Last summer I took an creative writing course.  One of the first assignments was to write a descriptive short piece about a candle.  Initially I thought I’d have to go out and buy a candle because I don’t have any around the house.  But then I remembered a candle our family received last spring during a conference we attended in Washington DC, titled From Sorrow to Strength where we worked on truck safety issues, and our own grief, along with other families who have been affected by tragic loss due to truck crashes.  As the anniversary of Dad’s death approaches I am reminded of the piece.  I share it with you now:

Letting Go

I am the candle you received at the Sorrow to Strength conference last spring.  I am a simple candle, tall and straight, no frills, clean white.  I have never been burned.  The sound of the match, its smell, the tiny bit of heat against your fingers makes you catch your breath.  Tears threaten your eyes.  I am so much more than a candle.  My flame holds memories of the man you lost to that tired semi driver almost three years ago.  You can see his face there.  No, not his face, just his essence.  His being is there in the flame.

I am the candle you received at the conference.  You put me away as if to put away the memories.  Seeing me causes you pain, but did you forget about the strength I represent?  As my wax melts let bits of your pain melt.  Let them fly away with the smoke of my flame.   I am a simple candle, tall and straight.  But I am strong, I can hold some of your pain.  I can let it go for you.  I can remind you of the father you lost who was also tall and straight and strong.  I can remind you that you are tall and straight and strong.

I am the candle you received.  My flame holds memories.  My flame holds hope.

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May you all have hope this holiday season.