Coping with catastrophie

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

Many years ago my 5 yr. old Son, , drowned right in front of his

Mother. I was unable to effectively cope with the grief and anger

toward his Mother for being so negligent.

A priest came to our home to console us. He stated, " God works in

mysterious ways his wonders to perform. " . Until then I had been very

religious. I sank deeper and deeper into depression wondering why the

God I loved so much would murder an innocent child in order to further

some Master Plan.

For some time I tortured myself....blaming myself for not having gone

with them to Lake Arlington. The feeling of guilt was awful. Then I

read something from the famous writer, F. Fitzgerald:

" The moving finger writes, and, having writ, moves on. Nor all your

cries or tears can change a single line. "

From then on I began to live in the future not the past. I realized

that God didn't murder my Son. His tragic death was solely a random

event.

I wrote this poem which I hope you don't mind me sharing it with you.

Destiny

Some say we are dealt

the cards we must play.

God knows our direction

there's no other way.

So if fate should deal you

a very bad hand.

Don't worry, don't suffer

for God has a plan.

If all this is true

and our future is cast,

then we are just puppets

a charade to the last.

If God knows our tomorrow's

then we've nothing to choose.

Why'd he give us free will

knowing we'd win or lose?

He'll be there to guide you

if only you ask,

he won't milk or plow

for that is your task.

A precious gift we have

your cat hasn't got

to plan for our future

or lie on a cot.

So if in the past

you've been filled with strife,

Awaken, 'tis the first day

of the rest of your life.

We're surely not puppets

for there are no strings.

Our freedom of choice

can bring wonderful things.

So, wind up a beggar

a knave or a king

all things are possible

if only you'll dream.

'Tis a beautiful world

just waiting for you.

Take heart, have courage

your dreams can come true.

Thank you for listening,

Jon J. , M.D.