Good Grief
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Thank you, everyone, for being so thoughtful and kind regarding my husband’s passing. I appreciated all of the warm and wonderful words you took time to share.
It is a week today since Charles left for heaven. I am doing pretty well, though I have the signs of grief people have told me about. The other day I had three stops to make on the same road in our little town. I got all the way to the end of the street before realizing that I had missed each of the three shops and had to backtrack.
The day before that I missed my exit on the freeway and had to double back. And each night as I sit at my computer typing away I look up and suddenly it’s midnight or later. I used to go to bed at 10:00.
My mind is mush . . . but I’m told that’s to be expected when one faces a loss of such proportion. But even in the midst of this confusion and uncertainty I feel the love of God and the grace notes he sends my way each day.
I’m taking it easy, avoiding rushing, eating well, and taking long walks with dear friends. Charles is safe with God in heaven and I’m safe with God here on earth and someday we’ll all be in an endless fellowship on the other side.
Reflection
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
~ Psalm 37:4
Grief is no fun, but if we couldn’t grieve we couldn’t love. We’d be like those spiders that eat their own mates and children.
Thank you, Janet. You are so right.
I continue to lift you and all of your sweet family to the Lord for comfort and peace. (Julie’s friend)
Thank you, Paula.
Thanks for sharing what you are going through right now. It gives those of us who are praying for you–something concrete to put before the throne of God on your behalf. When I lost several family members in rapid succession, I also felt very disoriented. For me, though, it was like I was in a fog. At times (and strange as it may seem), I even felt that my head was full of cotton balls. As you surely know,the grieving process is different for everyone. Just know that I pray for you many times throughout the day and that Sarah and Brian also send their love and hugs to you–across the miles.
Thank you, dear friend. Sarah and Brian called today. I’ll return their call tonight. I appreciate your love and support so much.
When Charles was with us he was always and Inspiration. Now he is with The LORD and you are an Inspiration as you go through this difficult time.
We love you and are with you dear Sister.
Thank you, Jay. I look forward to lunch with you and Linda this week.
Forgetting to stop at places sounds like what my mom did after we lost my dad. I’m so glad you’re being intentional about eating right and walking and resting. They say it’s the best thing you can do after such a shock. Resting in the arms of the Lord must have a new meaning for you now. I pray for His strong arms to uphold you and hug you and keep you steady when waves threaten to wash over you. You’re in our thoughts and prayers, sweet gal.
Thank you, Kristi. Your wording is so beautiful. I take each word to heart.
I am praying for you daily during this difficult time of grief. May God provide you comfort.
Nancy, you know the path I’m walking. Thank you for encouraging me with your prayers.
Dear Karen, My heart goes all out to you … for you … your writing is so vivid I can see you driving by yourself passing all the stops you planned to … I’m praying for God to give your peace, strength to go on knowing that your beloved Charles in Heaven now also wanted you to be safe, sound and healthy … and also Please keep it in mind, whenever you feel like some company, I’d love to drive over to see you or if you want to come sightseeing San Francisco, I’ll be here to accompany you. I can cook some yummy Chinese food I promised you I would. OK? Blessings, Jing
Jing, what a lovely invitation. I will take you up on it later this year when I come up for air. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Dearest Karen,
Thank you for sharing your feelings. This is another way to cope with grief.
Sometimes “words” get in my way. So, since I cannot be there with you in person, just sit down, close your eyes, put your arms atound yourself and ‘pretend it is Me’helping you cry while holding you close and not saying a word!
Agape, Margaret
I will do that right now, Margaret. Thank you for hugging me through the pain of losing Charles.
Karen your mind and emotions are in shock. Bob is just in the Nursing home, but I grieved at losing him as an active husband. I made all the wrong turns in life and could not focus on my driving. We become an emotional wreck at times like this. Sometimes, we become child-like and need someone to be strong for us, until our boldness sets back in. I believe this is because, we know our other half is not with us anymore, so we do not know how to function without them just yet. Time is a wonderful healer but, in the meantime, stay busy until you feel creative again-you will. God bless you in all you do. Psalm 23rd helped me cope at night.
Mary, thank you for this very helpful advice and encouragement. I receive every word with gratitude.
Karen,
I continue to lift you up in prayer each morning asking for His comfort and strength to fill you. I would be delighted to take you on a hike under the Redwoods when you visit the S.F Bay Area.
Thanks, Liz. I so appreciate your prayers and words of comfort. I appreciate your invitation for a hike under the Redwoods.
Karen, thanks for sharing both your to-be-expected mind mush and the grace God is extending to you day by day. Love you!
Thank you, Carol, for your continued support.
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and cannot imagine what it feels like to lose your soulmate and companion.
My pen is silent but my heart is beating steady and soft with sympathy and sorrow for you.
May you sense God’s hand leading you down a peaceful path beyond the place of loneliness.
From my heart, BRC
Beth, thank you for your beautiful message and words of comfort and sympathy. I’m so grateful you wrote. I will always remember our special relationship and how we became soul sisters during our time together in the writing course. God bless you.
Hi Karen, Grief is a process but I’m sure thou know this. These last ten years have not been to mind to my family as far as members passing to be with the Lord. Praise God that those who have passed in my family have gone to be with the Lord. It is a comfort to me, or as much comfort as I can muster because of their passing. God bless you Karen. I appreciate and covet your friendship and my heart goes out to you.
Thanks, Jim. We have much in common with the passing of our loved ones. The great comfort is knowing we will see them again. I appreciate your encouraging words.
Sorry for the typo in the first sentence. The word thou should have been “you.” Auto correct strikes again.
No worries. Auto correct is a blessing when it works, but when it doesn’t, well . . . that’s another matter.
Gentle hugs and shared tears.
Thank you for sharing in my grief, Grace.