10/22 - Comforting Moment: Just Smile

Charlie Chaplin came up with a simple strategy for how to survive those most difficult of days...just smile. This is a good song to listen to on those days when everything seems to be filled with sadness as a way of believing that things will get better.

Josh Groban is one of my favorite singers. I have been fortunate to see him three times in concert, the last time with my daughters, young Josh Groban fans at ages 7 and 5.

Josh Groban's rendition of the classic song "Smile" will remind you to keep smiling. I would have had this available for me to listen to on an iPod, during our NICU days, if iPods existed then.



Smile Song Lyrics

Lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons.
Music written by Charlie Chaplin, 1936.

Smile though your heart is aching;
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by.
If you smile through your fear and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow,
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near,
That's the time you must keep on trying,
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

That's the time you must keep on trying,
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

Even if you are feeling a bit blue, you may find yourself starting to ask yourself:

...what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

More:
Dyer KA. Smile Thought Your Heart is Aching. Squidoo.com

Image Source: Michael Bretherton. Sand Stuff. Royalty Free Use.

10/8 - Comforting Moment - We Never Lose the People We Love

Facing the loss of a baby is one of the most difficult challenges that NICU Parents can face. I have found with the many years of working in the grief, loss and bereavement field, that often times hearing or reading words of wisdom from someone else can help to console during a time of great loss.

One of my favorite quotes to help put a death in perspective comes from Dr. Leo Buscaglia:

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.

Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.

Leo Buscaglia

While words cannot take away the intense pain and sorrow you are feeling, these words that others have found to be helpful during their times of loss may help to ease the pain, by helping you "find comfort in knowing that your lives have been enriched" and that you have been forever imprinted by knowing your baby.

Photo Source: Sanja Gjenero. Heart in Sand. Royalty Free Use.