I thanked God for those memories, for they were such a part of me. I realized I didn't need to push those memories away, just be grateful I had them. I realized that she--grief--sometimes returns. But just briefly. Then she drifts away.
Maybe I'll always feel sad about Carrie, I thought. I was haunted by the fact that she had no resting place, because I didn’t know what they did with her body.
That is the theme of my life. I can see how faithful God has been to me.....and how much hope is in my life. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit sometimes I wonder what’s around the next bend in the road, because loving brings hurt and sorrow. But for today, I will reflect on the hope God has given me and the many blessings He has surrounded me with.
My future on this earth is uncertain, but my eternity is certain and the best is yet to come. This I know for sure: I am not alone, for I have that same risen Savior walking beside me.
I needed to process things for a time, then decided it was time for a change. So I did it.
Moving forward in life and even in my grieving process has its highs and lows.
We can trust in the God who loves us more than we love each other or ourselves.
After twenty-some years of treasuring it, alas, when opening the storage boxes, I found it broken! “Oh no!” I wailed.
Dear friends, if you are in mourning, give yourself permission to do just that. Mourn. Remember the person you've said goodbye to. Weep. Forgive your forgetfulness.
May your Thanksgiving Day be filled with wonder and hope, as mine was that day nine years ago.
