March 18
I woke yesterday fully realizing that Norm is no longer here. I did what I needed to do, in a fog. The tears came freely all through the day. One friend told me that mourning will not be denied. When we love much, the pain of loss will be greater.
I’ve lost my best friend, the love of my life, my wise advisor, and my companion who makes me laugh. We’ve had a lot of adventures over the years…we had several more planned that won’t happen. The sorrow over my loss that hits me stops me in my tracks.
Someone once told me that the grief of a loved one never goes away. However, the grief does get surrounded and cushioned as we walk through each day. But at any time, by any person, and in any place that cushion will be pierced and the grief will come flooding back.
I’m taking it one day at a time. All who have walked this way before me tell me it takes time…and everyone moves through grief on different schedules. I feel blessed that so many people are praying and encouraging me. I can’t imagine doing this without friends and family.
I am thankful for the doctors who gave me an extra four months with the Norm I married, the one who made me laugh.
I pray for my kids and grandkids as we all process this loss.
I rejoice that God is faithful each and every day.
Where’s the joy? Today it is in the encouragement of those around me.
Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.
The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God, Who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people.
He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 113
TRICIA LATHROP 