19 Comments
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Sherry V. Chidwick's avatar

I'm so sorry. This loss must have been such a gut-punch for you, in the midst of so many other losses. Yes, love the ones we encounter on our path. Just love them and love them some more. Leave the whys and what-ifs to God to sort out. We are called to love.

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Sherry, Yes, I'm coming up on the 1st anniversary of my fave auntie, loved neighbor and my mother's death too. Last year was a lot of loss. Thankful for love. May we all grow in love. ~Linda

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Vicki Haines's avatar

Linda, I am amazed by how you have handled so much loss and by the amount of difficulties you have experienced in your life, yet you have maintained so steadfast in your faith. Isn't God wonderful? Most people would crack under the weight of it all, but the Lord grants us the peace to sustain us if we just look to Him.

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Vicki, The same period we lost Chelsea, my mom, a beloved aunt, a beloved neighbor and several more friends & family passed away. I am not a Jesus follower simply to get to heaven someday. I follow Jesus because He makes my life So. Much. Better. Now. Yes, my God is a wonderful God. Blessings Be Yours, Linda

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Vicki Haines's avatar

Amen to that! Yes, the Lord has blessed me so much in my life, but it has taken me many years to finally accept His love and redemption fully and to receive it has been

amazing!

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Wonderful! Keep on loving like Jesus. ~Linda

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Catherine DeVries's avatar

Beautifully said. For those who struggle, we light a candle of hope and grace and love.

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Catherine, Thank you so much. We light a candle indeed. ~Linda

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Melody Carlson's avatar

Heartbreakingly good message. Thank you!

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Mel,

I told my dad about this post--been thinking about Chelsea all day, may she rest in peace. Love you, Linda

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Kira OC's avatar

I am starting to see how these multiple tragedies in families are not uncommon at all. Thank you for reminding us of love's power & how it really is all we have. all we need. All there is

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Wow, Kira,

Beautifully said! Keep Loving, Linda

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Diana Mohrsen's avatar

A very moving account of an all too familiar tragedy. You make a very valid point. LOVE!

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Diana,

Kneeling in front of holy Love, we are asked no more nor less than to be love to our companions along the way. I miss her every day. ~Linda

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Pam Mulcaire's avatar

Pain unspeakable

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Pam, I think of Chelsea so often. She was a wonderful person--although I didn't know her all that well. That same year, eight loved ones died in just a few months' time, including my crotchety mom. Losing my two half-sisters was hard but I knew Chelsea much better. Hey, guess what--I'm planning to visit the Valley in October to attend a life celebration for my favorite aunt who died last fall. If I make it, I'll message you--you ARE still there, right? Warmly, Linda

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Pam Mulcaire's avatar

Yes I am I would love that!

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Susan Wingate's avatar

What a special and heart wrenching tale. You gave Chelsea what she needed at the time and that is a good thing. That you loved her probably meant the world to her. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Hugs, Susan. xoxo

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Linda S Clare's avatar

Hi Susan,

Thanks. That's why I say her name out loud every week, so I don't forget. My two half-sisters who died too young I really didn't know very well (We met when I was in my 40s). But Chelsea was so special, and I'm thankful I got to be a part f her life, however brief. ~Linda

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