not gone.

there, where they

used to be,

is a thin line,

dug deep into my

skin, one that only

i can see,

a reminder that

they’re still there

even if

they’re not where

they used to be.

that line will not

be there forever,

but the mark

they left on me

will remain until

i breathe no longer.

39 Comments

  1. Jennifer Toy
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 2:45 pm | Permalink

    There are no words other than…Beautiful…

  2. Chris
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 2:45 pm | Permalink

    Wow, you’ve come a long way. Hope all is well and your journey continues with lots of happiness. You deserve it.

  3. Caroline
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 2:55 pm | Permalink

    Wow. Of all your … posts, this one got to me the most. It’s true, the mark that Liz made on you, your hand, your heart and your life is eternal.

    I sincerely hope with time and healing you are able to allow another “circle” on your hand, heart and life. You’re an inspiration to so many…

  4. Sue
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 4:34 pm | Permalink

    So, so, beautiful, Matt…………..

  5. Susan
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 5:05 pm | Permalink

    Beautiful.

  6. Erica
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 5:54 pm | Permalink

    Maybe you could put a little tattoo band around your pinkie, like a tiny tiny line. Even though she’ll always be there anyway…

  7. Tammy
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 5:55 pm | Permalink

    Your writing is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your journey.

  8. Susan
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 7:22 pm | Permalink

    very moving

  9. Mandy in the A-T-L
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 7:33 pm | Permalink

    I think you’re the first person who’s ever made me just whip out maternal instincts and say, “Aw, sweetie.” And we’re pretty much the same age. Maybe it’s because some lady from Miami kept calling me “Sweetie” all day at work.

    It’s bittersweet to hear you talk of taking off the rings, but everything has its time and it’s good see you’re progressing on your healing path. As you say, the circles will always be there, even if they’re not visible to everyone else.

  10. Jonelle
    Posted 4/8/2010 at 8:44 pm | Permalink

    beautiful words and bittersweet emotions.
    life is never easy, but everyone has circles of some sort that make our life so rich.
    thank you for sharing your journey with us.

  11. Teresa
    Posted 4/9/2010 at 2:47 am | Permalink

    Inspiring and true words.
    After death of a loved one our lives are changed forever…
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/justice4heather/188543752/in/set-72157594478404920/

  12. Jodi
    Posted 4/9/2010 at 4:42 am | Permalink

    Matt, the posts about the rings really resonated with me. It’s been 8 months since I removed the rings that I wore for 13 years. It’s been 8 months…and there is still a line around my finger. While it has faded a little, I’m starting to wonder if it will ever completely disappear. It’s a painful reminder that I carry around with me of everything I’ve lost. But I also secretly hope that line remains forever, however faint it becomes. Because it’s also a reminder of the time in my life that I had it all.

  13. erin
    Posted 4/9/2010 at 7:37 am | Permalink

    i feel like i’ve stumbled on a little treasure trove here. matt, your journey has been a remarkable thing to watch unfold. this is a beautiful and wonderful and happy-sad kind of post.

  14. Heather
    Posted 4/9/2010 at 9:07 am | Permalink

    Amazing.

  15. Posted 4/9/2010 at 10:51 am | Permalink

    You might feel sadness in moving on, but I can tell you that it’s so good to see how far you’ve come since those first dark days. You are being the best father to Maddy but, equally importantly, you are being good to yourself as well. Best wishes for the next leg of the journey.

  16. Ventucky Girl
    Posted 4/9/2010 at 2:43 pm | Permalink

    If more people handled thier grief in a similar way, what a different world we would live in. Matt, it is probably strange to hear that you are an inspiration, but you truly are. Your state of mind, grit, humor, determination and capacity for love is stunning.

    This post really gripped my heart. Your whole journey has really…
    Thanks for sharing. Your words are incredible.

  17. Christine
    Posted 4/9/2010 at 3:01 pm | Permalink

    It is bittersweet, Matt. I’m sure you know that Liz would want this for you.

  18. Mary
    Posted 4/9/2010 at 7:23 pm | Permalink

    Wow. Just, wow.

  19. Lia from the MN
    Posted 4/10/2010 at 1:25 am | Permalink

    So touching… and so true! God Bless you and all your days!

  20. Alyssa
    Posted 4/10/2010 at 1:13 pm | Permalink

    Incredibly moving

  21. Posted 4/10/2010 at 5:59 pm | Permalink

    That is beautiful.

  22. Tracy
    Posted 4/11/2010 at 12:28 am | Permalink

    Beautiful.:)

  23. Posted 4/12/2010 at 8:21 am | Permalink

    Have the rings gone away for safe keeping? Madeline will treasure those one day. You’re growing and changing every day. Blessings to you (whatever higher power you believe in…)

  24. Marnie :)
    Posted 4/12/2010 at 8:42 am | Permalink

    Beautiful Matt.

  25. Mimi H, El Paso, TX
    Posted 4/12/2010 at 10:57 am | Permalink

    I am going to tell my husband thanks today for my rings, I joke with him that the diamond is to small (its not), or that the band should have diamonds on it or something dumb like that… but then I come here, read this, I cry. You made me remember my wedding day, how happy i was to finally have that ring on my finger. i appreciate my husband so much more this morning…
    Thanks Matt.

  26. Diane B.
    Posted 4/12/2010 at 12:33 pm | Permalink

    Strong, powerful, tender writing.

  27. Posted 4/12/2010 at 1:05 pm | Permalink

    I hope I’m still reading this blog here the day you give Maddy her mother’s wedding rings. Please be sure to include pictures. My heart aches for you but also smiles because I know you are finding your bliss again.

  28. Posted 4/12/2010 at 9:21 pm | Permalink

    I love the “hidden” posts, they are my fav!

  29. Tara in The Fort.
    Posted 4/12/2010 at 9:57 pm | Permalink

    What a big step. You’re amazing. They’ll always be there.
    I knew this category was here, I always forget to check it. I’ll try to remember. I’ve missed your more frequent posts, but I know you’ve been busy. I guess. You act like you’re raising a 2 year old and traveling the world and writing a book. ;)

  30. Nicole
    Posted 4/13/2010 at 10:32 am | Permalink

    beautiful

  31. Posted 4/14/2010 at 7:22 pm | Permalink

    breathtaking words……..

  32. Posted 4/15/2010 at 3:33 pm | Permalink

    Gorgeous

  33. Tara
    Posted 4/16/2010 at 9:17 pm | Permalink

    and they skin that was underneath is so soft and brand-new feeling, sort of suddenly unprotected and vulnerable, yet, breathing fresh air and happy, isn’t it?

  34. Posted 4/18/2010 at 5:20 pm | Permalink

    I’m totally hooked on your blog. Even though it’s in my feed reader I check it like every day for more “hidden” posts. I’m a dork.

  35. Gwen in the Illinois
    Posted 4/23/2010 at 6:52 am | Permalink

    Removing the rings was one of the hardest things to do for me. There will be others. I remember taking down the largest wedding picture off the wall. Last month I sold our house. It took almost ten years for me to be able to do it although I haven’t lived in it for 6 years. You have come so far. I am so glad you and Maddy have been able find a special person. I wish you all the best.

    BTW: I am in withdrawals here. I am anxiously awaiting the results of Maddy’s appt.

  36. Posted 4/25/2010 at 4:19 am | Permalink

    Hi Matt, beautiful post, keep forgetting to check – out! Just checked out flickr pics, maddie getting so big!! Hope you well. D :-)

  37. Glenda in San Diego
    Posted 4/26/2010 at 5:00 pm | Permalink

    beautiful…

  38. Jenny
    Posted 4/28/2010 at 10:55 pm | Permalink

    So beautiful it makes my heart ache.

  39. Sarah Goible
    Posted 4/28/2010 at 11:00 pm | Permalink

    A friend of mine’s sister lost her husband suddenly just less than a month ago. Hearing of her loss it made me think of you and all the obstacles you have overcome. You are an inspiration and I only hope she can manage this step in her life with her 3 small children in a similar manner as you have done. Beautiful writing as always!

Post a Comment

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *

*
*
Copyright © 2007-2010 matt, liz and madeline. All rights reserved. This blog may not be reproduced on any other site without the expressed written consent of Matt Logelin.