Come Sweet Christmas!
It’s the second Christmas without my son, Jay and it seems harder instead of easier. Last year I was still in shock. Numb, having just lost my son and my mother. Functioning but not living. Grief is a hard journey and it’s different for everyone. Lately my mother often comes to mind. And yes, I…
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Reminiscing!
Lately, I have been lost in a “sea of reminiscing” while going through stacks of things belonging to my mother who is now in heaven. I think she saved everything I ever sent her. Magazine articles, pictures, Birthday and Mother’s Day cards, letters and even post cards I sent as a teenager from church camp….
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Jay’s Journey!
Hard to believe it’s the anniversary of my son’s heavenly journey, and no, it doesn’t feel like a year. It feels like yesterday and forever rolled into one. Can’t begin to describe how much I miss him. Every day, in my heart and mind, I see Jay sitting in his favorite chair watching TV or…
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Learning to Mourn
Several people have asked me to write about how grievers feel and how to help. The dictionary describes mourning as feeling or sharing deep sadness following the death of someone. According to bereavement counselors, mourning is grieving out loud. Sharing your sorrow with others. It’s lament in the deepest sense. Unfortunately, in today’s world, we…
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A Birthday Song!
This picture of my son, Jay and me was taken last year on my August birthday. Before Jay got sick. Before 7 weeks in ICU. Before my precious son went to heaven. And it’s a favorite! Pictures become treasured keepsakes of people we love. Since the introduction of the iPhone, a camera has always been…
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The Flag
Growing up in the 50s and 60s we started each morning of school with these words: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…” I have to admit I didn’t understand the gravity of that allegiance at the time. As a child I was not acquainted with “acts of war,” but…
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A “Grand” Trip!
Recently, I had some special guests in my home—my son, Aaron and two grandkids. My grand girl, Alex wanted to visit thrift shops for vintage clothing— something 17-year-olds obviously enjoy. And boy, did we find some bargains! But before we hit the stores, she shopped in my closet, finding a few treasures. Hats, purses, jewelry…
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Mama’s Love!
May brings thoughts of mothers and I had one of the best. This is my first Mother’s Day without her as well as without my son, Jay. The two were buddies so I’m sure they’re celebrating together in Heaven. Mama was 105 years old! What a heritage she had to tell and I loved hearing…
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Happy Heavenly Birthday, Jay!
It’s another first! So many “firsts” after losing a loved one. In just five months, I’ve already hit Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, as well as first snow, first trip without Jay and more. Now April brings a “first birthday” without my sweet son. Birthdays have always been special in our home. My…
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Mom’s Diary!
Recently I ran onto my late mother-in-law’s diary from 1965. It piqued my interest since Carl and I were not only dating but became engaged that year. Several pages were blank and most entries were about household chores, but I admit it was exciting to see my name in that little book as her son’s…
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My Journey
Several years ago, after my husband’s death, a woman informed me that she was tired of reading about my grief. I was shocked! It had only been a few months. I was glad she had never experienced such a loss, but sad that she lacked compassion for others. I have been honored with the many…
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