Surmounting Grief

It’s now five weeks since I lost my husband, Anthony. He was the love of my life and the center of my world. For me, the world stopped that day, yet life all around me continued. I couldn’t understand why; didn’t the world see my pain?

With help from friends and especially individuals at our church, I am looking at our changing world knowing I need to join it. I love the expression, God doesn’t put something in your life if He doesn’t think you are strong enough to get through it. If he brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

I fill my days with the many personal details one must do when you lose a spouse. It keeps me distracted, and I don’t dwell on the loss. Yet it is at night when all is quiet the pain is at its worse. It is those times I turn to prayer and God gives me the strength to cope.

Several years ago when I was going through my chemo treatment for lymphoma, Anthony was playing the theater organ we have in our home. I was having a bad day, and the song he played although brought tears, it brought me inner strength.

The song was Smile, and the instrumental version was used in1936 movie Modern Times staring Charlie Chaplin. It is not well known that the silent movie comic was also a brilliant composer. Chaplin composed the music inspired by Puccini’s Tosca. Later in 1954, John Turner and Geoffrey Parson wrote the lyrics.

I’m sure you will recognize the song when you hear it. There are many artist that have recorded the song, but in my opinion, the best and probably the most known performance is Nat King Cole’s recording. As it did years ago, it again brings me the strength to surmount my grief.

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
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