First things first, I hope all of you had a very merry Christmas with family and friends. I was reminded again this year of how much I treasure the gift of Christ more than ever. What would I do without Him? How would I breathe and function in our loss if I didn't have the … Continue reading New Year Jitters
God
Help Along the Way
Hi there everybody- I hope your to-do lists are getting shorter! I hope to post again before Christmas, but in case I miss you: Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. No gift given and no gift received can ever top the gift we are celebrating: Jesus Christ! … Continue reading Help Along the Way
Finding Christmas Joy When You’re Afraid It May Be Lost
This is our third Christmas without John. A few weeks ago I was in Walmart and saw all of the Christmas displays and was blindsided by grief. Thankfully, it was early in the morning and the store was vacant. The soap and deodorant aisle bore witness to my tears as I stood there venting to … Continue reading Finding Christmas Joy When You’re Afraid It May Be Lost
Only He Can Do This
Have you ever had a breakfast that almost turned into lunch? It happened to me this week when I met another widow for breakfast. We left the restaurant close to noon. : ) She is decades ahead of me on this journey. Oh how I hope to have the vitality and energy and sparkle she … Continue reading Only He Can Do This
Thanksgiving Thoughts
Happy Thanksgiving to You & Your Families! I am thankful for you new friends. I know some of you but many of you are new to me this Thanksgiving. Your geography is vast- all over the world, which means turkey and cranberries and family may not be part of your day. But, whoever you are … Continue reading Thanksgiving Thoughts
Essentials
As you've probably noticed by now, I talk a lot about God. John did too. I am not a theologian. I am simply a woman who is increasingly captivated by God as He comforts and carries me through profound loss. His presence in my life amazes me. Some of you have a vibrant relationship with … Continue reading Essentials
Speaking Honestly about Grief
Grief is a riddle. What is invisible to everyone else, but you can't escape? Grief. It is awkward to be a mourner disguised in normalcy. I think that maybe our culture shouldn't have discarded the tradition of wearing black during the first few months of mourning. I wouldn't have minded it because it would have made … Continue reading Speaking Honestly about Grief
A Story with a Different Ending
Jay and Katherine Wolf are on the other side of our story. In 2008 Katherine had a catastrophic brain stem stroke, very similar to John's, but she survived. She was 26 years old and the young mom of a 6 month old baby boy. Their story is heartbreaking and inspiring. Jay's commitment to love and Katherine's willingness … Continue reading A Story with a Different Ending
The Day Life Changed
John had disappeared. For several hours we had been trying to retrace his steps. I knew something was very wrong because he left his downtown office late in the afternoon but never came home for dinner. It had been one of those teamwork nights for us: me at a meeting, him planning to come home from … Continue reading The Day Life Changed
Our Story: A Preface
You are brave. Really. Because I know our story is uncomfortable. It is everyone’s nightmare and awakens all kinds of fears that lurk in your mind. I understand because I used to be afraid of people like me and their stories. So, I don’t take your willingness to venture close for granted. From the outside … Continue reading Our Story: A Preface
where love takes you 