There is no easy way to accept losing someone to breast cancer. Even though we may have more time than others do to say our goodbyes, and perhaps even brace ourselves for the inevitable — if such a thing is possible — there is no denying it is a very painful experience.

During times like these, I have been comforted by a verse I heard many years ago, which I'd like to share with you today. If you have just lost someone or know that this experience is in your near future, I hope you find some comfort, too.

I stand at the shore — a ship spread her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength as I 
watch her like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to 
mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!"

Gone? Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in
mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side ... and just as able
to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her; and just at the moment that 
someone at my side says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching and 
other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
       by Henry Van Dyke

Tell me what has helped you cope with losing a loved one.