Today I learned about two deaths in the family. One, was taken by the virus we are all fearing these day and the other passed in an accident.

She was full of the kind of ganas that few people have for life and living. I do not think I ever saw her without a wide and beautiful contagious smile. She survived cancer twice and those scares gave her the courageous to take on this deadly virus called COVID 19. She fought it as long as she could and passed away all alone. This is the first close up and personal case I have heard of among friends and family members.

I been thinking a lot about the AFTERLIFE and what is is that happens when we leave this dimension. I have been thinking of the family members who have passed on, some for decades now. I think about these things not to be morbid or obsessive but because I suppose numbers matter and as of yesterday 138.000 souls are somewhere on another plane. Some not able to say goodbye to their loved ones.

So I did what I always do I write to alleviate the pain and to help me cope with the reality we are all facing this year. We will all know someone who knew someone with COVID and who lost the fight. It is worse when the person is someone in the family.

The other family member was younger, full of dreams. A former military man returning from a final tour. He had just relocated and was looking forward to a new job. His mother visited him this week to help him get organized and all moved into his new house. He went out to get take out and five minutes later he was killed instantly in a vehicle accident. A drunk driver impacted his motorcycle.

Two people died two days apart. One never imagined what destiny had planned. The other although on a ventilator hoped she would make it. But once again hope and praying just did not seem to be enough.

Here is my poem to help family deal with these horrible events. if you have been coping with a similar situation please share your thoughts. I always love to get your feedback. Please stay safe.

How Many More?

A rhetorical question, maybe.

Sadness stared me right in the face last night.

I could feel the heartache and pain from far away.

Grief and sorrow walked down two different paths;

Each taking a loved one to a place where forever is a stay.

Sorrow never stands alone.

Woe wails loud and clear,

when sadness comes with the loss of someone dear.

Grief pierces our hearts and I wonder if it even cares.

We can only hope that death is not proud of what it does.

How many more?

Only God knows.

In the meantime, let us remember them all

and pray that their memories are blessings.