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Gone - Now What?

The Unnecessary Line

By Julie LacksonenPublished about 22 hours ago โ€ข Updated about 19 hours ago โ€ข 1 min read
Gone - Now What?
Photo by Jennie Razumnaya on Unsplash

That awkward moment...

What to do when someone has lost a loved one.

Cards don't seem sufficient.

Flowers fade.

Presents may leave a painful reminder.

Words fail.

"Let me know if you need anything."

Ugh. Can you return my loved one?

While all of these gestures are appreciated,

A long, comforting hug is most gratifying.

The bright, warm sunshine reflected his cheerful disposition.

Make sure your hug is:

Caring without council

Supportive without scrutiny

Timely, when doubts may arise about future lovability.

Memorable, meaningful.

Don't stop at one hug. Offer freely every time you meet.

Not into hugs? Suck it up! This isn't for you.

Someone else needs this from you.

You may need a hug in the future.

*

To Will Norris, may you rest in peace.

Free Verseinspirationalsad poetry

About the Creator

Julie Lacksonen

Julie has been a music teacher at a public school in Arizona since 1987. She enjoys writing, reading, walking, swimming, and spending time with family.

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Comments (9)

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  • Jess Boyesabout an hour ago

    Beautiful ๐Ÿคฉ

  • Kelli Sheckler-Amsdenabout 5 hours ago

    what a beautifully love filled poem. Even your unnecessary line was touching. Great job

  • Love it

  • It starts with love. . . Love everyone. No one goes to hell. Heaven is in the Heart of Love.๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒน

  • Dharrsheena Raja Segarranabout 18 hours ago

    A hug truly can convey so much. Loved this!

  • Michelle Liew Tsui-Linabout 20 hours ago

    Grief is probably one of the hardest emotions to express. But you did so here, beautifully and respectfully. A great one, Julie.

  • Susan Paytonabout 20 hours ago

    You are so right, with the words expressed in this poem. I realize everyone means well and I have taken it that way, but in reality, especially when you loose a child. My son was murdered at 44 years of age, in 2015, and the words, "Sorry for your loss", I am afraid fall dreadfully short. Thanks for writing this, Julie.

  • Wonderful expression, and the unnecessary line belongs there

  • Sandy Gillmanabout 22 hours ago

    I never know what to say to people in these situations. Next time, I'll just remember the hug ๐Ÿ˜€

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