Thank you, Leigh Anne for our March prompt: Strength.
You can join us in reflection and share your own experiences by clicking here.
My family is mourning our son and daughter-in-law’s recent miscarriage.
When the Heart Is Tender
Seeking strength –in the face of loss,
I find myself instinctively turning to a God I hope
remembers me.
Robyn Hood Black’s notebook gem from her Etsy shop artsyletters, arrived just in time.
When you’re lost, a simple map, typeset words, an anonymous hand… help to orient you.
You Are Here
You are here.
And it is morning again.
It is enough to tread the hallway…
to make morning tea,
nuzzle the dogs,
settle in the sunroom,
and let a rising sun
pierce your heart.
photos and poems ©2026 Patricia J. Franz
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
In a desert
feet step forward
one at a time.
❤️
Patricia, I am sorry for the loss your family is suffering. It is in times like this that God gives us the strength to go on even when we feel we can’t. Take comfort in Him and those around you. I know what you are going through. When Kathy had a miscarriage, we were devastated.
Yes –Seeking strength in one another. Thank you, Bob.
and it is enough. that says it all.
<3
It is enough. God will bless you in your grief and help you heal.
Thank you, Margaret.
So sorry for your loss. Beautiful notebook from Robyn and lovely poem. I hope you wrote it in the notebook. Wishing God’s comfort to your family at this time of sorrow.
Yes, I am already filling that beautiful notebook. Sorrows and joys. We are here.
Dear Patricia: I’m so sorry for this deep loss. I also have walked this raw and rutted road. Please know that I hold you in my prayers. Please know that it is enough to breathe, to cry, to hug. May God bless you.
Oh Karen — Bless you! Not a path anyone wishes to be on. I’m grateful to believe healing will come.
Patricia, life is so fragile and uncertain. I feel the depth of sorrow your family is experiencing. My daughter had three miscarriages before their family was complete with three girls. It was an extremely difficult journey my daughter and son-in-law traveled through. Prayer helps bring family together. “It is enough to…” is a fitting opening to fill the void of life. May the Lord help you and your family find the way. “Souls of prayer are souls of great silence. In the silence of the heart, God speaks.”
Mother Teresa
Oh Carol, what a journey for your daughter! I’m reminded of the hymn “Strength for the Journey.” Thank you for Mother Teresa’s words.