Rachel,
I can't imagine the grief you are going through and the kids as well. It is hard to be strong for the kids when we are dealing with our own grief in a different way. My heart and prayers go out to you and the kids in such a difficult time.

Take Care,
Kay

Rachel, this is such a heartfelt poem about losing a loved one. You and your family have my condolences in this trying time.

"Smile, just a facade
To hide the stages of grief
Memories are no consolation
Tomorrow is never promised"
^
Beautiful :)

Hope you're holding up!
Take care well.

This is an amazing and heartbreaking. I'm sorry for your loss, wish you well and you'll be in my prayers

Such a sad piece. I've never lost anyone to something as brutal as murder but I have lost people and I can really relate to what you are saying here. This was beautiful in a very sad way. Your emotions are so strong and clearly expressed and leave a powerful memory in my mind. I'm sorry for your loss dear *huggles* Nik

Wow...looking at the title I did not expect to read something like I did at the end. My jaw dropped. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family...Take care.

Rachel
Honey the pain never leaves. I have told you this. It just becomes a part of who you are. You did a wonderful job writing this piece. I pray that you find a way to find enough peace to move forward. Renmember I'm here if you need me.....I love you Aunt Cindy

Rachel I have read many poems through the years and this one has touched me so deeply and brought tears to my eyes.
You are an amazing woman hun, you are an amazing mom. You are not alone in this time of pain my friend *holds hand* I will walk with you for as long as needed my dear friend.

Love you, take care hun
Luanne

My heart is with you and the kids...such a loss...great sadness is left..hope the monster is caught so there can be some solace in his punishment....

You did a great job covering grief in your verses....I love you....

I am so sorry for the grief and anger you must feel. You did an excellent job portraying the stages of grief. *gives you a great big hug and shares tears with you*

I guess this one is very close to you... from your words one could feel the anger and remorse that one feels on losing someone so close ...

Denial
Things nightmares are made of
Now a haunting reality....
Never thought this would happen to me

^^ its very hard to realise the truth after losing a loved one... we keep hoping that they would come back...

Anger
Toward a heartless person
for taking a life in cold blood
Too young and loved to die

^^ anger we feel sometimes at ourselves too for letting it happen... the frustration of not being able to do anything is torturous...

such beautiful yet touching write ...

Even though this was based on a terrible terrible tragedy....I must say I LOVE THIS POEM....I mean honestly I cant desribe how much I love it..I want to say how sorry I am first about what happened, but putting that aside i just want to touch on this piece..

I truly loved how you titled it stages of grief..people dont realize how powerful grief actually is. And the way you plotted this out was crazy..I was just nodding my head like "Ok, I been there..oh yup been there too"...my favorite part was acceptance...then the smile...MAN! I thought that was getting over grief, but you're right...its still all a part of it!..I really liked this Rach! On a positive note, this tragedy inspired a truly great write out of you!

Wow.. I don't know what to say.. The poem meant so much. It was beautiful, powerful.. I felt it through my heart and then when I ready the bottom.. It was like Bam! Tears! I give you props for coping and slowly moving on.. I have two kids of my own and don't know what I would do without their father and so for that you have my respect 120%. also I love how you added the last part

"Smile, just a facade
To hide the stages of grief
Memories are no consolation
Tomorrow is never promised"

You are an amazing writer, talented, strong, respected and loved!!

R.I.P. Bryant Eddie Ortiz

I really loved how you wrote one word, then proceeded on explaining the reason for feeling that emotion. It's a sad one, but I did enjoy reading it. 5/5!