Just One
The day was dreary—clouds and rain. I decided to take myself out to breakfast to our very favorite place—Cracker Barrel, of course. And then it happened! I sauntered up to the hostess and the question hit me square between the eyes, "Will that be for two?" I kept my head up and my gaze forward as I met her eyes, "No, one please." I thought that would be the end of it, but, no, it went one step further. That sweet little hostess that didn't have an inkling of how her next comment would sting said, "JUST ONE?" Ahhhh, time has its benefits as I was able to smile broadly and say, "Yep, just one today."
Oh my, how long it has taken for me to respond with such acceptance. There was a time when that mere comment would have brought me to tears and the desire to get out of the restaurant as quickly as possible. Thank the Lord for the healing that goes on ever so slowly, then one day we are able to look straight into our wounded heart and know that we're OK; life will be OK; and innocent comments will not bring us to our knees.
Love to you, my friend and husband. I'll be looking for you at the gate. TJ
Oh my, how long it has taken for me to respond with such acceptance. There was a time when that mere comment would have brought me to tears and the desire to get out of the restaurant as quickly as possible. Thank the Lord for the healing that goes on ever so slowly, then one day we are able to look straight into our wounded heart and know that we're OK; life will be OK; and innocent comments will not bring us to our knees.
Love to you, my friend and husband. I'll be looking for you at the gate. TJ
Replies
It is a defining moment when we can say, yes...just one please. It was hard for me also, in the beginning, but now, like you, I know I\'m OK as a 1.
Just the same, it stabs at our hearts but your examble of acceptance and handling it with grace is inspirational..always..
Hugs and stay warm...Linda
It is a slow process..but we make it through...and final accept what we don\'t want to...and we will be OK....as my husband use to say \"I\'m Okay You\'re Okay\"..Hugs, Ellen
I can see you now ~~ looking her in the eye and smiling and saying, \"yep, just one today.\"
Acceptance comes slowly, but, eventually does enter our existence almost w/o us realizing it, until ~~ something hits us and we realize ~~ hey, I didn\'t even tear up!!
Insightful and sincere as always, my friend.
Hugs, Joely
One is the loneliest number that you\'ll ever do... so the lyrics go. But we CAN come to acceptance, slowly, slowly...
Blessings,
Linda
TJ - Your words, kindness, and support are what DS is about. You offer hope to those of us behind you .. those of us that need inspiration and a helping hand when we are at our lowest. Grief takes us places we never imagined we\'d go .. even with all the dissension on the board lately, I for one still find comfort and peace and thank God for people like you and the other wonderful friends here at DS.
God Bless,
Pam
Thank you for giving me something to hope for. I haven\'t gotten to the point where that question would not affect me...but one day I am hoping I will be able to smile and say, \"Yes please\" .
You are always an inspiration to me and hopefully, one day, I might be able to inspire others that have lost their beloved spouse.
I am so glad I am fortunate enough to have met you and become friends!!!
Love,
Cathy
Just one! What a simple phrase except for us here. As complicated as it is, it\'s our defining moment and even though we\'re one, we carry number two deep in our hearts and souls. Hugs, Kip.
I hate being just one! Two was so much fun, so safe, and so normal. It is good to know that someday \"just one\" will not be so painful. Thanks for the hope TJ.....this healing takes a long time though. Hugs, Nancy
TJ ...way to go!! I am proud of you . I haven\'t brought myself to go out to eat \'solo\' yet. You are my hero!!!
One of these days, I will get my courage up. Up until now, I connect with a giflrfriend and we eat out for lunches often.
I wish you joy as you grow in this journey...
Hugs, LInda
Am sure there will be a Cracker Barrel in heaven................lololol.........Kip said it so well........what a simple phrase.........ah but you answered well my friend.............just one today...............one day again there will be the two of you.........in God\'s timing...............
Love Ya
L
That\'s great to be able to look at what in the past would have been an unsermountable and with confidence know that one isn\'t bad as long as you know who you are. I\'m very happy for you and am so glad you shared it with us. Sharon
It is a long, slow journey but eventually that confidence arrives to cope with such events and those throw away comments from people. I\'m really pleased for you and like you, I too can now enjoy those \"tables for one\". Enjoy your breakfasts. Patrick
\"No, that would be me and the invisible guy behind me\"...I do get it, TJ.
Marsha,
I\'ll remember your comment and see if I can\'t work it into my conversation with the hostess next time. Thanks for the chuckle. TJ