Reflections about Loss
Carol A. Hand
When you change
what remains
of the friends who used to be?
*
Slipping away like shifting sand
you’ll simply need to understand
learning graciously to set them free
***
***
Things are not the same
but there’s no one to blame
so there’s no need for an apology
*
Although each loss brings sorrow
may you rise again tomorrow
open to new adventures yet to be
***
Voices from the Margins 
A wise and reassuring perspective on the changing nature of friends and friendship, Carol. I call it “The Friend Ship” – you attract and release friends through the course of your life. How to do it smoothly and with grace is the challenge many of us face.
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Such a lovely way to describe shifting “Friend Ships,” Cynthia. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and kindness. ❤
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Carol, wise words in a world of changing friendships. The first time this happens it can be hard to accept, not to find blame but the gift to friendships and ourselves is ‘learning graciously to set them free’. I love the positive final line of finding new adventures – I’m all for that! 😀❤️ ps. I’m taken with Cynthia’s ‘Friend Ship’ idea – I’ll keep that in mind.
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Annika, it’s such a gift to hear from you. Thank you so much for sharing such wise insights, and for your kind words as well. Sending my best wishes to you. 🙂 ❤
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Completely relate to this
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Thank you so much for your affirming comment, Candice. Sending my best wishes to you. ❤
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Carol, I’m currently undergoing such a change. It’s an uncertain time. Scary. I’m open to whatever “new adventures [are] yet to be.”
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Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Rosaliene. Loss of dear friends is scary and painful. Sending you love and hugs. May your new adventures bring joy and laughter. ❤
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Nature is what takes me out of this world. Thankyou
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Thank you so much for sharing such an important insight about the healing presence of nature in your life, Pritam. 🙂
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Wonderful considerations, reflecting the sense of nature, dear Carol!
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Dear Maria, thank you so much for your lovely comment. ❤
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🙂
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That empty sense of loss… beautifully redeemed in your poem, Carol.
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Thank you so much for sharing such thoughtful insights, Bette, and for your kind words. ❤
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Ah, the power of detachment that allows one to “lose” family or friendship yet not plunge into sorrow from a self-centered and expectation base. Indeed, let them go free.
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Serendipity that I would think to seek you out and find this poem. It’s been a few years. Glad to see you’re still writing and teaching. Looking forward to reading your work more regularly.
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Thank you so much for your lovely, thoughtful comments, Skywalker. Sending my best wishes to you. ❤
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Beautiful poem Carol, love it! Indeed we have to learn to graciously let people and relationships go , Sometimes the closed doors pave the way and need for new doors.
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Thank you so much for your kind and lovely comments, Sana. Sending my best wishes to you. ❤
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Despite the fact I learned the lesson so young, at some partings, it feels as if I am having to learn it all over again.
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Thank you for sharing such important insights about the recurring need to deal with the sorrow of each new loss, Léa. ❤
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Very true, thanks for sharing
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, TIMIBI. ❤
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A widom filled and thought
– provoking. share. Very lovely and heartfelt!
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful, lovely comments, AOC. ❤
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