Green Smiley Monday & Thankfulness
Hi everyone,
I hope all of you had a fairly gentle holiday. When I recall the horror of Thanksgiving 2 months after Eddie went to Heaven I shudder. And last year wasn't much better. But healing and new traditions made this year better. For moms that are new to this journey I have to tell you that there is hope. Eddie has been gone 2 years & this was the 3rd Thanksgiving and it was so much gentler. I am so grateful to God for this gift of healing. A couple of years ago the moms at FMO told me that this journey gets lighter and the pain gets manageable and I believed them-I took it on faith. And I believe my healing has begun to take hold. The grief counselor that God sent me, the support of FMO and signs from Ed have all begun the work of healing in me.
This year for Thanksgiving I went to my adopted daughter's house. It was Ken, me, Donna, her husband Derek and their 2 boys. Donna's mom died from cancer 6 years ago at the age of 55 and Ed and Donna were close friends for 10 years. Donna & I became close when her mom was in the dying process and are even closer now. We had a lovely, quiet dinner and had some nice conversation. Donna talked about her mom and I talked about Ed who Donna misses also and it was good to be in the company of people who are comfortable talking about loved ones in Heaven. We also had some laughs playing games with her 3 year old Walter. Her older son Kyle hung out for dinner & then out with friends as 14 years olds do. We also visited the cemetery and my grandson Joshua met us there. We left cards and a plant and shed some tears. Josh was quite tearful. His first child is due this month and he is heartbroken that Ed isn't here. I cried with him...
I made a turkey dinner for Josh & Christina & my daughter in law on Sunday. We had a nice time & I was in a good frame of mind because it was a Sunday & they often come over for dinner on Sundays so I didn't have to feel heartbroken that Ed isn't at Thanksgiving. Iysabella was very funny, crawling all over the house, trying to walk. She laughs and laughs all the time. She is such a sweet & happy baby. Grampy Ken loves her. She likes to "beep" his nose and laughs hysterically everytime she touches his nose & he makes a beep sound.
I miss Eddie everyday and how I wish my life hadn't changed on September 4, 2009. But it did...
But I can also say I am healing and with God's grace, I am blessed.
I love you, Ed. Forever and ever....
Love and peace to all.
I hope all of you had a fairly gentle holiday. When I recall the horror of Thanksgiving 2 months after Eddie went to Heaven I shudder. And last year wasn't much better. But healing and new traditions made this year better. For moms that are new to this journey I have to tell you that there is hope. Eddie has been gone 2 years & this was the 3rd Thanksgiving and it was so much gentler. I am so grateful to God for this gift of healing. A couple of years ago the moms at FMO told me that this journey gets lighter and the pain gets manageable and I believed them-I took it on faith. And I believe my healing has begun to take hold. The grief counselor that God sent me, the support of FMO and signs from Ed have all begun the work of healing in me.
This year for Thanksgiving I went to my adopted daughter's house. It was Ken, me, Donna, her husband Derek and their 2 boys. Donna's mom died from cancer 6 years ago at the age of 55 and Ed and Donna were close friends for 10 years. Donna & I became close when her mom was in the dying process and are even closer now. We had a lovely, quiet dinner and had some nice conversation. Donna talked about her mom and I talked about Ed who Donna misses also and it was good to be in the company of people who are comfortable talking about loved ones in Heaven. We also had some laughs playing games with her 3 year old Walter. Her older son Kyle hung out for dinner & then out with friends as 14 years olds do. We also visited the cemetery and my grandson Joshua met us there. We left cards and a plant and shed some tears. Josh was quite tearful. His first child is due this month and he is heartbroken that Ed isn't here. I cried with him...
I made a turkey dinner for Josh & Christina & my daughter in law on Sunday. We had a nice time & I was in a good frame of mind because it was a Sunday & they often come over for dinner on Sundays so I didn't have to feel heartbroken that Ed isn't at Thanksgiving. Iysabella was very funny, crawling all over the house, trying to walk. She laughs and laughs all the time. She is such a sweet & happy baby. Grampy Ken loves her. She likes to "beep" his nose and laughs hysterically everytime she touches his nose & he makes a beep sound.
I miss Eddie everyday and how I wish my life hadn't changed on September 4, 2009. But it did...
But I can also say I am healing and with God's grace, I am blessed.
I love you, Ed. Forever and ever....
Love and peace to all.
Replies
Good to love what one has.
I am glad you had so much to feel Thankful for and that you are healing and can find some joy in this life again. I so agree that faith and the angel Moms on here have brought me this far as well as many good friends. I wish you much continued peace, joy and comfort. Love your stories. Love Lynette
I was also in my 3rd year since losing jenn and it gets easier each year... time does heal. Hugs dear friend, and I am glad you had a gentle day
MaryLou
I can sense your healing taking place sweetie, sounds like a very blessed time. You know I bought a plaque (sort of like a quote)...to hand up: it says: \"IT\'S NOT HAVING WHAT YOU WANT, IT\'S WANTING WHAT YOU HAVE\"....what you said made me think of that...Blessings, Patti (Matt\'s Mom)
Brandon and Ed passed the same year....I could never have believed that I could have the least bit of peace...but gradually and most welcome...it has happened. Of course, if I have a good day...especially, a holiday...I seem to have a meltdown of sorts sometime shortly after....but it is cyclical as we all know...and less intense...but sad just the same....I am so very glad that you had a pleasant time with your family....I know it is hard for Ed\'s son to welcome a new baby without his dad a part of the joy.. God bless you and your sweet Ed,,,,love, dale..brandon\'s mom
Another wonderful testimony of the power of LOVE and time. I\'d venture to say not a single one of us believed we\'d ever smile again or enjoy any part of our lives....but, with Spirit guiding us, surrounded by those who can truly help us, and our inner voice of survival, we DO heal, slowly, and find ourselves able to breathe in the love being sent from our children and LIVE our lives in hope and joy. Thank you for sharing your special day with us and for all the love and encouragement you share. YOU are SO special!
Beautiful Linda, simply beautiful. I hung on too to the words of the wise women here who are a few steps further along on this path. They too promised gentler and more peaceful moments. I am experiencing this as well and am in such gratitude too.
Your celebration(s) sounded like they unfolded just as they needed to and you found peace in the midst. The creating of new traditions is what it\'s about in so many ways and being fluid with the ebb and flow of things.
Thank you for sharing how you are feeling today as that is a beacon of hope for us all.
Lots of love and continued healing for dear Ken and strength for all who love him.
XO Joanie
Wonderful journal entry! You touch our hearts and inspire us so very often. Thank you.
Thinking of you all with love, prayers, and hugs.
It\'s marvelous what God appears to be doing in the lives of our grieving moms. Never underestimate His love and ability to heal. I\'m so happy to see you have had a GOOD Thanksgiving, the path ahead looks wonderful for you my dear friend, may God continue to guide and bless you.
Jill, April\'s mom
Linda it\'s so nice to hear about Mom\'s healing and going on with family and friends. It does give me hope. Thank you for this journal. Terry
I am glad that it was a peaceful day for you and your family. I can\'t believe Iysabella is crawling!! Love, Angela
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward
you feel it you express it YOU, are such a present given to all of us, dear Linda. In love and appreciation of beautiful you, and beloved Ed ... thank YOU.
I loved your journal, Linda and your healing! Yes, we cannot change the fact that they are no longer with us physically. But thanks be to God, that we have all eternity to spend with them in utter Bliss! And that makes our time on earth (and it\'s turmoils) seem like a grain of sand compared to the beach in terms of length...so it turns out to be a win/win situation in the end! They\'re now in Blliss...and with us Spiritually, while we look forward to our reunion, knowing full well that they are truly in Paradise now and with Jesus... far better than here.
I smiled when I read of Iysabella \"beeping\" Ken\'s nose and laughing! Oh, the joy of a child\'s laugh! so pure and innocent...is there a greater sound than that in the entire world? Me thinks not!
Love to you and continued healing and also healing for Ken! Love+Hugs, Donna