For Jackie. Forever Young. Forever in Our Hearts

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I am listening to Joan Baez singing. Forever Young. One of my sister, Jackie’s, favourites.

It is a year today since she took her last breath. A year of learning to live without her in our midst. Without her kindnesses and generosities. Without her laughter and caring ways. Without her phone calls and notes of gratitude. Without her.

It is a year today.

Love you Jackie. Always. You will be, Forever Young. Forever in Our Hearts.

I wrote this Benediction shortly after she passed over. It continues to bring me solace.

Benediction
by Louise Gallagher

And when the last breath is taken, 
and the heart has beaten its final tattoo, 
we stand in silent communion 
wondering why, how can this be? 

That the one who once laughed and sang slightly off-key, 
and sipped a scotch with joyful anticipation, 
and prepared delectable meals with endless love and grace, 
How can their final breath be taken? 
How can her heart, so strong and fiercely loving, 
now be still?

There are no answers in death, 
only the silence, 
stretching endlessly into the vast unknown of the beyond, 
beyond the breath, 
beyond the heartbeats, 
beyond the off-key notes and the savoured sip of scotch, 
and the oven that no longer chimes to let her know 
the meal she so thoughtfully prepared is ready to be placed upon the table, 
set with sparkling crystal and flickering candlelight, 
to welcome the guests she has gathered, to let them know, 
through every act of kindness that she poured 
into every morsel she served, 
"I love you."

And when the last breath is taken, 
and the heart has beaten its final rhythm, 
we stand in silent communion 
with the silence and the comfort of knowing 
there are no more words that need be spoken, 
for the final benediction she heard, 
was simply, "I love you.”

12 thoughts on “For Jackie. Forever Young. Forever in Our Hearts”

    • I feel very fortunate Bernie — and I have a similar relationship with my sister Anne, who also lives on Gabriola. It is such a gift to live closer. We are the only two siblings of the original 4 left. ❤

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  3. So touching and beautifully written Louise. Forever Young has always been a favourite song of mine as well but I have never listened to it by Joan Baez until today. My heart is with you and your loved ones on the anniversary of your dear sister Jackie’s passing.❤️

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  4. I feel your pain Louise and forever loss 💞
    Im sure there are days it’s Believable .

    My husband Carl passed away a month ago
    today. I could not have imagined this feeling
    that grips me daily.

    I’m happy for you that your move has been
    So lovely Hugs Barb🥰

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      • I would love to Meet in person again sometime Don’t know how that would work for me and you with the distance between us
        I think Often of you and how you made me feel so loved when you were my coach

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