From Glory to Glory

    **The glorious Butterfly Brightly coloured Shimmering Stardust On its elusive Wings Recall Childhood days loving this Creature Every girl's Heart Covets this Wonder Only to Capture Its Flighty Beauty In Glass jars... Now Trapped My own Heart Now Saddened By my own Desire Touching its Glitter Rubbing off On Guilty hands Owning its Prey Dying Slowly The Once Free Now a Slave To Selfish Whims ** Tanya (Potts) Arendse (2009) Words cannot express how much I miss my sister. She was such a huge part of my life, such a huge part of me. Three years ago today she went to be with the Lord. I take heart and know that I will be united with her one day, for eternity, but until that day comes I will always miss her sweet presence in my life… Tanya I still grieve the loss of your presence in our lives. I miss our chats on the couch, your chocolate muffins, your good advice, your sarcastic jokes and glorious intellect. I miss your beautiful face and smile. I m...

  Growing up I used to be, what would be considered, a plain Jane (never really liked make-up or dressing up). I would only make the effort for special occasions. My sister on the other hand NEVER went out the door without first "making the effort" to dress properly, put on make-up, accessorize appropriately, hair always perfect. She was well known and sometimes even teased by friends and family about her need to always be perfectly coiffed...   When Tanya died in 2010 of Ovarian Cancer, my life changed significantly and permanently... Not long after she passed on, I looked at my pale face in the mirror and decided as an "ode to Tanya" I would "make the EFFORT" to look better...    Now as I go through my morning ritual of getting dressed and putting on make-up etc I am always thinking of her, and feel her approving... Although there are far more profound lessons and memories my sisters life and existance has brought to my life... This...

Today I am celebrating the life of my sister Tanya Potts Arendse, she died just days before her 36 th birthday on 22 May 2010. She fought a brave battle against ovarian cancer and finally was taken to glory and victory in Jesus on Saturday the 22 nd of May 2010. I miss my sister dearly; I have so many memories that brings’ me joy and comfort. I found this beautiful poem by William Blake called On Another’s Sorrow that I would like to share here as a dedication to Tanya and also as an encouragement to everyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. This poem was published in Songs of Innocence in 1789. The innocence suggested within the poem is that sympathy alone can comfort and heal.   On Another's Sorrow - William Blake   Can I see another's woe,   And not be in sorrow too?   Can I see another's grief,   And not seek for kind relief? Can I see a falling tear, ...