It’s almost a year, wish you were here. Where did you go? What did you hear? Did an angel take you, or you just went away? I don’t know why you couldn’t stay.
It’s the mystery of life, this I know, Yet I still wonder, why did you go? Seasons have changed, the world spins on, Yet in my heart, you’re never gone.
I hear your laughter in the morning breeze, I see your smile in the autumn leaves. But time moves forward, slow and unclear, Still, I hold you close—through every tear.
The days grow long, but memories stay, A love untouched by time’s decay. So, I whisper softly, through loss and fear, I miss you, I love you—through the tender year.
Poem – Patricia Freudenberg
Sentiments of the Poem
The first year of loss is often called “the tender year.” It is a time of firsts—the first birthday without them, the first holiday, the first anniversary of their passing. It is a year of longing, of questioning, of trying to grasp the mystery of life and death.
This poem reflects the deep and natural wonder that comes with grief. Where did they go? Did they hear my voice? Did they choose to leave, or were they taken? These are questions that live in the hearts of those who grieve, not because they expect answers, but because love naturally seeks connection—even beyond this earthly realm.
Grief in the tender year is different from grief in the days immediately after loss. In those early moments, grief is raw, overwhelming, and consuming. But as time moves forward, grief settles into a quiet ache, a whispering presence that lingers in the background of everyday life.
There is beauty in remembering, in holding space for our loved ones, in knowing that love is timeless. While grief is an undeniable part of the first year, so is resilience. Each tear, each memory, and each whispered I miss you carries love forward into the next season.
For those who are in their own “tender year,” know this: Your love is real. Your grief is valid. And though they may not walk beside you, they are never truly gone.
How do you honor your loved one in your tender year? Reply with your thoughts, memories, or reflections. Let’s hold space for each other in this journey.
Tag us with hashtags:
#GriefRecovery #PoetryAndGrief #TheTenderYear #LegacyOfLove
© 2025 Patricia Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach. All Rights Reserved.
