Across the sea, a jungle green, A young man fought, a sight unseen. My father, there, in Vietnam’s hold, A story etched, a heart of gold.
The weight of war, a heavy pack, He carried burdens on his back. The sounds of fire, the cries of pain, Aching memories, etched like rain.
But courage bloomed where shadows fell, He faced his fears and fought them well. For comrades’ sake, for duty’s call, He stood his ground, he gave his all.
And when he came back home at last, The war’s grim toll, a shadowed past. Unspoken battles, burdens deep, Yet in his eyes, a love to keep.
He built a life, a world anew, The strength he bore, shone clear and true. My father, soldier, quiet, strong, In him, I see where I belong.
This ode to him, a whispered pride, For all he faced, for all he tried. A son’s respect, a heart’s embrace, For the hero’s journey, etched on his face.
In turmoil’s tempest, shadows fall, Anger surges, darkness calls. He sees no monster, lurking deep, But fragile fragments, I long to keep. Through hardship’s trials, he holds me tight, Darkness and light, in his loving sight.
Tears like rivers, spirit wanes, Hope diminishes, joy remains. Laughter’s wings, songs so silly, Exuberance overflows, night turns chilly. Loud and unrestrained, a peculiar sound, “Corky” moments, in my laughter abound. He doesn’t recoil, or turn away, In every sway, he sees beauty’s display. Quirks and whims, playful grace, He treasures every silly facet, in its place.
Dearest child, with eyes so bright, Father’s love, a guiding light. Chaos and calm, he embraces all, Broken fragments, healing balm. He sees the wonder, deep inside, Hidden strengths and passions, reside.
Beloved child, you deserve the same, A love that sees you, in your every frame. Tempests and sunshine, tears and dreams, Whispered hopes, and conquered screams. Settle not for less, than wholeness and truth, Tenderness and love, in eternal youth. In your heart, a treasure lies, Mirrored in your father’s eyes.
Remember, child, you’re worthy of love’s embrace, Every facet cherished, in its rightful place. Your father sees beauty, in all that you are, So too will the one, who’s meant to go far.
The words were stones I swallowed, one by one, A silent quarry buried in my chest. My truth was hidden from the light and sun, A fragile bird that never left the nest. I learned the art of nodding, of the smile, A placid surface on a churning sea. I’d let the silence linger for a while, And lose another little piece of me.
But something in the quiet finally broke, A final weight I couldn’t bear to hold. A sleeping giant in my spirit woke, A story far too precious to leave untold. It wasn’t rage, it wasn’t born of spite, But a calm knowledge, steady, deep, and true: I had a right to stand within my light, And my own voice deserved to travel through.
The first word caught, a tremor in the sound, Then found its footing, resonant and clear. I felt my feet sink solid in the ground, And watched my long-held hesitation disappear. The thoughts I’d caged for years came rushing out, Not as a scream, but as a steady rain, Washing away the fear, the shame, the doubt, And breaking every link upon the chain.
I spoke of lines you’d crossed with casual ease, Of feelings discounted and pushed aside. I didn’t ask, I didn’t say my “please,” I simply stated what I felt inside. The air was thick, your face a strange new sight, As if you’d met a stranger in my place. And in that moment, bathed in honest light, I finally owned my story and my space.
The world did not collapse, the sky still held, But in my soul, a universe had changed. The stifled narrative was now propelled, The pieces of myself rearranged. This voice is mine, though it may sometimes shake, It’s learning now the music of its song. And for my own heart’s weary, precious sake, It’s where my truth belonged and will belong.
The 5th book in the Shadow Realm Series. Coming December 1!!!! Return to the Shadow Realm and Unravel the Secrets of the Dream Realm
Descend into the enigmatic Dream Realm, a place where reality bends and shadows conceal sinister truths. Join Annabelle as she navigates its treacherous landscapes, guided by cryptic visions. Follow Maurelle and Matthew on their desperate quest to rescue their children from the clutches of the unknown, a journey fraught with peril. Uncover the mystery of Rose’s disappearance and witness the family’s struggle to reunite. And witness the courage of Justin and his friends as they confront danger to protect the innocent, their fates intertwined with the fate of the Dream Realm itself.
My son recently asked me about going to church more regularly. Realizing that I hadn’t been attending as often as I’d like, I started looking for a new church community after our move. I found a group that seems to be a good fit and plan to attend tomorrow morning. I’ve invited my daughter to join me, explaining how important the church community was to me, especially during a difficult time in my life.
My mom’s best friend, Marjorie Erikson, was the pastor of our church. She was an incredibly supportive and amazing woman of Christ. Without her help, I’m not sure how we would have gotten through that period. The church truly became our family.
While talking to my daughter about church, I started thinking about Marjorie. She might not have realized how much she meant to my mom, but to my mom, she was her best friend. Marjorie was amazing and always there for us, even after my mom passed away. She attended my wedding and my daughter’s baptism.
I’ve been feeling emotional today because I just found out in 2016 that she passed away. She was always on my mind, and I wondered if she was still alive or if I could reach out to her family. I wanted to talk to someone who embodied the love and acceptance that God teaches us. She was a light in this world, someone who loved everyone unconditionally.
Her example motivates me to be a better person. While I’m not a pastor, I believe that we should focus on showing love and acceptance to others, rather than judging them or excluding them. That’s not what God wants.
I learned from Marjorie’s obituary that she had been battling cancer for over three decades. This made me realize why my mom and Margaret were so close. My mom also fought cancer, unfortunately passing away in 1990. It was incredibly painful to know that Marjorie had been dealing with this for so long, especially given how quickly my mom succumbed to the disease. It’s a testament to her strength that she was able to fight for 30 years. While it’s difficult to understand why things happen, I’m grateful for the time we had with her and the impact she had on our lives.
Even though it’s been years, I wrote an obituary for her family to see. I’m not sure if they will receive it since so much time has passed. I wanted to express my gratitude for her friendship and the impact she had on my life. I hope her family sees it and knows how much she meant to me. Her legacy is something that everyone should strive for. She was a truly remarkable person.
To Marjorie Erikson and her family,
I know it’s been a long time, and our lives have taken different paths. I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for everything you and Majorie did for my mom during her illness and after she passed. Your support was invaluable to me and my brother. Mom couldn’t have asked for a better friend than Marjorie. Your kindness and generosity will always be remembered.Â
Rev. Marjorie Eriksen Faithfully served churches throughout New Jersey Rev. Marjorie Eriksen, 74, a retired, ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, went on to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, after battling cancer for three decades. A wake will be held at the funeral home of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler, located at 106 Main St., Madison, N.J., on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., with additional hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on that same day. Marjorie’s funeral will be held the following day, Friday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m., at Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 South Park Place, Morristown, N.J. Marjorie was born in Staten Island, N.Y., on Dec. 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Her beloved parents, Lewis and Edith Gott, named her Marjorie, which means “Pearl.” Marjorie earned her B.A. from Hunter College in 1964 and her master of divinity degree from Drew Theological School in 1984. During her years of active ministry, Marjorie faithfully served churches in Gladstone, Mendham, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Mount Tabor, and Bloomingdale, N.J., prior to her retirement in 2012. Marjorie is survived by her beloved husband, Neil; her son, Christopher; her daughter-in-law, Rev. Jean Arlea Eriksen, who is also an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, and her sister, Judy, and her son, Gregory. Marjorie’s family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the ministry and missions of the Morristown United Methodist Church, where Marjorie assisted her friend and colleague in ministry, Rev. Dr. Brandon Cho, during her years of retirement.
In 2008, I experienced the loss of my first child through miscarriage. I never had the chance to see your face or know if you were a boy or a girl. To hold onto you, I named you Aurora. Today would have been your birthday, and you would be turning fifteen. Though we couldn’t be together here, know that my love for you has never faded. When we finally meet, you’ll receive all the hugs and love I’ve longed to give you.
Your Birthday
The calendar turns, a cruel, indifferent page, Marking a day unseen, on life’s unfinished stage. A day of dreams, of what could have come to be, A tiny soul, a birthday meant for thee. My womb, once a haven, a cradle warm and bright, Now holds an emptiness, a silent, shadowed night. No cooing laughter, no tiny fingers curled, Just echoes of a future, lost within this world. But love, like light, transcends the body’s hold, A whispered promise, a story yet untold. You bloomed a fleeting while, a bud unseen, yet known, A cherished thought, a love forever sown. The world may not have known your smile, your touch, But in my heart, my love, you mean so much. A silent tear may fall, a pang of what could be, But hope still whispers, “Though unseen, you’re free.” This day we’ll mark you, with love that will not fade, A birthday whispered, a memory gently made. For though you’re gone from sight, an angel in the sky, My love for you, my child, will never, ever die.
