Poems of Remembrance & Hope, by Chaplain Sally Iseral

The Hospice Care Plus Remembrance Tree Memorial Event is a special time when the community can come together to celebrate and honor their loved ones who have passed.

Family members have told me, “It is as if I am celebrating the holidays with them.” For some years, I’ve written poetry to offer at our ceremony. The words that come to me are from personal experiences.  They also come from the shared experiences of the families and loved ones I have encountered as a hospice chaplain.  

I share these two poems from past memorial ceremonies in the hope that they offer comfort and hope during the holidays.  Remember, we at Hospice Care Plus are always here for you.

The Lantern

Your love is still a light to us in the darkness of our grief, the memory of you still shines bright

Grief can be a shaky crossing, murky waters, wavering footbridge, unfamiliar

Grief can be a dark place, a winding sinewy vine, holding me in one place, keeping me confined

Grief comes in waves, shadows falling
hard to see, hard to breath
to take the next step.

Yet, your memory is like a lantern. Helping us on this tumultuous journey
Remembering what you told us
encouragement, love you gave us,
we hold it up
a light to see our way.

We carry your light in the palm of our hands, the beat of our hearts
with every memory,
every tear
with every smile you bring to our face
I know it is not where you want me to stay, in the darkness of my grief.
I know, because when your memory comes, the light shines and the darkness begins to fade

We lift up your memory with the stories
With our thoughts
With our hearts
you knew all our hopes and longings
each of us so well
Your guiding words have not left us, your loving ways still teach
‘Be kind to yourself ‘
I’m glad to know, though it’s heavy, I will not be undone
Though it’s dark at times, there is still light
You are still with us.

-Sally Iseral-Shepherd, 2024

The Frame

I held your face in my hands one last time
You manage to smile for me
I lied and told you I was okay.
We stood in a memory, though I didn’t know it then
one of my favorites, one of our last

I stand now in this same room surrounded by framed memories
That time at the lake
your sun-kissed face, smiling ear to ear
Your happy place

You in your favorite chair in that old, faded flannel. the kids piled up around you
No, that was your happy place

The big frame over the mantle, though large, barely able to hold the whole reunion.
Everyone squeezed in tight.
You’re peering out from behind me, a big silly grin

My favorite, the small round wooden one, a little dusty,
still bringing a chuckle.
Where did you get that hat?!

I pick it up now and hold your face in my hands once again,
Hugging the frame close to my heart, so heavy.
It’s hard.
yet I am so very glad to have loved you
even for just a while.

-Sally Iseral-Shepherd, Dec 2023

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Hospice Care Plus was founded as a non-profit organization to support the quality of life of its communities through hospice, palliative, and grief and loss care programs. The organization serves Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties and owns and operates the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Relying on contributions from individuals and groups, all care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Make a gift, explore career and volunteer opportunities, or call 859-986-1500 to learn more.