 PM
Thank you for thinking of my dad. That part of life especially poignant. He is 87 and is seeing so many die before him.
Date: 1/11/2025 12:12:00 PM
RIP to your loved ones. Condolences from my heart - I hope God blesses you in some small special way today - <3
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:50:00 PM
Thank you kindly, Paige.
Date: 1/11/2025 11:31:00 AM
My sincere condolences, Kim. I find poetry, especially the kind like you've just written to be cathartic and soul-lifting in times of loss or great stress. You've captured the heart and souls of those you've lost and shared their love and legacies with the rest of us and for that I thank you. Warm wishes, Terrell
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:48:00 PM
Thank you so much, Terrell!
Date: 1/11/2025 7:46:00 AM
Dear Kim, your verse is a captivating expression of grief for both the death of a loved one and for the grief for the loss of childhood freedom.. the kind of fun freedom we knew as children. Your imagery captures your thoughts and emotions soulfully and intimately. So sorry for your loss, dear poet. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:48:00 PM
Childhood was the best! Bless you, Susan
Date: 1/11/2025 7:28:00 AM
Colder than the snow, our hearts freeze when someone we love is gone and all that's left are memories of childhood- no turning back. I am with you Kim, in these mournful moments of your life. Sending you warm prayers. JCB
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:47:00 PM
Thank you, Jcb.
Date: 1/11/2025 6:54:00 AM
Alot going on in this poem. What struck me was the part about the kids of today, ie, why can't they play... outside? Yes get them in nature and away from the tv, parents!
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:47:00 PM
It is so fun to play out in the snow! My grand came over today and we stomped through the icy snow.
Date: 1/11/2025 6:49:00 AM
Well written and expressed. I can feel your words. My thoughts are with you. Take care. I hope you have a happy New Year. :)
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:46:00 PM
Thank you. Happy New Year, Heidi
Date: 1/11/2025 6:20:00 AM
People handle grief so differently... You expressed this in a very personal way with words that will be relatable to so many... Hope 2025 has started well for you..
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:45:00 PM
Thank you, dear friend.
Date: 1/11/2025 5:50:00 AM
Such bad weather to have a death in the family. I feel for you in your grief. I hope your area is thawing out now and you will be able to get out soon. We are at 34 degrees this morning so even the birdbaths were not frozen, but the wind is blowing, and it is cold out there. Still cloudy here with that dreary feel to the air but I thank God that we had no snow or ice. Sara K
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:45:00 PM
Thank you, Sara xx
Date: 1/11/2025 5:29:00 AM
i feel so sorry and sad for your father, this conveys time in a cul de sac, i think, only heart can relieve members of family in such memories, great poem that touched my soul
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/11/2025 7:42:00 PM
I loved reading her obituary. What an interesting lady. Thank you, Yann.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things