Memorial Day is always noteworthy for me and my girls. Next Thursday marks the third year of missing their father, my husband.
So many thoughts run through my mind. The journey of loss takes on various emotions. The strongest feeling, at first, was emptiness. In a split second, I would forget he departed forever. I imagined things I needed to talk to him about when he got back home. My mind is realistic now. He's not coming back. There will be no more times of sitting on the porch swing together on the front deck staring at the moon and the stars. He would tell me all he knew about the majestic night sky.
I have so much I wish I could tell him, like the excitement of seeing our oldest grandchild make a decision to follow Jesus and get baptized on Mother's Day! And our little Amy, 11 years old, I wish he could have seen her on stage receiving her induction to the National Honor Society.
Our daughters have their own perspectives.
Carrie shared relief. This sensitive child of ours basks in the healing power of the resurrection. She imagines the wholeness of her dad, free of physical pain as he walks the streets of gold.
Amy embraces the memory of her dad's creativity. She hangs his watercolor pieces with pride. She treasures her dad's vision and dreams of our property, Pine Hideaway, with its strong pines in pastureland with mountain views. She loves the peace of country living.
I spoke with a friend just days ago about the true meaning of Memorial Day and the remembrance of those who served our great country; they gave their lives for our freedom so we can live out our dreams.
My family and I remember! We will pause and reflect as we visit the VA Cemetery this weekend. We will remember the sacrifice of life as we grill burgers and eat homemade apple pie, our Memorial Day tradition.
Have a safe and happy weekend, everyone!
The brave veterans and current soldiers' sacrifices must not be forgotten. I'm glad we have this special day to honor them because the freedom we enjoy is truly priceless! Time truly goes by so fast. I feel it's even more fleeting once my husband and I retired years ago. But through that perspective, the more we try to value the things that have more worth. I can't imagine the way you all must miss bro. Tom. But at the same time, I also rejoice in the hope that someday, because of what the Lord had done, we will all gather together in His special place! As the Chorus of the song "We Will Dance" says:
ReplyDelete"We will dance on the streets that are golden
The glorious bride and the great Son of man
From every tongue and tribe and nation
We'll join in the song of the Lamb..."
Thank you for this post sister and may you always remain strong in the Lord's mighty power! Always remembering you in prayers. Love and hugs...
I agree, we can't put a price tag on what some have suffered for our freedom, Rosel. God bless their memories today and the price paid by their loved ones as well. I love the lyrics you shared. Gives me the chills. God bless you and your family this weekend and always, my dear friend. Hugs back!
DeleteBittersweet, but so beautifully written, Mary. Thank you for these bits about your girls -- and grands, too. I've never met them, but feel like I know them from your blog posts. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOur family is just your extended family, my friend! Sending you a hug for a safe and happy weekend!
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DeleteSo wonderful to hear from you, my Canadian friend! I was thinking of you just weeks ago when I saw your comment on an old blog of mine I pulled up for research. And now you're back on the net! That is the beauty of connecting all over the world. I'll visit you soon. Keep writing, ok?
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to hear about your loss regarding your husband Mary, I can not imagine being without my lovely husband. The only thing that comforts me is that through my near death experience when I was 28 I know that we will see all our lost loved ones in the most beautiful place I was taken too. We have been to many places on Earth but nothing can compare to the beauty and the love that I experienced there. God bless you and your precious family Mary.
ReplyDeleteYour experience is super encouraging to me, Brenda. Thank you for understanding, friend. Blessings to you, too.
DeleteThanks, dear friend. Hugs and love to you. :)
ReplyDeleteMary I wish I can give you a huge hug! I can't believe its been three years already since you lost your husband. Prayers for you and your family as you remember him Thursday.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I feel your hug, Regina! A million thanks for the prayer for us.
DeleteYou are welcome dear one.💗Where is this cemetery located?
DeletePrescott National Cemetery, 500 AZ-89, Prescott, AZ 86301. South side of 89A looks like a driveway as you veer right as you leave Prescott and just about enter Prescott Valley.
DeleteOh I think I know where it is. We pass over that area all the time. Thank you Mary. One of these days we should meet for coffee or lunch. I'm in Chino Valley but can get to Prescott or Prescott Valley. My hubby would need to drop me.off since I don't drive.
DeleteLet's do, Regina! I'm in Prescott Valley at times with my family. We can meet up somewhere where they can shop and give us an hour to be together. Sound good?
DeleteMost definitely. Let me know when. We should definitely get together before monsoons start. I'm going to say this out loud. I'm afraid of thunderstorms. Its embarrassing I know.
DeleteWell it would appear monsoons are slowly arriving but i can handle thunderstorms. So we just need to plan when and where.
DeleteI've got a lot on my June calendar and don't know when I can get over the mountain. I appreciate your concerns about monsoons. When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen!
DeleteYeah my June is busy. I have my shoulder surgery in July. We might end up waiting til fall. I can't wait to meet whenever the Lord wills.😍
DeleteGreat blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear but what a beautiful way to honor such a wonderful person in your lives. Sending you some virtual hugs!
ReplyDeleteMary, I somehow missed this beautiful post of yours. I am so sorry! I can understand the grief and how each season it is a little different. We lost my dad and Dan's Mom's two years ago and we still feel their loss so acutely. Missed conversations and moments. Thank you for blessing our family with your support and prayers during our difficult season. We pray the Lord blesses you in special ways as only He can! We love and appreciate you so much! May the comfort of your family be sweet and precious. So thankful for the good news of your granddaughters decision to follow Jesus! Rejoicing with you!
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