Valinor

If I were to tell you that there is a light 

that is waiting for you, 

even if you cannot see or feel it, 

you probably wouldn’t believe me.

Nothing we do in life is ever easy. 

Carrying the pain of another

is harder than most. 

It is constant, It is exhausting;

and all we can do is hope 

that in some small way

we have made a difference…

            * * * * * * * * * * 

You came to us after the hurricane.

Amid chaos and confusion,

you quietly picked up our broken pieces.

You were the calm after the storm,

the safe space we all needed.

You gave us back our sanity, our security.

Never selfish. Never loud. Never self-serving.

You worked behind the scenes without accolade.

You didn't need to be the center of attention.

Now the Grey Havens are calling

where a ship awaits to carry you west

to the undying lands.
While those you love may not yet follow,

there will come a time when you will meet again.

Rest easy, knowing that you always did 

the best you could; that your legacy will live on.
Let the warm winds carry you to journey’s end,

where the ones who have gone ahead

are waiting to welcome you...

 a place of no more pain, 

 no more worries, 

  —only peace.

© Ginny Brannan 2026

For Jo, and Joe B. and family, and all who are dealing with their own loved one's illness or loss.

Photograph:"Rockport Harbor" Charlie Parant at Appetite for Photos

*Used with expressed written permission

                                                   * * * * *

"We are all broken, that's how the light gets in" Ernest Hemingway

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake, 

for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Excerpts from The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12

"Valinor" is a fictional place spoken of in J.R.R Tolkien's writings where the Elves and the Ring-bearers go when their time on Middle Earth is done. It is comparable to the Garden of Eden before the fall of man. The technical rule is that mortals aren't allowed—the real rule is that the Valar make the determination and can make exceptions. From "Fans of Middle Earth"