JOY AND SORROW SHARED

Joy and Sorrow Shared

Written to Friends a Year after Tom went Home May 14, 2006

Grief knits two hearts in closer bonds
than happiness ever can;
and common sufferings
are far stronger links
than common joys.
Alphonse de Lamartine
1790-1869

Dear Friends,

Because so many of you have shared the grief in the Fenwick/Roehm family this summer, I thought of all of you when I read these words. Surely there is a Bible verse that says the above but this poet is new to me and I loved his words. They are lovely.

A week or two ago our Pastor, Fr. John, said, "Joy shared is multiplied, a Sorrow shared is divided." He also commented that, "Abundance doesn't happen automatically, we pass it around . . . as in the loaves and fishes." I feel there has been abundant love and care happening in our family because of all of you - as you shared some of the Joy of Tom not having a lot of pain or having to be a stay-a-bed patient. He went so beautifully. He went after a fun weekend and feeling well. He went as a much loved man who gave much love. He went as a man who openly loved his God. Again I say, "If I had TIVOed Tom's leaving, I would have played the program daily as it was so beautiful."

Then the sorrow? Well you all came and took a share or two from me - many of you at exactly the right time - and left me almost sorrow-less. If there is not such a word, I declare it so this year of our Lord 2006. Sorrow-less meaning, "Almost no tears and a heart that heals daily because of a Great God and the comfort and love of great friends."

I still have a dining table covered with beautiful cards and notes filled with words of love and caring - also Mass Cards, beautiful flower gift cards, as well as food and I plan to write to you about all of them. When I do, I shall include a picture of Tom from the Memorial Mass and a word or two from a grateful heart of a comforted widow who lives in Half Moon Bay.

You are much appreciated! You have brought me great JOY. Thanks for multiplying my Joy and dividing my sorrow into very small pieces.

Love in the Lamb, Terry Fenwick

My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Psalm 45:1