Tears in Heaven
March 12, 2013 at 9:50 pm | Posted in after death?, Love | 5 CommentsTags: child loss, new not so normal, parenthood, perspective, thoughts, tragedy, ways to honor the memory of your child
In my 20’s I went to see an Eric Clapton concert. He sang “Tears in Heaven.” I knew that he had written the song for his young son, Conor, who had died. Below are the lyrics in case you have not heard the song:
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you feel the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong here in heaven
Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I’ll find my way through night and day
‘Cause I know I just can’t stay here in heaven
Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees
Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please
Beyond the door there’s peace I’m sure
And I know there’ll be no more tears in heaven
Eric Clapton wrote in his autobiography that “Tears in Heaven” did not have a big budget but “If you really want to know what it cost me then go visit my son’s grave in Ripley, England.” He went on to write that this song was originally not meant for the public. It was part of his grieving process. What finally convinced him to release the song was the hope that it would help others.
In my 20’s I had no way of identifying with this enormous loss. I just enjoyed the concert. Now when I listen to the song I know all too well the heartbreak and sadness. If I could have warned my 20-year-old self, what would I say?
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A Mourning Mom 
Maybe we should ask ourselves instead – what would my 60 year old self warn me about and try to alter the future instead of changing the past? I would guess we would say all the things we know – not to worry so much, time goes too quickly, appreciate the small things, love, be patient, etc.
Comment by Susan FB— March 13, 2013 #
I don’t think we could warn ourselves — there’s simply no preparation for heartbreak, and the beauty of youth is how eagerly we go into it all, how trusting and enthusiastic. That shouldn’t be taken away, even if we could go back, you know?
Comment by Daphne— March 13, 2013 #
For me, I think it would be hard to enjoy the moment if I knew what pain was going to come my way. Hugs to you.
Comment by Kristen— March 13, 2013 #
Looking forward to the day when I see my boy again and there will be no more tears in heaven.
Comment by Rebecca Carney - One Woman's Perspective— March 29, 2013 #
touchy..
Comment by Abhishek Dixit— April 12, 2013 #