Saturday, September 5, 2009

Beneath the Sweet Gum Tree...

Years ago I went to an estate auction, amongst a pile of treasure I acquired was an old Redwing boot box full of poky balls. I had no clue what plant they came from and have asked several people over the years. I figured they would be great for some kind of craft or decor. The only thing I've managed to do with some of the poky balls is put an ornament hook in, spray paint them ivory, then with gold dust and hang them on "my little tree" at Christmas time. We have since found the source of "the poky balls" they are from the Sweet Gum Tree. Jon did a bunch of Sweet Gum research. They are a southern tree and have some of the most brilliant fall colors, golds, reds, and purples. We have a new found love for the Sweet Gum Tree...
Beneath the Sweet Gum Tree...
We stepped out of the auto on a cool crisp day
with sunken hearts, walked to where they lay
not noticing the crunch beneath our feet
not wanting that this would be how we meet
born silently on a September day
hopes and dreams have slipped away
our girl child, her heart is broken
wound so fresh, no healing words can be spoken
they both kneel and touch the earth
recounting the moments of their birth
he holds her close, and they weep
they know only the Lord can heal a hurt so deep
as we leave we look around
we pick the poky balls from off the ground
we know these, there is comfort in the familiar
a bit of soothing to know the tree is there
a year of learning to live with out
clinging to the Father...releasing doubt
they visit today on bended knee
and water the ground beneath the Sweet Gum Tree.
~Jody Blue
In memory of...
Alex & Ben
poky balls from their Sweet Gum Tree
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http://www.tttsfoundation.org/
twin to twin transfusion syndrome website
http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is an organization of photographers that offers their service free of charge. They take photos of babies born silently so that Mama's and Daddy's can have something to remember. The music(a very heart touch song can be heard when you click the "about NILMDTS" tab) and stories and photos(our work tab then stories tab) on this website capture very bitter sweet moments in the most respectful and precious manor. I leave you with this little saying found on the web sight...

There is no foot too small
that it cannot leave an imprint
on this WORLD

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh honey child! That was beautiful! Won't it be fun to see them in Heaven?!
Barb

Brenda said...

That was a beautiful poem, and tribute.

Tami said...

What a beautiful post and tribute to your grandbabies. Do you think they are playing with Hopee? I know God's wisdom is beyond my understanding, and I accept that. Sometimes it is just hard. There is no easy button in grief.

Helvey Happenings said...

Thank you for that, Mom. It was so special. Thank you for remembering our baby boys.

Anonymous said...

I share your feelings, my neice lost her baby boy at birth. What a beautiful poem Jody, Thank you for sharing.

Knitting Mania said...

Just wanted to stop by and say thanks for your visit the other day.

Nice checking out your blog...

DayPhoto said...

Those are the stickiest hard to distroy seed pods in the world. You did well with them.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

You poem is amazing!

Bev said...

Your poem is the most hauntingly beautiful thing...God Bless.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Jody this was a beautiful post. If you ever need any more pokey balls (we call them gum balls) I have plenty to share! blessings, marlene