September 17
Sometimes I have no clue as to what is happening. Last week, things went smoothly. I didn’t cry often. It seemed that I was moving on with life…like I had a handle on things.
This week…waterworks everyday. Grief hits me over and over like waves on the ocean. I stand up from one and get hit by another. Regrets invade my mind, what could I have done differently?
There’s been no big event. No disturbing family news. I’ve done pretty much the same things. And yet this week has been a struggle more than last week.
My widow friends just nod their heads, they know. They encourage me to take the next step…whatever that may be.
Tomorrow I’m going to visit a widow’s group. I’ll meet some ladies in the same boat as I am. Our church wants to start one, we have a number of widows…which now includes me.
When Norm dealt with cancer, he learned and said over and over, one can’t go through cancer alone, even though when the diagnosis comes, it is a private battle between your body and the disease. But support of friends and family is essential to one’s mindset and one’s attitude. The prayers and love of the people in one’s life make a difference in how one faces the battle.
I’m finding the same to be true of widowhood. While it is a private struggle with the loss of Norm, I can’t face this alone. Family and friends are essential to my mindset and attitude.
Where’s the joy?
I am thankful for the people God has placed in my life. They encourage me and lift me up so that I know that I’m not alone.
I pray that I will be able to encourage others who are dealing with the isolation that comes with a loss or an illness.
I rejoice in the Lord who walks with me through the storm. The waves may knock me down, but they won’t knock me out. God is faithful.
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
“For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
Isaiah 43:1–3.
TRICIA LATHROP 