I have chosen the title for this post from the following poem by Rilke…..
Why, then, do we have to be human
and keep running from the fate
we long for?
Oh, not because of such a thing as happiness—
that fleeting gift before loss begins.
Not from curiosity, or to exercise the heart…
But because simply to be here is so much
and because what is here seems to need us,
this vanishing world that concerns us strangely—
us, the most vanishing of all. Once
for each, only once. Once and no more.
And we too: just once. Never again. But
to have lived even once,
to have been of Earth—that cannot be taken from us.
From the Ninth Duino Elegy
These words express how I feel about life. And have helped as I deal with the loss this week of a beloved friend. A healer who saved me so many times. A friend who loved unconditionally and spoke to my soul. A mentor who taught me so much about myself.
I feel lost and adrift trying to navigate this world without him in it. Some of those feelings are purely selfish. He would not want me to grieve his loss, but celebrate his life. So I will.
I offer one beautiful gladiola that blooms each year in my garden. Water soaked and laden from the 6 inches of rain we had from Tropical Storm Debby. But resilient, powerful, graceful shouting loudly.
I have been blessed to know Dr. Sami Bati for the last 15 years. An incredible spirit who is still with me. Still watching over me. Meeting my dad now, and sharing their own Donna stories. Still sending their unconditional love and healing to me. I feel them with me whispering in my ear telling me I am not alone, and never will be.
With this vase, I am also joining in with the wonderful meme, In A Vase On Monday, from Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All the pictures shared in this post were taken with my Nikon Coolpix or iPhone camera, and manipulated on my iPhone using the apps, Pixlr and Prisma.
All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Gardens Eye View, 2010-2024. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.
Dear Donna, your gladiolus is a real beauty and a fitting flower to celebrate life. How sad for you to have lost such a dear friend and mentor this week – sending you warm thoughts and my condolences.
Thanks so much Cathy. It means the world to me to have your support.
Dear Donna – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. But what a wonderful memorial, both the flower and the words of an incomparable poet. Thinking of you …
Thank you Cathy! It means so much.
I’m sorry for your loss, Donna. However, I’m glad you continue to feel those deep connections, and find solace in them.
Thanks my friend. He will always be with me.
Oh, I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, Donna. Beautiful Gladiolus, and the poem is special, too. <3
Thank you so much dear friend!
I am so sorry for your loss Donna. Your poem is a profound statement of what a privilege life is. Flowers are such an ephemeral reminder of how all is renewed . Your fire red Gladiola is a perfect reminder.
Thank you so much my dear sweet friend. This means the world.
Oh that explains your your sombreness, Donna…. I am sorry to hear of the loss of this man who meant so much to you in so many ways. Sensing he is now with your father sounds as if it will bring you some comfort – and hopefully strength as you move on. Your solitary gladiolus is a striking and aporopriate tribute to the pillar of support your friend was for you – thank you for sharing your loss with us in this way
Thank you Cathy. Your words of support have helped too!
Donna, from what you write you seem to have been a good student of your mentor and friend, internalizing the important teachings. Peace to you in your loss. The gladiolus from your garden is a beautiful reminder of your special friend and of your strength.
Dearest Susie thank you!