“For those who love, there is no escape from grief.”

On October 22, 1967 Rabbi Olan spoke to his radio audience about a difficult topic: the inevitability of loss and the helpful role that grieving can play in our lives.

I have often thought about how we are shaped by the love of family and friends. Until reading this sermon, I had not considered how deeply our lives are also shaped by the experience of grief. He was right, of course. We are the culmination of all our loves and all our losses. And just as “Love really never dies,” grief never fully goes away.

“It is often said that time heals all wounds of the heart. This is true only in a small measure. Time does not heal, it merely deepens our sense of loss. In time we sense the real loss and the unrelieved pain. The truth is that we are never the same after that. Our laughter is different, our eagerness is subdued.”

We each must face losses. Where will the journey of grief take us? Perhaps to a new level of maturity in life. Perhaps to a new level of maturity in faith.

May we always remember with gratitude (and with grace) those who have shown us love. May we also always remember THE LORD God, who has blessed us first with the gift of loved ones, then with abiding memories to keep them close to heart.

*Written by Tim Binkley*

In memory of Donald E. Binkley (Dad, d. December 14, 2020) and Carolyn F. Binkley (Mom, d. December 2, 2021)