Our Life Bridge

5/13/2026

Dear blog friends,

These past few weeks have been tumultuous for my family and me. My lovely daughter-in-law passed away after a lengthy struggle with cancer. When any of us loses a loved one, I think a part of us travels with them. So, when I read Robbie's #TankaTuesday prompt, it gave me pause. She asked that we "write a story poem that includes a beginning, middle and ending." And she added, "Your poem should have a minimum of three stanzas but can have more if you prefer."

My poem focuses on our individual and collective journey.

I'll be traveling to Connecticut soon to spend time with family. My son wrote his wife's obituary, and I've included a part of it below. I think you'll agree with me that we all need to be "someone who said yes..."

Have a great week, and if you find yourself standing on your bridge, take a deep breath, shout your "yes", and make some memories - which I hope you'll share. ❤️

30 Comments

Priscilla Bettis link

5/14/2026 06:12:09

Beautiful poem, Gwen. May Kathy rest in peace.

Gwen M. Plano

5/14/2026 08:38:03

Thank you, Priscilla. I think she's dancing with the angels. ❤️

John W. Howell link

5/14/2026 06:34:36

A lovely poem, Gwen. I hope the beautiful memories of Kathy will, over time, help ease the pain your family feels today.

Gwen M. Plano

5/14/2026 08:38:48

Thank you, John. I believe that will be the case...with time. ❤️

Suzanne link

5/14/2026 06:45:37

Oh Gwen, my heart goes out to you all. What a beautiful soul, and your poem is a joy, I hope the journey moves quickly into a time when the blessings can be counted more easily....💞Suzanne

Gwen M. Plano

5/14/2026 08:39:38

Thank you, Suzanne. She was/is a beautiful soul. ❤️

Dan Antion link

5/14/2026 10:26:23

I am sorry for your loss. Your words and your son's are beautiful, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

5/14/2026 16:58:32

Thank you so much, Dan. Sad times, but I know Kathy is now resting in God's peace. ❤️

Jan Sikes

5/14/2026 12:04:22

Oh, Gwen, I am SO sorry for your family's loss. What a loving obituary your son wrote. I will add your family to my prayers and hope you all find some peace. A very lovely poem. Hugs.

Gwen M. Plano

5/14/2026 17:01:02

Thank you, Jan. My son is a wonderful writer, and though he is grieving, he knows his lovely wife is finally pain free. ❤️

Pete Springer link

5/14/2026 13:49:56

I'm so sorry you, your son, and the rest of your family are dealing with the loss of Kathy. Even if she was sick for a time, I'm sure it is hard to process. Your poem is a metaphor for our lives, those moments of joy and sorrow we all experience.

Gwen M. Plano

5/14/2026 17:02:51

Thank you, Pete, for your kind words. As you mentioned, it is hard to process, even though I think the family is grateful she is no longer suffering. ❤️

Timothy Dittmer link

5/14/2026 16:41:29

Your poetry is lovely, Gwen. 😍 Yes, it is sad to lose a loved one. Having her in your heart will be the result. 💖🙏 I hope you have a wonderful family time in Connecticut.

Gwen M. Plano

5/14/2026 17:04:05

Thank you so much, Tim. You are right, she lives in my heart. ❤️

Timothy Dittmer link

5/14/2026 18:12:33

My pleasure, Gwen. 😍 Having lost ones live in my heart how it is for me.

Thomas Wikman link

5/14/2026 18:34:14

I am so sorry for your loss Gwen and for your son. She look so young. It is a beautiful obituary and you wrote a beautiful poem.

Gwen M. Plano

5/14/2026 20:28:01

Thank you so much, Thomas. Kathy was beautiful - inside and out. And, I agree with you, my son wrote a very loving obituary. ❤️

Liz Gauffreau link

5/15/2026 08:17:18

I am so sorry to learn of your beloved daughter-in-law's death. You and your son have written beautiful tributes to her. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Gwen M. Plano

5/15/2026 09:38:01

Thank you, dear Liz, for the kind words. ❤️

Robbie Cheadle

5/15/2026 11:20:45

Hi Gwen, I am truly sorry to read this post and your poem which is beautiful like a frozen rose. Life is full of difficulties we have to pass through. Sending you love and light.

Gwen M. Plano

5/15/2026 16:03:29

Thank you, Robbie, for your kind words. Kathy touched many with her loving nature. ❤️

Paul Cannon link

5/18/2026 08:05:53

I so love this special poem for Kathy, I wonder that it was a teary joy to write, but such a beautiful testimony to her.

Gwen M. Plano

5/19/2026 15:32:27

Thank you so much, Paul. I'm pleased you liked it. There's plenty of tears these days, accompanied by happy glimpses.

willow link

5/18/2026 11:26:47

I am so sorry for your family's loss . She looks like and sounds like a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem story and your sons words. Wishing you all strength and love to help each other 💜💜💜

Gwen M. Plano

5/19/2026 15:34:22

Thank you so much, dear Willow. I'll be flying to Connecticut next week to be with the extended family and Kathy's friends. ❤️

Colleen link

5/18/2026 17:01:21

Dear Gwen, I'm so very sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful poem that touched my heart. I hope you and the family are doing okay. Sending my love and condolences. ❤️

Gwen M. Plano

5/19/2026 15:35:26

Thank you, dear Colleen. Lots of tears, lots of love...with family and friends. ❤️

Selma Martin

5/19/2026 07:10:58

A young person… Gwen, I’m so sorry to know this. Heartfelt condolences to you and your son’s family. What beautiful words he said about this beautiful human. I’m so sorry.
Your poem is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Be well, Gwen. Hugs.

Gwen M. Plano

5/19/2026 15:37:04

Thank you, dear Selma. It's a very sad time as memories are shared. ❤️

Jules link

5/29/2026 12:04:26

May your Daughter-in-Law's memories be for blessings.

We had a loss this year too - my BIL after four years of battling cancer that just refused to leave.

May all our stories have the happiest endings in our memories.

Our Life Bridge

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