It's Valentines week and our minds gravitate to the one we love. I think about the reasons I fell in love with John and continued to fall more in love with him over time. Love lists grows longer as you do life together: the beautiful (new babies), the stressful (moving & job changes), and the ordinary … Continue reading A New Love List
hope
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
We Go Nowhere By Accident
Of all the things in life to procrastinate, designing your grave marker is at the top of the list. And so I did. For almost two years. There was a simple marker at John's grave with his name, but it was temporary. I was supposed to design a permanent one for us in the first … Continue reading We Go Nowhere By Accident
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
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
A Loss so Big in a Heart so Young
... She Misses Her Momma I just realized. When Dad died, I lost not only a father but also a mother. Mom is an incredible woman and I respect and admire her more and more every day. But she is not the same woman I used to know. She has to pay the bills, fix … Continue reading A Loss so Big in a Heart so Young
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
where love takes you 