Hello, there friends! I hope February is treating you well and maybe you even received a treat or something sweet on Valentine’s Day. For me, my Valentine was sweet to me and I am grateful. My hubby and I have decided we will be mindful to celebrate every holiday this year since we missed all of them in 2019.
As this President’s Day holiday weekend rolled around, I have been reflecting on the significance of the time. Yesterday, was exactly one year since we said our final goodbyes to Mom. So many times I have wanted to call her and get her input on decisions and dilemmas, but that wasn’t in the equation. So many times I wanted her counsel about Dad and what would be best for him in her absence. So many times, I’ve wished I would have been more mindful to listen more closely when she was telling me things instead of thinking I could just ask her again. So many times…but I cannot go back and none of us can.
Instead, I’ve learned to be more confident in my own skin and decisions. I am capable to handle what comes up in life because she taught me well. When I am unsure or afraid, the Lord is with me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
The Lord provides what I need and I do not have to be afraid. He is my refuge and strong tower. I will keep moving forward each day. Mom taught me well and prayed for me each day. The prayers are carrying me until I see her again one day.
Kellyann Rohr says
Today marks one year for my dad and I feel much the same way. I miss him terribly. Last night my family gathered to have dinner in his memory and we recalled some good times. I found myself tearing up because I just cannot believe it. I’m keeping you in my prayers!
xo,
Kellyann
Nancy says
I feel so sorry for your loss, also for KellyAnn. It’s awful isn’t it, the pain, the loss. I hope you have beautiful memories.
Leslie Susan Clingan says
Oh, Carrie, this post speaks to me. I can so relate to thinking I can listen harder, pay better attention, ask more questions of my mom next visit. Now she has had a stroke and while it was not a life-changing stroke as strokes often are, Mom is unable to find words, remember things, say what she wants to say. Everything is scrambled now. Some days she can’t remember my name. I wish I had recorded her telling all the stories, speaking her silly Ozark idioms. Not sure we will get back what she has lost.
I am so sorry you haven’t had your mom’s counsel in caring for your dad. But I know you have done your very best by him, and your mama is smiling down at you. You have been a darling daughter giving up your life in Texas to move to take care of your dad. But welcome home again. Hoping all the pieces are falling into place for you all.
April J Harris says
It is so hard losing a parent. I still miss both my parents every day, even 12 years now since they’ve passed. Anniversaries are hard. Tomorrow would have been my Dad’s 86th birthday (he died aged 73). Thinking of you as you mark the first of many anniversaries, and thank you for sharing your journey through grief. It helps us all when we share. Thank you for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party.