Love

Love

Love, unconditional,
The guiding principle,
When all else fails,
Love will prevail.

The greatest power there is to know,
When we tap into its flow,
A universal energy from God,
Strength for us when life is hard.

Accept, surrender, be at peace,
Open your heart and release,
As Spirit having a human life,
Distance yourself from earthly strife.

Through the filter of love’s eyes,
We can become very wise,
When we focus and search within,
Transformation will begin.

God provides so we don’t fail,
Through life’s trials and travails,
With unconditional support and love,
We learn what we are capable of.

In thankfulness and praise,
Acknowledge Spirit’s ways,
Be a channel of love and goodwill,
To help uplift the world and heal.

"From Within" Video

This is a lovely, inspirational video with the instrumental version of the song "Our Hearts Will Go On" as the background music.  I know this song has very special meaning for many of us.  This was the theme song from the movie, "Titanic."
"From Within" (Our Hearts Will Go On)

"You'll Be In My Heart" Song and Message

Wow!  Today I was driving and thinking about how my son, Graham, shows me that he is always with me.  When people in my life are not always there for me, Graham shows me that he is.  As I was thinking about how grateful I am for this, this song came on the radio!  "You'll Be in My Heart"  Tears filled my eyes.  There is no power greater than love.

I was very pleased to have the opportunity to be the guest on Pamela Marie Edmunds' Blog Talk Radio show, "Bridge Between Two Worlds," a few days ago.  I shared some of my poems and how my book, "A Mother's Tears -  Poems of Heartbreak, Loss, and Discovery," came about and the turn my life has taken with my son's death.  It was a heartfelt hour of love and sharing and connecting with others who have also experienced great loss.  Here is the archived link to the show-

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bridgebetween/2012/08/23/a-mothers-tears-with-author-claire-ann-stevenson

My Upcoming Radio Show Interview

This Wednesday, August 22, I will be a guest on Pamela Marie Edmunds blog talk radio show, "Bridge Between Two Worlds."  I will be discussing my book of poetry and the turn my life has taken with the passing of my son, Graham.  I hope that you will be able to listen.  Here is the link to the show-

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bridgebetween/2012/08/23/a-mothers-tears-with-author-claire-ann-stevenson

 

If you're unable to listen to this live, the show will be archived. 

Homecoming

When we cross over after we die,
There’s a celebration on the other side,
Do not cry when earthly life is done,
We are back home, moving to a higher rung.

The soul is eternal, we never end,
And we will all be together again,
Our loved ones cheer our return,
Rejoicing with us in what we have learned.

Our concept of time is limited while here,
We only think it’s linear,
There is no measurement for time,
In the universe’s eternal rhyme.

Give me the enlightenment to see,
That all is as it’s meant to be,
Time can seem to move too fast or too slow,
But with a spiritual perspective we come to know.

That whether life is short or long,
We are where we belong,
Playing out the plans of our soul,
On the path to becoming whole.

If I Die Young

Yesterday I had an appointment.  I was having a conversation with two of the women working there as I was getting ready to leave.  I was letting them know about Pamela Marie Edmund's radio show that I will be the guest on next week and the next thing I heard was the song, "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry playing!  I looked at them and said, "You see, Graham is always letting me know that he is here.  That song is one of the songs on my playlist."  One of the women said, "Oh, I have goosebumps!"  It's these signs from our loved ones that help us to keep going.  In case any of you have not heard this great song, here it is.  My favorite line is "Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother.  She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors."
Love to all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0iEj7alzAI

Mothers Hold Their Children's Hands for a Little While but Their Hearts Forever

A few days ago I spent a lovely day with two friends.  We drove to a special spiritual store at a lovely outdoor mall in Richmond.  We had lunch and shared many things with each other.  When I was talking about my son, Graham, tears naturally came.  I showed them the bracelets I was wearing and the significance of them.  One bracelet I wear almost every day has this wonderful inscription on it - "Mothers hold their children's hands for a little while but their hearts forever."  When we left the restaurant I was still teary eyed and thinking about Graham.  As we were walking by the store windows, one of my friends said, "Look at what is in this store window."  There was a pretty display of decorated canvases. Several of them were about mothers.  The one in this picture was in the center and one of the sayings on it is the very same inscription I had just shared with them from my bracelet!  We all felt that was not coincidental.  I think Graham wanted me to have this.  I bought it and have it in my bedroom.  I am so grateful for his messages of love.

Hummingbird Video

We were able to get this short video of a hummingbird tonight! Hummingbirds show how to accomplish what seems impossible and how to bring the miracle of joy back into our lives. They are a reminder for us to find happiness in all things. I work every day on rediscovering joy. Aren't they beautiful little messengers?

  (Note:  This was taken in HD, but apparently blogger.com does not have the capability of displaying videos in HD.)

For Good

This is a lovely song.  Yes, Graham, because I knew you, I've been changed for good.  I love you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtMN3mXmvqU

Heavenly Team

I believe that we all have a "heavenly team" of helpers. Our team is comprised of many different beings - passed loved ones, ancestors, spirit guides, angels, saints, and ascended masters. While out driving today this message was brought very clearly to me. When I was behind a car today I did a double take when I noticed the license plate. The license plate read ANGEL-85. 1985 was the year my son, Graham, was born! I kept thinking about this sign. When I was driving home I was amazed when I noticed another license plate on a car in front of me again. It read ST RAFEL. St Raphael, or Archangel Raphael, is the angel associated with healing. I found this link about him if you are interested in more from Doreen Virtue. http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Angels/2010/06/Healing-Miracles-of-Archangel-Raphael.aspx?b=1 You know how validations often come in threes? Well, there was one more sign. One last car I noticed had a fish with the word JESUS inside it! I was feeling the need for a message and I feel that my heart's plea was answered. We are never truly alone. Love and blessings to us all.

Butterfly Release and Memorial Garden Dedication

This past Sunday my husband and I attended a very special event. We are a part of the Bereaved Parents of the USA Northern Virginia Chapter. The chapter had a butterfly release as part of a memorial garden dedication for our precious children. The garden is lovely. It will be wonderful to have this tranquil garden of love and healing to visit and find comfort in. Our treasured children, always and forever. We love you. 

Here is a link to more pictures of this special day: Memorial Garden Butterfly Release

Always and Forever Song

I was driving the other day and this old song came on the radio. I was so surprised! I believe that my son, Graham, wanted to give me another "always and forever" message of love. I cried all the way to the store.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UniZucAo0r8

Fourth of July Memories

 This picture is from the Fourth of July, 2007. We had family and some of the neighbors over for a little celebration on our patio. It's one of our favorite pictures of Laura and Graham. We treasure this wonderful memory. We love you, Graham, and miss you so much.  I thought this song, "Firework," by Katy Perry, would be a perfect accompaniment - it reminds me of Graham.  He was like a brilliant firework.  Happy Fourth of July to everyone!