Last month, March 8 came around again and marked five years since John went to heaven. Five years is a long time to miss someone you love. Years ago, in our early days of dating and marriage, I feared losing John. I couldn't imagine life without him. The thought of experiencing a loss that great … Continue reading He Loves Us Back to Life
grief
Daring to Dream Again
Well, we are at the end of the first month of this new year and resolutions aren't quite as shiny. I don't typically make many new year resolutions. Since John died, my resolutions have been simple: "I am resolved, with God's sustaining grace, to keep putting one foot in front of the other for 365 … Continue reading Daring to Dream Again
Grief Grows Up
My grief is growing up. This week, on Tuesday, March 8, it turns four years old. I happen to be familiar with four year olds. A few years ago I persuaded my teenage daughter and son to help me lead the four year old class at our church. We are with them two Sundays each month. We … Continue reading Grief Grows Up
Christmas Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Peaceful
The house is quiet this morning. My four children nestled snug in their beds. Rain is hitting the window of my office as I type. All is cozy. Even though John isn't here with us, there is peace in my heart. I still marvel to find peace in my heart and mind; it is real and … Continue reading Christmas Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Peaceful
Umm, How Are You Doing?
It is a question I hear often, and every single time my brain gridlocks. The question is asked earnestly. People care. They genuinely want to know how we are doing- each of the kids, our new house, the upcoming holidays, and the status of my grief's healing process. I want to honor their question with … Continue reading Umm, How Are You Doing?
Three Years: Our Kids’ Perspectives
Arriving at the three year mark has felt different than the previous two years. It has reminded me of the days when our children were babies, and we had to transition from saying they were "weeks old" to "months old" to "years old." Some of you will know what I am talking about. Someone would … Continue reading Three Years: Our Kids’ Perspectives
Love Even Goes Here
As I told you in my last post, it took me two years to decide what to put on John's marker. It wasn't a task to rush through for the sake of "getting it done." I wanted to be completely sure about its appearance and wording. Grave markers aren't something you return. Knowing that I … Continue reading Love Even Goes Here
Welcome in. Again.
Ok. I know. I disobeyed the cardinal rule of blogging: post consistently. I am sorry. You all are so wonderful and supportive that I know you will be quick to say, "it's okay! There's no pressure!" Thank you for that. But, there has actually been a reason. When you're traveling and get close to your … Continue reading Welcome in. Again.
New Year Jitters
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
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
where love takes you 