Washing Out the Gray (poem) by Cryssa C on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on November 17, 2008

You are right too when you say that whole isn't the same as complete.
A body may look whole from the outside but is merely an empty shell.
Brendan is in heaven, perhaps playing with my Joshua. His tiny body was found in a dump, shoe lace round his neck but he lives, the eternal part of him is alive and well as he lives out his eternal destiny, set out from the loving heart of his creator.
Thank you so much for this poem.

Reviewed by Jerry Engler

Reviewed on April 10, 2008

True poetry in words as well as in the color of the words. Very touching, very poignant....jerry

Reviewed by Bonnie May

Reviewed on April 9, 2008

Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem and your experiences. Absolutely heart touching. Love, Bonnie

Reviewed by Kathy Armijo

Reviewed on April 8, 2008

Oh, Cryssa ... let me begin by saying the beauty of your words coupled with the changing color of the font make for a beautiful depiction of how one life [regardless of its duration] enhances ones life. Secondly, the loss of a child can be deemed as tragic [which it is], but recognizing how our life was made more beautiful in knowing that child ... well, nothing can compare. You are in my prayers.

God bless you. Kathy

Reviewed by jude forese

Reviewed on April 8, 2008

a mother's love, full of color and meaning ... nicely done ...

Reviewed by Michelle Mead

Reviewed on April 7, 2008

I love the color changes, this is a very beautiful poem, touches the heart.

Reviewed by Sara Coslett

Reviewed on April 7, 2008

Wow, I think this is the greatest love story I've ever read. I don't know what else to say Cryssa. You have shown more times than not what a loving mother your are, but this poem...it really explains it. All the best to you. ~ Sara

Reviewed by Ahna C

Reviewed on April 7, 2008

I love how you used the colors to illustrate your thoughts, it made me feel the emotions even more... There are so many things we wouldn't have without that experience. I can't even imagine life with only 5 kids, without the many years with Haiti and the orphanage, all the things that happened because of that. Wow...It's strange how the hardest trials strengthen us and bring us the most blessings and joy if we let them, but they are the ones that also bring us the most grief. I love how you pointed out all the little things that you notice and appreciate because of what you went through to get him here, and the things he taught you in only the few days he was here before he left with part your heart. Knowing he is depending on us to follow him home faithfully, means so much. Though sad that he is apart from us now, it is only for a short while and it is joyous because we know he is happy and healthy, and will be with us again forever if we do our best. What a wonderful blessing it is to know that because of Christ, we will be together again for eternity at the end of our lives. It was a beautiful and touching dedication, and thank-you to Brenton. I'm sure he has read it and is happy that though you are physically separated now, he is with you still, and glad that he was able to be the source of so many blessings in our lives, especially that of his loving mother who he watches over from above until the glorious day you are again able to take him into your arms.
Luv,
Ahna

Reviewed by Kate Burnside

Reviewed on April 6, 2008

It's a privilege and a deep sorrow to share such an experience with you, Cryssa, but your own witness and testimony of the subsequent vibrant colour and new appreciation this baby has brought to you is astounding and miraculous - as is the gift of life itself. This can only be God. He does such things. Yet they are difficult to explain or rationalise... indeed, to anyone else they perhaps make little sense... UNLESS there is the understanding of immortality, then that makes all things clear. Thank you so much for crystalising such grief and such joy as well in our hearts and minds. You give us such a sense of equilibrium and balance, such a deep hope and a faith in the unseen and unknown... yet perceived. The gift which was yours for such a seemingly brief period of time has been the seed from which a mighty towering oak has grown... and continues to shed its abundance. Thank you for this gift of joy and peace. My mother was completely unsentimental about her children, and yet the baby she bore and lost, also at three days, is the one she has sought to take with her to her grave. Babyloss at whatever stage remains with the mother forever... but it's fruits can be various. Yours have helped to love and feed the world. Thank you. Kate xx

Reviewed by Cryssa C

Reviewed on April 6, 2008

Andy, Your words were eloquent and perfect... You said some things I was wanting to express in my poem, but didn't.
Thank you,
Cryssa

Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)

Reviewed on April 5, 2008

Two day's, two day's it's taken me to comment. I don't want to be read as frivolous, yet this reads like the Easter story's 3 days, the womb in fact equating to life, life equates a kind of death, death the resurrection, and the pain grief sorrow, until real joy everlasting. I admire you being so candid, rather like C S Lewis' A Grief Observed. Such a paradox, such faith, such love, showing the power of love, all conquering love, and loves gift. Death were is thy sting. Not sure I've said this very well. If not forgive me and hit delete. Yet Brenton of course lives on.... Life is fragile indeed. If the son before me had not died, I would not be here, being 6 of 9 siblings.... As Kate always tells me. God is in everything if we have the eyes to see...

Reviewed by E T Waldron

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

Cryssa, an exceptional poem that deeply touches my heart and soul!I too lost a son but he was 19 at the time and though it took many years, to come to the realization, I feel just as you do. I applaud your attitude as well as mourn with you,for your grief! Thank you for sharing this, so others can see how to handle such a loss with grace and wisdom!
Love
ET

Reviewed by Connie Faust

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

Cryssa, this is an awesome poem. You have unfolded a pattern of living and dealing with death for grieving parents to follow. Your wisdom can only come from God.
You have enhanced the meaning of the lines with the way you infused the colors into the writing. Excellent in every way!

Love, Connie

Reviewed by John Leko

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

...beautiful colors of remembrance...sadness...yet giving so much color...to all you have become. The pen you give us here...shares all of him...through you...with us.
beautiful Cryssa...
John

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

*tears* Words, inadequate, except to say, thank God Brenton brought color to your world - what an amzaingly beautiful rememberance - well done.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Price

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

I don't know what to say. I was awestruck by your words of grief that were so inclusive and sharing. You spread joy and hope in my heart and I loved the line "I wouldn't know completeness." Losing a child is a terrible burden that you have shouldered well. Truly inspirational. Liz

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

I can't imagine what it must be like! I am sorry you had to go through this, Cryssa! Yet he still lives on in your heart, and nothing--or nobody--can ever take that away! Powerful, heartbreaking write; very well penned! BRAVA!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <

You are in my prayers and thoughts!

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

Being a mother who lost a child...well...all I can say is thank you for sharing your inspiration!!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Dawn Anderson

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

Cryssa, I am the mother of five children, and I think you know that I lost one of my son's when he was nineteen...almost four years ago. But this poem...especially these lines..."Without you--
I wouldn't understand
how fragile life can be
and how much
we should treasure
the little things each day..." speak so much truth and so much of what I believe. Beautiful offering, Cryssa.

Reviewed by Charlie

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

Beautitully put, Crys. And without him, I wouldn't have 8 nieces and nephews to dote on... And one empathetic soul in you. Your eyes are opened to other's misfortunes too. You know what to say--what to do. Nice going, Brenton. And without him, my little guy wouldn't have such a playmate in heaven... Wonders, such trials are--Wonders. --Charlie

Reviewed by Bernice Angoh

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

I'm loving this a whole lot. 'sgaot so much heart and I love the changes of color from gray to multicolors. Awesome poem C.

hugs

B

Reviewed by Georg Mateos

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

Brenton, a little bundle of love on his mother lap, and no matter how long has been, the love is still growing to protect the soul of his mother.

Georg

Reviewed by Paul Berube

Reviewed on April 4, 2008

C.C.,

Thank You for sharing this beautiful part of your life and coloring OUR World. Peace, Love and Blessings Always, Paul.