As the anniversary of Dale’s passing approached, the “lasts” grew vivid. Remembering the evening I last heard his voice was the most painful. His exuberant presence had always filled a room; his absence created a cavern.
A loved one described it well: “There’s such gone-ness.”
That sense of void dominated my early days of grieving.
I had thought that the many losses of the previous decade would prepare me for this final one. With each disease-related change, there was an aspect of Dale that I missed. I had learned to live with absence amid presence.
But there was no preparation for the final loss: Complete absence. Emptiness. “Gone-ness.”
There were times when the darkness and emptiness seemed total…when the absence felt too much to bear. I missed him—every version of him. I still do. However, now I see that throughout these months, I have been accompanied. Although the emptiness felt complete, it never was. There was presence amid absence.
That presence was Love expressed in countless ways, shining light in the darkness. Again and again, Love appeared: through warm hugs, thoughtful gifts, and caring messages. Each one made a difference, and even the memories of them now lift my heart. Love came through music shared among family and friends, through visits and trips with loved ones. Love appeared through nature’s beauties and daily wonders. The miraculous camellia in full bloom despite winter’s chill portrayed Love’s enduring presence. Even a feisty little wren couple nesting in a birdhouse that had been empty for years provided signs of life and hope to me.
Recently as I was drifting off to sleep, I experienced one more. It was as if I knew deeply—just for a few seconds—that Dale’s love was with me and a part of me. Neither a touch nor a whisper, but something as gentle as those, it was as if his warmth and his smile were wrapped within me in a deep, abiding presence.
For this precious gift and for all the expressions of Love’s presence and light amid the darkness of grief, I give unending thanks. Truly: “So faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13
Images and Reflections 
Beautiful, poignant, and profound! The paradox of absence amid presence and presence amid absence is bearable because love permeates both the absence and the presence. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kenneth! So beautifully summarized!
LikeLike
I’m glad you have that love! Thanks for writing.
LikeLike
Thank you, Elyce! You are a source of that love, and I am grateful for our friendship!
LikeLike
Keep writing!
LikeLike
Thank you, Elyce!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Shifting Margins and commented:
The absence of loved ones is keenly felt during this season when presence with family and friends dominants expectations and schedules. Yet, Advent/Christmas is about Presence amid Absence as God enters the darkness and absence in the form of Incarnate Love. Norma Sessions beautifully captures the essence of that comforting presence amid haunting absence.
LikeLike
Wonderful and heartwarming to read your comments. Although I have not experienced the loss of a spouse, I did lose my dad this fall in much the same way you lost Dale…except that Dad was 101 when he went to be with Mom again. My daughter died 8 years ago. She visits me in many different ways, but my favorite is a vividly pink sunset. They always make me smile even if a little tear crawls into the corner of my eye. Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Barbara, for reading and commenting. Bless you as you grieve your dad’s passing and sense your dear daughter’s presence. Merry Christmas to you as well!
LikeLike