Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Last Thursday a friend and three of her children flew out to spend the weekend with us. So, we have been extra busy enjoying their company and the beautiful 75 degree weather. I wanted to post some pictures but alas, once again, my laptop is acting up and not cooperating with me. Hopefully I can get this fixed and post some pictures in the next couple of days. But, for now here is a recap of our weekend.
Friday we spent on a few projects around the house. Mrs. S helped me clean out the pantry and closets. This friend understands my need for organization and figured that eventually it will drive me crazy having so many things undone. She was right and it had already started to bother me. I have very little physical energy right now which I am told is definitely a part of the grieving process so this little bit of help was a sweet gift.
Friday night our friends put on an unbirthday party for us. We had a southern bbque dinner (they are from Georgia) complete with sweetened ice tea. It was a fun time of laughter and fellowship.
The next day we drove to Columbia which is a former gold mining town. The kiddos had fun climbing the rocks, eating ice cream, dipping candles, and learning about California history.
Mrs. S blessed me again by taking care of the kids while I drove to wine country to visit with Kendra, Lisa, and Colleen who was here from Canada. Kendra and Lisa bring Colleen down from Canada once a year to give her a break from their missionary work on a very remote, ice-engulfed island. I was privileged to join them for a couple of hours and then Colleen and I spent the rest of the evening talking about the changes in my life.
Monday was a full day of driving as I drove Colleen from wine country to our capitol city. Then I headed home to pick up the gang and we headed over to San Fransisco to visit a few sites before our friends flew home.
Both Sunday and Monday were emotional days for me. Eric and I loved to drive to the wine country and also to the city. He worked in these areas for years. We spent many weekends away in Napa valley. I would sometimes accompany him in his work over in the North bay or our whole family would drive to San Fransisco for the day to enjoy bike riding at Crissy field, walk through Golden Gate park, and enjoy fresh crab and sourdough bread along the wharf.
Such great memories we made over our twenty years. The tears are not spilled for what we had but what we won't have. Given time the raw pain will turn to a dull ache. Until then we are allowing ourselves the freedom to just grieve. Really, grieving is a gift from God. It cleanses our souls and heals us. My hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth who knows the depths of my sorrow and also knows what He has for us in the future.
~Lazyd
6 comments:
Columbia??? You were right next door. Columbia is in Tuolumne County just south of Calaveras County. I went to college in Columbia (one semester). You put in a lot of mileage over the last few days but it sounds like it was good for you. After Richie killed himself my sister took me to Tahoe for a couple days and I found that life does go on even though you swear it can't possibly. Take all the time you need. Everyone grieves differently. I was a basket case for 2 years and I still, to this day, haven't
"gotten over it." My grief has just moved into an area that isn't so abraded and painful. But I still think of him every day. My grief isn't as much from what I lost, as from what I never had. He was only 22. I think what hurts me the most is knowing how badly he must have been hurting to do that to himself. Take care of yourself. Grieve fully and stay close to our Lord. He will sustain you and hold you up on days you think you can't stand. I wish I'd known you were in Columbia. You were so close to me. I hope you were able to catch the wildflowers that are blooming everywhere up here. It's really beautiful.
Marj
Calaveras County CA
http://gdlvr.blogspot.com
Columbia??? You were right next door. Columbia is in Tuolumne County just south of Calaveras County. I went to college in Columbia (one semester). You put in a lot of mileage over the last few days but it sounds like it was good for you. After Richie killed himself my sister took me to Tahoe for a couple days and I found that life does go on even though you swear it can't possibly. Take all the time you need. Everyone grieves differently. I was a basket case for 2 years and I still, to this day, haven't "gotten over it." My grief has just moved into an area that isn't so abraded and painful. But I still think of him every day. My grief isn't as much from what I lost, as from what I never had. He was only 22. I think what hurts me the most is knowing how badly he must have been hurting to do that to himself. Take care of yourself. Grieve fully and stay close to our Lord. He will sustain you and hold you up on days you think you can't stand. I wish I'd known you were in Columbia. You were so close to me. I hope you were able to catch the wildflowers that are blooming everywhere up here. It's really beautiful.
Marj
Calaveras County CA
http://gdlvr.blogspot.com
Sorry it printed twice. Just delete the first one if you can.
Heather,
I've been following your blog for a few months from a link your friend, Stacy MacDonald had on her blog when Eric needed prayer. I now check your blog regularly, as your entries have been so beautiful, so honoring to the Lord. I cry almost everytime I read an entry bc your humility is so dear and I pray for you and your family daily! You might already be aware of this book, but I just stumbled upon it and just in case, thought I'd share it with you - I hadn't ever heard of it before: "The Widow Directed to the Widow's God" by John Angell James. From what I can gather from your site, you would like this author if you're not already familiar with him. Blessings, M
That is so nice that Mrs. S helped you clean out your pantry! :-)
We pray for you every day!
Are you guys going to Illinois in May? If you are, than we'll hopefully see you there! :-)
Love,
Joy
I pray that you will feel and see the strength of the Lord through this valley.
With love from Texas
Karen
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