Consider the grief that lovers feel. It is emptiness, sorrel for your departed loved one, that hollow around your heart once filled to overflowing with her essential being. An absence where everything becomes essential, each sound distinct and bare, and clear. Heartbroken, lonely, wordless, lost, fearful and yes ecstatic. It is the long dark night of the soul. “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come” but, for the surviving lover it is like living in a ruin, in the blank state of knowing her no more. You live in your heart searching for the dawn of your beloved there. Christ said, “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Luke 11:9) Be quiet and listen, don’t try to answer now. “Love’s secret is always lifting its head out from under the covers, “Here I am.” אני “ The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.” ― Rumi.  Love is stronger than death; Love is forever. I shall love my beloved Patricia Bow forever. When she and God are ready that empty space will fill once again with her essential being. She already dwells within and I rejoice in her Love and in the blessed company of the communion of saints.