Expressive Writings

I know that He lives...

for I saw Him today in a hand that was offered to me on my way,

in the warmth of a smile that was offered to cheer me,

in the touch of a friend who took time just to hear me.

I heard His voice…

in the words of support whispered to me when my hope had run short

Yes, I know that He lives...

for I see how He sends His love every day in the caring of friends

You touched a moment of my day, my life, with your beautiful spirit in a way that only you could do.

What a blessing it was knowing you!

Tears in Heaven

.....Eric Clapton & Will Jennings

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven
I'll find my way, through night and day
Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven

Time can bring you down
Time can bend your knee
Time can break your heart
Have you begging please
Begging please

Beyond the door
There's peace I'm sure.
And I know there'll be no more...
Tears in heaven

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

The below was written by Morgan Chaulk - a close and good friend of Matthew’s. 

I wrote a poem last year for my writing class about Matthew. This year my English teacher asked us to write a poem about remembrance and he would send it away to a contest in the states. I passed the poem I wrote for my writing class about Matthew into him. I had forgotten all about the contest, and on Tuesday (Jan 2007) I received a letter in the mail saying that my poem is one of the top 10 finalist out of all the students who entered from grades 10-12 in both Canada and the US. My poem is being published in a book called "A Celebration of Young Poets". It is also going to be further judged for a prize. This really meant a lot to me because I wrote the poem about Matthew and me.
 

In Memory

Of

Matthew

Please forgive me
but I’ve flown away,
Leaving behind me my life astray,
I'm sorry but I had to leave,
He called my name,
He needed me,
Precious memories I'll take along
I'll sing to myself our happy song,
It's time to let go now,
It's time to move on,
Just hold my memory close to your heart,
Don't ever forget how I’ve loved you from the start   

__________________________________________________________
 

 

My name is Kerry Spurrell  I am sending you a ballad I wrote for my literature class. It was just after watching the story on the news about Matthew so I decided to do the ballad about Matthew  and I would like to share it with you.

 

In Memory

Of

Matthew Churchill

                                        

July 14, 1989 was the happiest day of our lives

Our son Matthew arrived early and we were all surprised

He came earlier than planned and we were so full of pride

He spent 3 weeks in hospital with us all by his side.

 

 He spent many days at the park on the swings and his bike

And his stuffed panda Joe Joe was always in sight

Nanny Bernice was the babysitter while mom was at work

And next came preschool and lots of readings books.

 

Our family time was so precious to us,

and many excursions were always a must,

We spent time at the beach, museums, movies and such

And spent nights watching TV and talking about teenage crushes.

 

School was a place he loved to be

With lots of friends you were sure to see

He worked really hard at all his books

And loved all the teachers at Leary's Brook.

 

The weekend was spent at a St. John’s maple leafs game

With Gregory and Jason as always the same

With a dozen more friends he spent time on the phone

Or spend many hours playing spotlight at Matthews home.

 

With lots of family on mom and dad’s side

Aunt Ninney was the one with a heart full of pride

Poppy Alf loved to give rides on his big tractor

And time with poppy Brett was never a factor

 

Matthew spent a lot of time at the pool and the gym

But hockey was the passionate sport for him

He loved to play music and string on his guitar

But Metallica’s, “ Seek and Destroy” he knew by far .

 

On March 2005 our world came tumbling down

With three little words “Matthew is gone”

Its hard to continue it’s a struggle each day

But it helps to keep his memory alive every way.

  

by: Kerry Spurrell

---

Letter from Heaven

This beautiful verse was given to us by Arlene & Everett Sturge who lost their only child Tyler in December 2004.

To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say.

But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I’m writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there are no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.

Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.

It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.

I need you here badly, you’re part of my plan.

There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”

God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you,

And when you lie in bed at night the day’s chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you…in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.

Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell all that God has planned.

If I were to tell you that, you wouldn’t understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.

I’m closer to you now, then I was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;

That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain;

Then you can say to God at night…”my day was not in vain.”

And now I am contended…that my life was worthwhile.

Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;

Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind.

I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it’s time for you to go…from that body to be free.

Remember you’re not going…you’re coming here to me.

He is…

The air I breathe

The beauty I see

The existence of me

He is…

The smile in a stranger

The joy in a child

The song of a bird

He is…

The brush of wind

The warmth of the sun

The kiss of the rain

He is…

The matter that flows around me

And through me

Where the White Dove Flies

The following verse was given to us by the man who owned the white dove that was released at Matthew's internment at the cemetery.

Where the white dove flies

I am free tonight

The Holy Spirit guides me

On my "victory" flight.

Everywhere I look

I see clouds of white

And angels rocking babies,

...what a glorious sight!

I can rest in peace

Because my soul is free...

There's nothing like this feeling

As the "Light" embraces me.

The reverence that I feel

Is beyond belief...

The White Dove has brought me

To the Savior's feet!

There's no pain here to bear,

No more tears to cry...

I'm finally "home" in heaven

Where the White Dove flies.

This is a verse sent to me by Everett Sturge who found it in a Compassionate Friends newsletter.

I wonder a bit, if I shouldn't quit
To just throw in the towel...
I feel half dead within my head,
My heart in silence howls,
To kill or cry, to live or die,
I can't seem to decide....
The grief is deep, it steals my sleep,
There's nowhere I can hide.
But on I'll go, through this inner snow,
Till I let go your hem...
To look for the hour, to renew our flower,
From our briefly broken stem.
Through this puzzle of God, so seemingly odd,
I'll search for the piece that will fit...
For I know what you'd say,
were you with me today,
"Dad, remember it's too soon to quit."

Welcome Home

The following verse was sent to us by Gloria and George Young.  We though it appropriate to include here.

To those I Love And Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
be thankful for our many years.

I gave to you my love. You can only guess
how much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
but now it's time I travelled alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,
then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a time that we must part
So Bless the memories within your Heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me. I'll be near.
And if you listen with your Heart, you'll hear
All my Love around you soft and clear.

And then,
When you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say-
Welcome Home!

• Grief is love's unwillingness to let go.

• The loss of a parent is losing your past, the loss of a spouse is losing your present but the loss of a child is the loss of your future.

• Our journey is not easily traveled, our steps are hesitant and few, and falls are hard and frequent as we struggle to survive our loss.

• Grief attacks – sudden unexpected bursts of intense sorrow –often catch me unaware.

• Even on happy occasions it is difficult to rejoice for others.

• I’m surrounded by painful reminders, yet am unable to part with them.

• As my loved one's presence changed my life, so will their absence.

• Driven to my knees in heartache, I realize that I can’t go any further.

• Others speak of my loved one in the past tense, while I need them to remain present.

• Special days and events are tender milestones for those with wounded hearts.

• There is no virtue in appearing brave and strong following the loss of a loved one.  Grief is very painful.

• By choosing to love, I accepted both the treasured gift of memories as well as the genuine pain brought by death.

• I search for you, but your absence is present everywhere!

• Mourning is the outward expression of inner pain.

• Sometimes there are no words, but the caring touch of another brings comfort.

• The love of a special person has changed my life forever – and I will never be the same.

• Seemingly insignificant little things have suddenly become precious treasures.

• I expected words like forever and always to mean a longer time in our lives together.

• God sees my tears as unspoken words from the depths of a wounded heart.

• Grief is hard work; it leaves me exhausted as I fight to just survive.

• Lost dreams, shattered hope, an altered future – nothing is as I had planned.

• Grief walks beside me - an uninvited companion.