It's like a strange dream, actually. First he missed Thanksgiving (in the hospital), then I went through Christmas, NYE was our 47th anniversary and his birthday on January 5th. I'm still doing all the things--canceling accounts and waiting on hold for Social Security--the really fun stuff of applications and proving I am who I say I am, etc. Yet it all seems a bit unreal. Thanks so much for your support! Love and wishes for a terrific new year, Linda
So much red tape when you least feel like dealing with it, right? I get that surreal feel of it all—that’s the perfect description. Just going through the motions, but so detached because life just changed overnight…
Yep. Whether you're a believer or not, the Presence comes to those who allow it. And if I allow it, then love not only fills ME, love can look outward and be Love to others. Thank you and Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. ~Linda
Everyone has already said those things I was thinking but your powerful description of your new journey has resulted in a "let's talk" with my wife for the time one of us takes the muddy-road journey you are on. My heart is with you.
Thank you. And thanks to you, I will always try to BE love. :-) I love to think of that moment when you got off the plane and your shoe broke. :-) Happy New Year. Linda
Your words resonant within. There are no words that can comfort and take away your pain. You already know others have and are walking their own path through grief, but it is a solitary activity. Thank you for sharing glimpses into your journey.
My friend, once again you amaze me. Thanks so much for sharing this tender part of your soul with us. I am praying so hard for both you and Mel. Let's reconnect soon.
I don't know how, but SOMEHOW we have to be together again, even if only a little while. Brad's service was so amazing--I'm not a crier but when the Marines blew Taps I broke down. I want to support Mel too, during those stunned moments when you remind yourself that the sun still shines and God is still there despite the void trying to eat you whole. Much Love to you, my friend, Linda
So beautiful and raw. You pull those two off with such seeming effortlessness even as you share with a heart that is broken and a spirit that is weary. Love to you Linda.
Thanks for such kind words. Right now I feel like flotsam bobbing in the endless sea, but it's OK as long as love is in the drink with me. Sending love, Linda
I especially related to this: "God, Jesus, the Source—whatever you like to call the Creator—feels far away. I’ve come, so weary and heavy-laden, but I can’t find rest. My prayers are full of please please please instead of thanks and praise. Sleep only deadens me to the path set before me. Yet as I take my first baby step towards mourning, I find that I’m not so alone after all." Through it all, you are well-loved, even if it may not feel that way.
I hope to get to more thanks and praise than pleases as time heals this wide open wound. I hope you will be filled with love in all those weary and heavy-laden places too. Love, Linda
Oh. My. Heart. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain and heartache. Grief is so personal and so solitary--as are all emotions, I guess. That you continue wholeheartedly in your walk of faith will be what gets you through. Easy? Heck, no. But it is the only way. Well done good and faithful servant.
We used that verse from II Timothy in the service. A fitting send-off for my hero. I can only lean in towards the One Who is Love to fill the empty places now. ~Linda
YES! Feeling seen is so important when you feel invisible. When no one wants to talk about him, nobody wants to look at pictures of him, everybody has some stupid saying or even worse, a bunch of scripture for you. I hear God saying, Be kind to yourself during this tender time. Love, Linda
Time, Linda, heals all. Or at least makes life palatable. Our vision is off. We think we are here to have fun ... but we are here to grow. And you are doing it.
Ugh ugh ugh…grief can feel so isolating…and what a huge hole his absence leaves. Holding you in my heart….
(And I NEVER forget to eat, dammit!)
❤️
Julie,
It's like a strange dream, actually. First he missed Thanksgiving (in the hospital), then I went through Christmas, NYE was our 47th anniversary and his birthday on January 5th. I'm still doing all the things--canceling accounts and waiting on hold for Social Security--the really fun stuff of applications and proving I am who I say I am, etc. Yet it all seems a bit unreal. Thanks so much for your support! Love and wishes for a terrific new year, Linda
So much red tape when you least feel like dealing with it, right? I get that surreal feel of it all—that’s the perfect description. Just going through the motions, but so detached because life just changed overnight…
You are seen.
Thank you for sharing your most intimate of griefs.
The sense I got at the end of your message is Jesus’ presence… in the midst of it all.
George,
Yep. Whether you're a believer or not, the Presence comes to those who allow it. And if I allow it, then love not only fills ME, love can look outward and be Love to others. Thank you and Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. ~Linda
Everyone has already said those things I was thinking but your powerful description of your new journey has resulted in a "let's talk" with my wife for the time one of us takes the muddy-road journey you are on. My heart is with you.
Ed,
Let's hope that journey is none too soon for both of you. Hope 2025 turns out better than we fear. ;-)
Linda
Sending you love and prayers through this unimaginable and difficult time. xoxo
Susan, I feel embraced by you and so many. And especially by Mr. Jesus, who carries me when I can't go on. Love, Linda
Profound, painful, hopeful. Thanks for the reality check.
Hannah,
I'm blessed to call you friend. Happy New Year. Love, Linda
Thank you for sharing, I can feel your pain. I've felt your pain. It takes a long time to heal, take that time guilt free.
Love you.
Dear Maida,
Thank you. And thanks to you, I will always try to BE love. :-) I love to think of that moment when you got off the plane and your shoe broke. :-) Happy New Year. Linda
Your words resonant within. There are no words that can comfort and take away your pain. You already know others have and are walking their own path through grief, but it is a solitary activity. Thank you for sharing glimpses into your journey.
Nancy,
So beautifully said! I write about my journey in hopes others can find their way too. Happy New Year! Linda
My friend, once again you amaze me. Thanks so much for sharing this tender part of your soul with us. I am praying so hard for both you and Mel. Let's reconnect soon.
H,
I don't know how, but SOMEHOW we have to be together again, even if only a little while. Brad's service was so amazing--I'm not a crier but when the Marines blew Taps I broke down. I want to support Mel too, during those stunned moments when you remind yourself that the sun still shines and God is still there despite the void trying to eat you whole. Much Love to you, my friend, Linda
So beautiful and raw. You pull those two off with such seeming effortlessness even as you share with a heart that is broken and a spirit that is weary. Love to you Linda.
Hope,
Thanks for such kind words. Right now I feel like flotsam bobbing in the endless sea, but it's OK as long as love is in the drink with me. Sending love, Linda
Beautiful! Ministered to me. Poignant.
I especially related to this: "God, Jesus, the Source—whatever you like to call the Creator—feels far away. I’ve come, so weary and heavy-laden, but I can’t find rest. My prayers are full of please please please instead of thanks and praise. Sleep only deadens me to the path set before me. Yet as I take my first baby step towards mourning, I find that I’m not so alone after all." Through it all, you are well-loved, even if it may not feel that way.
Donna,
I hope to get to more thanks and praise than pleases as time heals this wide open wound. I hope you will be filled with love in all those weary and heavy-laden places too. Love, Linda
Oh. My. Heart. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain and heartache. Grief is so personal and so solitary--as are all emotions, I guess. That you continue wholeheartedly in your walk of faith will be what gets you through. Easy? Heck, no. But it is the only way. Well done good and faithful servant.
LaDonna,
We used that verse from II Timothy in the service. A fitting send-off for my hero. I can only lean in towards the One Who is Love to fill the empty places now. ~Linda
I've been thinking of you all through this letting-go time. Sending love.
Jan,
Oh you warm my heart, friend. Thank you. Love, Linda
your words are so comforting, I feel so seen Linda
Pam,
YES! Feeling seen is so important when you feel invisible. When no one wants to talk about him, nobody wants to look at pictures of him, everybody has some stupid saying or even worse, a bunch of scripture for you. I hear God saying, Be kind to yourself during this tender time. Love, Linda
Time, Linda, heals all. Or at least makes life palatable. Our vision is off. We think we are here to have fun ... but we are here to grow. And you are doing it.
Don,
What wisdom you share. Thank you. As an "A" type, I have trouble having fun anyway. Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year, Linda