When you read this entry ... please look at the sculpture "The Reunion" pictured at the end of the post ... that is where my idea for this article started ...
Lost … blasted away … the love of her life denoted ‘as missing’ – how can someone be ‘missing’, yet that is the way of things in war.
Lost … blasted away … the love of her life denoted ‘as missing’ – how can someone be ‘missing’, yet that is the way of things in war.
Abysmal loss – desolation to the mind – the suddenness – the
heart that is
... broken … broken ……
Theirs had been a wonderful love – the brother of a school
friend … a loving family to become a part of … happiness at last for her …
Her parents-in-law losing their son – her father-in-law’s
practicality to know – though they knew the risks all servicemen take, they
understood those times.
The wife too … the woman who had had only a few years and most
of those days separated by deployment overseas.
She kept away – mostly … could not write – too overcome with
grief, yet so many others in a similar situation … in times of War one
continues on.
The necessary information was gleaned … but suppressed until
there was a need to know and understand … though it appears he had been taken
with a direct hit.
A search was made … very little found – desperately a pair
of black ammunition boots … badly charred … no identity discs … blown to smithereens
– literally.
Words on paper, details in the records, a note of where the
attack happened, with map co-ordinates.
A life - gone in a trice … a courageous man, a man who
commanded respect and love of his men – this recorded by his subordinate … the whole
unit genuinely grieved.
She could do nothing … a few visits to her in-laws to be able
to find out more information – if she wanted it … but for now she didn’t – she
needed to continue to serve and to be there for other service men, as well as
her own unit.
 |
| The Reunion - as it was originally called by the sculptress - Josefina de Vasconcellos (Coventry Cathedral) |
They had all agreed that his remains would be buried on site –
this they felt was the only place for him to be – later she could go to find the
place …
… and kneel in the dirt as she remembered him, had always
remembered him … she could feel him kneeling with her, his arms half out
welcoming her own, the lie of his head taking her now still grieving bones …
she remembered back when they were together in life …
Her time is near … now she will be reunited with her love …
kneel on, kneel on in grasping grief as her life ticks away … not long now
before the dust and soil of our earth has her too.
Kneel on … kneel on … in the Reunion that surely follows our
earthly existence.
Thank you for considering the "The Reunion" sculpture as you read this post.
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
82 comments:
Poignant and beautiful. And for far too many the only reunion possible.
A very moving beautiful story of the horrors of war and the reunion in the afterlife. The sculpture is very beautiful as well and as your story full of emotion.
Beautiful post. One of my aunts on my father's side painted an amazing, very large painting, of people stood at the station waiting for their army sons and fathers to return from war. Some of the crowd were crying some smiling it was quite incredible and although I only saw it when I was about 7 or 8 it sticks in my mind. When she died the house was left to my father, but the painting had gone missing has had a small miniature that she had painted of and aunt that looked very like me. My parents were very sad as out of everything that was left to them, the only two things that had any meaning had gone missing never to be tracked down. Have a good weekend Diane
inspirational sculpture, and your written material - so touching.
I can't imagine going through that
Beautifully written. This lovely piece of art sums up how, not only when war separates us from those we love but also as we age, we have renewed hope of seeing our loved ones once more...eternal and everlasting time together. But still the tears must fall until then~
I always love your unique takes on the WEP challenges Hilary, and this is another wonderful example. I've not seen that piece of art before, but it's quite beautiful and evocative indeed.
Beautiful and touching.
Oh my goodness - that was heart wrenching, yet so lovely - I felt everything. Awesome. sandie
No one can deny that this is an "inspirational story". It can only have been written by you......see the ellipses......!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fecund Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
@ EC –many thanks … yes you’re right about too many left in this dreadful position … this reunion being the only way for them …
@ Marja – it felt emotional as I wrote it … the sculpture just sort of brought the ideas out … war is horrific
@ Diane – oh gosh how terrible to find the two art works they would have loved to have inherited had disappeared. The paintings sound extraordinary … and the concept must have resonated so deeply with your aunt to be able to paint such a realistic, large painting – it would have been so interesting to you to have more of that provenance of those two works.
So sad also that you didn’t know about your aunt’s aunt and found out more about her family and the likeness to you … I can quite see why your parents were desolate about not finding the paintings at the time of the house being left to them. I can empathise …
@ Joanne – I appreciate your words … that kind of loss must be so desperate for anyone to have to live through … but the sculpture brought it to life for me.
@ Jan – thank you so much. The sculpture just appeared as I looked for some inspiration … but that wait between the loss and the subsequent reunion – as you say … eternal and everlasting time together – the tears do fall …
@ Deborah – I’m afraid I probably go off at a tangent, rather more often than I should – but thanks for appreciating my take. I hadn’t seen the sculpture before … there’s a bit more history to it – that I probably need to write up …
@ Anabel – many thanks … the story flowed …
@ Sandie – I certainly - when I was writing it up – felt the emotion of what was occurring … just desperate … thank you …
@ Bazza - thank you so much - I did feel inspired writing it - and my ellipses never seem to leave me now. One whole comment with an ellipsis - but you may have an exclamation mark!! or two.
Enjoy the rest of the weekends – cheers Hilary
Oh my gosh, this is beautifully written. So poignant.
The sculpture is beautiful, as is your writing. You brought it to life.
Love,
Janie
I love sculpture. Beautifully-written, it brought me to tears.
Lovely sculpture it conveys a wealth of emotions which you have expressed beautifully Hilary. War is such a terrible thing.
Sad story.
Hilary,
This is so good. Since my family and I are in a season of grief, I sure understand "grasping grief". Your piece is poignant, well written and each sentence pushes me to the next.
Awesome, my friend.
Teresa C.
Hi from Sandra's blog!
This was so beautifully written!
I have to let you know, I use to "date" someone in Coventry! I have pictures of us infront of this sculpture! What a small world!
@ Sandra - I'm so glad the feelings came over ... thank you.
@ Janie - I agree the sculpture is extraordinary isn't it ... thank you for thinking I gave the sculpture a reason to be ...
@ Mary - I know you love sculpture - I'm glad you've seen this work ... yes in writing it I was brought to tears ...
@ Jo - many thanks ... war is awful and can conjure and bring out these desperate events ...
@ Liz - yes, very sad
@ Teresa - I'm sorry for your season of grief - it's not easy ... this piece reminded me of times past and brought out the story line. The sculpture gave the "grasping grief" a reason to kneel out and grasp.
@ Magic Love Crow - lovely to meet you and thank you for visiting and your very kind words.
So good of you all to visit and comment - reunions like this ... a time that will come to us all - cheers Hilary
A fractured and yet poignant account Hilary.
Beautiful, Hilary! An amazingly poignant take on the prompt. Informative and moving simultaneously - brilliantly done!
Hilary: This is beautiful. I adore the sculpture. It has a special tone to it from the first line. Thank you for sharing.
What wonderful sentiments. In the best of all future worlds, that is what I would hope for--to once again see all those I loved.
This is so poignant and beautiful, Hilary. And what a heartbreaking but also beautiful sculpture.
Such an emotional story Hilary and a very poignant shining of light on the torture of war for those left behind, in all senses of the word. I love the sculpture - so moving.
That was beautifully written and heartbreaking. This is a story of any time. War not only takes the soldier, it take all those who loved him/her also.
That sculpture is so lovely, and your writing so thought-provoking. Thanks so much! Hugs...
Wow, Hilary, this is amazing. The sculpture brought to life. I love the way you emotionally deliver her to us, kneeling in the dust, so touching, so alone, but soon to be reunited. I'm so glad you've joined us at WEP.
I was inspired by the many Kiss sculptures and intended to write in response, but my 'old lady' story as I think of her pushed into my consciousness and bam, there it was.
Thanks for participating in WEP for August, Hilary. Judging by the comments, all of which I read, many others are glad you've branched out too!
Denise :-) (WEP Founder and Host for August)
@ Mel - many thanks the sculpture helped tell the story ...
@ Nila - I appreciate your thoughts - it must be so desperate in War ...
@ A Quiet Spirit - isn't the sculpture wonderful and resonated as I brought the story together ..
@ Jacqui - yes the thought of being reunited with one's love is the best ... like you I hope we all get to be there ...
@ Julie - appreciate your thoughts ... and the story flowed with the sculpture ...
@ Fil - yes War is awful in all senses of the word ... for so many it is the worst time - that death notice ... as you say the torture for those left. Thanks re the sculpture - it's a special find ...
@ Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe - yes War and death affect the others too ... sometimes we forget those mourners ... as you say it is a story of any time. Thank you.
@ RO - thanks - appreciate your comment and that you feel it is thought provoking ... desperate ...
@ Denise - thank you ... it was a story that was there waiting to be told - the sculpture brought it all to light. Really appreciate your thoughts.
Rodin's 'The Kiss' - was well known here in Sussex as for many years it was in Lewes, but cloaked out of sight most of the time from outraged populace. I gather now it is usually in the Tate but out on loan at the moment and is in New Zealand. Certainly the sculpture too would inspire many with a few story lines.
Pleasure participating ... whether stories like this will rise again I'm not sure ... but we'll see ...
Cheers to you all - thanks for visiting and commenting - Hilary
Sometimes it is our only option to one day again get that reunion. War sure leaves many a wonder and lots of death. Wonderfully written indeed as the sculpture was sure brought to life.
So sad. The sculpture really moved me. I don't think many people think of the loss that a war brings. To them it's just a necessary evil. But they forget about the tons of lives lost, or voids left in the hearts of loved ones.
You broke my heart, Hilary. Thank you for giving words to that beautiful sculpture.
Grief ends when souls reunite. This is so beautifully told, Hilary! Thank you! That statue invokes feelings that are almost beyond expression, but you have done the impossible. A magnificent piece! Thank you!
Hope your day is pleasant and productive.
Again, loved your piece and the statue that went with it. Beautifully written, Hilary.
How beautifully written. My though turn to my eldest son Ted who left us at age 27....
Bravo, Hilary! A perfectly poignant portrayal of life, love, loss and the release found in eternal reunion. I believe the sculptress would be proud to have inspired you.
Hi Hilary,
This was so beautifully written. Poignant and heart touching.
What an amazing sculpture! It is very powerful and your beautiful words go with it perfectly. Thanks for sharing! :)
~Jess
So man emotions this called out in me, I want to take the time to examine them now.
@ Pat – sadly as you mention it is our only option that one day our reunion will come with our loved one. War is a dreadful thing for those who are left behind. I’m glad the sculpture brought the piece to life …
@ Murees – yes desperately sad for those who had to endure this kind of desperation … the kind that war brings. I was pleased to have found the sculpture …
@ Lee – it was quite difficult to write – but came together as War does tell its own story … the sculpture drew me in …
@ Yolanda – you’re right there grief ends when souls reunite. The sculpture is an extraordinary work of art that allowed the story to be told.
@ Sandra – thank you for your thoughts and for the comment – so glad the piece resonated with you …
@ Troutbirder – I’m so sad for you … 27 is a young age … desperate times for you and your wife, which I’m sure still haunt you both – my thoughts ….
@ Diedre – thank you – I’m sure many families go through this, as you describe it, ‘portrayal of life’: loss, life and then eternal reunion. I can’t imagine creating a sculpture like this one – extraordinary thought processes – it certainly inspired me.
@ Kelly – lovely to see you here … I appreciate your comment – those are the words I use for myself as I wrote this up …
@ Jess – the sculpture is incredible –and I’m glad my story-line matches it somewhat …
@ LD – there’s a lot here isn’t there … I certainly will remember this post and the way I was able to write it up …
Thanks everyone – so lovely to have your comments and thoughts … cheers Hilary
Oh Hilary - that is so beautiful! Well done.
What a wonderful story and well told indeed, liking the inspiration behind it all, this intriguing sculpture that captures the eyes. Greetings!
this touching read made my eyes teary Hilary!
you described it so wonderfully .
wars are creations of selfish minds which victimizes the innocent with brutality .
Sculpture is remarkably beautiful!!!
What a poignant portrayal of an otherworldly union. You convey so much emotion in such few words.
Damyanti
Beautiful/sad/happy statue. What you've written about it is beautiful, Hilary. Indeed, this life is but a moment and a seeming tragic struggle for so many, which it is. But then there is the moment of "passing" and all the former sadness fades away. (Thanks for stopping by my new blog. Your gravatar is beautiful and most accessible. Cheers!)
that was tragic, yet beautiful. Excellent job. there are so many even now who could use a comforting catharsis
btw, i gave you an award =)
Tara Tyler Talks
@ Lynn - thank you so much ... very glad you enjoyed it ...
@ Blogoratti - appreciate your thoughts - the sculpture definitely set the story line out ...
@ Baili - I hope it didn't upset you too much ... but appreciate that you were so involved in the story. Wars are dreadful aren't they - we don't seem to get anywhere by them ... that sculpture is staggering isn't it ...
@ Damyanti - yes so many will now be reunited, who were separated for so long. War just destroys - body and soul ...
@ Ann - good to see you here ... and I'm so pleased you enjoyed this story ... just so desperate for so many ... when the passing comes along - let's hope all will be reunited together in the end. Glad I got over to your new blog ...
@ Tara - thanks ... it's a difficult time losing a loved one so early in life ... thanks for the award ... I'll be over -
Cheers to you all - thanks for your comments - Hilary
Beautifully written, Hilary.
This was an emotional read through out, Hilary. Thank you for sharing this poignant words.
Such a beautiful and painful story - a memorial to everyone who died in any war. The sculpture is amazing too. Thanks for posting the photo.
@ Kelly - many thanks ...
@ Nas - it was an emotional time writing the story up ... I appreciate your comment ...
@ Olga - certainly a memorial to all who have died in War - too many. The sculpture just fitted in so well to the ideas I had.
Cheers and thanks for your visits - Hilary
This is wonderfully written, and so moving. I loved the use of the statue too, it really helped me picture that last part.
The way you framed the words around the picture is beautiful. The memories brought forth; the life that seeks a reunion with someone who has gone on before them. Wars always leave behind the pain and the aftermath of a soul that wanders until they meet again.
Beautifully done.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Wow! I just mean, wow! What a beautifully told tale, Hilary. Thank you for sharing this with us. Their love, their bond, it resonated through your words.
An incredibly emotional and beautiful tale. Well done!
Hi Hilary,
Four days after your poignant post and I finally get here. The statue encapsulates your powerful, moving story.
Thank you for this, Hilary.
Be well, my friend.
Gary
Such a heartfelt piece. One of the worst ways to lose a true love or family member is through the death of war.
@ Laura - thank you so much ... I'm glad the sculpture brought the piece to an understanding at the end ...
@ Pat - the sculpture really did set the story for me. Losing a loved one so early in life must be just so difficult. Yes your phrase 'a soul that wanders until they meet again' at the end of a life, until a lived lives leave this earthy place to finally join them ...
@ Elsie - gosh - thanks Elsie. I'm glad the tale I wrote came to life for you ... through the bond and love I managed to reflect here ...
@ Christine - so pleased it resonated ...
@ Gary - many thanks ... I'm glad the sculpture was able to bring the tale to life ...
@ Rosey - as you say it must be one of the worst ways to lose someone close to you ... I'm glad I brought the sadness out in my post ...
Thanks so much everyone ... I'm so grateful for your comments ... cheers Hilary
Beautifully haunting piece of writing Hilary. The sculpture is gorgeous and your words really capture the emotions that it emits. Thanks for sharing with us all.
War is so sad. The devastating loss. I will be glad when some day maybe we won't have such differences and losses.
Loved the sculpture. Well, maybe not "loved" due to the devastating impact.
Beautifully told tale of a tragic time and place.
It's clear how the sculpture coincides with your story. They go together well. This is an honest and heartfelt story of war and loss. Nice piece.
Every time I read this, it speaks to me. Wonderful writing.
It would be terrible to have someone missing and at least some comfort to know what happened and that they did not suffer. Your story describes the experience of this woman very well.
That gave me chills from the absolute beauty and poignancy. Thank you for sharing!
Haunting. Great entry. And so bittersweet.
Very well done, Hilary, in your signature way of writing. You touch lightly on the dark things and balance them with the hopeful ones. War and bravery go hand in hand as do loss and grieving.
You have truly captured the heart in this piece. Well written, Hilary. I'm impressed. Keep it up.
Nancy
Very poetic indeed and very touching. This is the first time I have read one of your stories as I've just joined the WEP challenge. Nice to meet you and I look forward to reading more! :)
@ Pamela – many thanks and I’m glad the writing matched to the sculpture … desperately sad …
@ Donna – war is dreadful and the loss it affects on people, families, the land is just appalling. The sculpture is incredibly well imagined though and so right for this story …
@ Donna B – thank you – so tragic for all, in instances like this tale …
@ Toi – thank you they both drew me in and tying them together seemed to be a necessity …
@ Sandra – thanks so much for coming back and re-reading …
@ Deborah – not knowing is the worst – I imagine. Also not having experienced war … these must be the type of thoughts and processes so many go through …
@ Tyrean – thank you – certainly an experience like this is desperate … I appreciate your comment …
@ Shannon – yes the story haunted me but adding in the sculpture brought the tale to a rightful end – a reunion …
@ DG – thanks DG – I hadn’t thought about the balance of my writing … so I appreciate your thoughts … dark things with hopeful things: war and bravery, loss and grieving – such a difficult time for those serving in any war …
@ Nancy – thank you so much … the tale was ready to be told – the sculpture enabled it …
@ Lisa – it’s good to see you over from WEP … and Robert’s story was a fascinating take on life … it’ll be lovely to see you here …
Thanks everyone – so delighted to read your comments and thoughts on the piece … it was a heartfelt story to write up … cheers Hilary
So beautiful, Hilary. I was hoping that it would be a mistake and he was alive. But as in real life, once death occurs, it is final. As you say, the Reunion surely follows our earthly existence.
Emily
Hope you're having a wondrous weekend.
Wow. Heartbreaking, Hilary. All of us who sent our husbands to war lived with the fear of never seeing them alive again. I'm grateful I did, but I suppose at some point, we'll all eventually have our last reunion on the other side. You did a great job capturing the poignancy in that sculpture.
A great deal of heart in this one. Great job!
Hilary, now I know that as well as being a source of endless information you are also a poet with an amazing and poignant way with words. A reminder that all who lost their lives in this way are so much more than numbers and records.
@ Emily - sadly not and in the story: it was final. I'm sure Reunion follows our earthly existence ...
@ Sandra - thanks for checking in ...
@ Susan - I'm sure everyone who has sent a loved one off to War lives with the fear of never seeing them again ... I think what was worse in WW2 and WW1 was that everyone in the country was involved in the War. You were fortunate that Smarticus came home - as were others, just sadly many didn't ... and yes our reunion will come along. Thankyou re the note on the poignancy of the sculpture ... it is an amazing work of art ...
@ JL - thank you
Cheers and thanks so much for the comments - Hilary
Hi Nick - thanks so much - sorry you 'snuck' in while I was replying.
I really appreciate your comment - it means much ... as I only started writing via the blog - and so just 'do my thing'. It's so sad - a death (in this instance) .. is just not a number or record is it - but the loss of life and love others have to live with ...
Am grateful for the way you expressed your comment - cheers Hilary
This is so touching, and the sculpture is beautiful, like an archway between the two kneeling figure. Thank you Hilary.
Thanks Juliet - I hadn't thought of the sculpture as an archway over time ... which it really is - so thank you ... cheers Hilary
Congratulations Hilary. Display your badge with pride.
Thanks so much EC - 'tis displayed. Lovely to see you here cheering me on - Hilary
Just stopping by to peek at that awesome piece of sculpture and to say Happy Wednesday! Hugs...
Thanks RO - the sculpture is superb isn't it ... cheers Hilary
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