"Time to Say Goodbye". Sarah Brightman concluded a beautiful memorial to my wife who died suddenly near the end of August. Her imprint on the lives of so many has been a blessing, as was her passing - which spared her from a grim, isolated death due to neuro-degenerative disease. Family and friends grieved at her burial in a peaceful setting; then a host celebrated her life and offered condolences at a memorial service.
The picture was taken only 3 and 1/2 years ago; and was the last time she was able to joyfully interact with the family in a private setting. The image will forever remain one of my favorites.
I thought I had grieved her loss long ago when her illness forced a separation; but the reality was that I was grieving for my pain then. Now I can remember the good times we had and the blessing she was to me. Now the grief is for the beauty that I have lost. Praise God that our beliefs are in a God whose plans are to give us hope and a future. Still there is now a huge hole in my life - not that I am not busy or that I sit around depressed - it is just that a shawdow of grief keeps creeping in. I will get by. I will be happy. I will be joyful. Yet I will always miss the world class beauty that was mine for a while and who gave me so much for which to be thankful.
3 comments:
Thank you Bob for including me in your Blog invitation. Your sweet touching tribute to Karen illuminates the meaning of the scripture that "the two shall become one flesh". Having spent so much time with Karen over the better part of 20 years, I KNOW just how much she adored you and her children and most of all - her Lord! None of us would exchange one second of pure joy that she brought to our lives for the pain we feel now that she has gone on to her reward. May the peace that passes understanding be yours as you move through the waves of grief that will come. Our Lord is aquainted with grief. HE holds you close. Mary Lou
I wish I could post a "snapshot" I have in my mind of you and Colin and include the background music. You were sitting in front of us at church and he was about 9 months old. You had him lifted up towards you and he was smiling and patting your bald head (sorry)trying to get your glasses. We were singing, "Will those who come behind you find you faithful...." and I was thinking, "Oh yes, they surely will!" about you. The other words of that song come to my mind as I think about all I learned about Karen at the memorial service. "Will the footsteps that you leave, lead them to believe, and the love you have inspire them to obey?" What a tribute that her life did just that and is continuing to do so.
Thank you for helping me to remember that God heals us and we do not have to harden our hearts. It is ok to have soft hearts and feel pain. The words you wrote for a second verse to "my eyes are dry" are so helpful. I pray that God will comfort and restore you in painful moments.
You are in our prayers. Pat and Bo
Bob, you are much loved. Thank you for sharing your joy and your hurt so openly. You are such a joyful man, but I pray you will also be happy beyond measure.
Love you,
Bethany
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