Battles of Sorrow Poetry & Grief Series

Battles of Sorrow sometimes in vain, Either way, my heart’s in pain. I wonder, I seek, I look for the light, But in the end, nothing feels right.

Hold on, there it is— A choice to be made. I wonder, I wonder, I dare to think other ways. I go to good memories, those that are true. Now my heart’s feeling full, and not so blue.

Hope is the seed, and faith is the light. The gift is ours—what a delight. Choices and voices are dear to the heart, So be careful not to break your own heart.

Poem- Patricia Freudenberg 

Reflections on Choice and Healing in Grief

Grief presents us with many battles—some we fight within, some we carry in silence, and others weigh on our relationships, our faith, and our sense of purpose. The weight of loss cannot be undone, and the choices we make—whether in the physical world or in the quiet recesses of our thoughts—have consequences.

In grief, we often dwell on what was lost, the words left unspoken, the regrets that linger. But grief is not only about sorrow. Within us, there exists a treasury of memories, moments that brought us joy, love, and meaning. Even in relationships that were estranged, there were times when light filtered through. And in those relationships where love was steadfast, those moments remain as sacred keepsakes within our hearts.

As an end-of-life coach, I teach legacy as recovery. This means that healing comes not from forgetting, but from remembering with intention. It is in our hands to decide which memories we revisit—those that weigh us down or those that lift us up. When we choose to draw from the good, we find peace, not only in our minds but in our hearts.

Recovery is a practice, not a destination. It is found in the anchors we hold onto—whether they be spiritual, emotional, or physical. When grief feels unbearable, return to those anchors, lean into the light of faith, and trust in the power of choice. Because even in the midst of sorrow, hope can still be planted, and love never truly fades.

In reflection:

What memories bring you comfort when grief feels overwhelming?

How can you nurture the seeds of hope in your journey?

What anchors—spiritual or personal—do you turn to in times of sorrow?

With grace and resilience,

Patricia Freudenberg

© 2025 Patricia Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach. All Rights Reserved.