Posts Tagged With: memories

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on December 6, 2025 by tricialathrop

December 6

I’ve been trying to put up Christmas decorations. It’s more difficult than I thought. Lots of memories with ornaments from all our travels, nativities he has made or we bought on our travels or at the various craft fairs we’ve attended.

I attended the Christmas Carol the other day. My daughter Jenn and my sister Deb went with me. It’s a tradition that Norm and I began in New York at Proctor’s in Schenectady. When we moved to Tennessee, our first year we discovered a yearly production at Clarance Brown Theater. It’s not the first I’ve attended this program without him, last year, he was in the hospital so some family members joined me. But I expected he’d be able to join me this year.

This weekend I’ll be going to Biltmore for their Christmas display…another tradition with Norm. We would often go to Newport, RI for Christmas at the mansions there. I’ll have family with me, but it will be bitter sweet.

There are more events coming up for the season, one’s that I’ve shared with Norm or that he’s encouraged me to do. I’m walking one step at a time and entering each day as it comes. God is faithful!

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for these events that allow me to focus on the joy of the season, and remember some joyful times that Norm and I shared.

I pray for my friends who like me, are facing this season after the loss of a loved one. We can rest in the hope that Jesus Christ brought with his birth, they are rejoicing in heaven with the Lord.

I rejoice in the hope that came with the coming of the Messiah, and the promise that He will always be with us.

Where’s the joy? Joy to the World, the Lord has come.

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Luke 2:1–20

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Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on August 12, 2025 by tricialathrop

August 11

I’ve been sorting and packing up Norm’s computer gaming gear. I have his photos on discs, thanks to my kids. I haven’t looked at those yet, thousands to sort through. It will take time and more emotional stamina than I have right now.

Going through Norm’s things is an emotional process that I don’t want to do, but necessary.

I’m finished traveling for a few months. There is a lot to be done and I am so good at procrastinating. Little by little I’m coming out of the fog. Each day I’m trying to do at least one thing to move forward.

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for the memories I have with Norm. We had a good 45 years together, a lot of fun along with a few struggles. I am glad for the sorrow I feel for it reminds me of the love we had.

I pray for courage to move forward and emotional stamina to endure the pain from losing Norm.

I rejoice that whatever comes my way, God will be with me and will take care of me…even when I don’t see His hand at work.

Where’s the joy? Norm is walking with the Lord in His garden, no more pain and no more suffering.

Revelation 21:1–7 (NASB95): The New Heaven and Earth
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
6 Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7 “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

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Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on July 3, 2025 by tricialathrop

July 3

Norm’s birthday is coming up. So I’ve been thinking a lot about his last birthday. He seemed healthy, and we had a great time.

We traveled to Lake City in Colorado, a place to stay if you want to do the Alpine Loop. He rented an off-highway vehicle (OHV) and we drove on the narrow, dirt roads with multiple tight hairpin turns. He offered to let me drive, but I said no…I didn’t want to be the one to miscalculate the edge of the road and end up tumbling down the mountain. Granted, we did have roll bars, but who wants to have to use them?

July is a good time to visit. The mountain flowers can be seen in their full glory…of course it’s a brief glory, and we hit it at prime color last year.

We drove to Silverton one day, we liked to have lunch and shop there. As we left lunch, hail began to fall. We figured it would be short lived, no bad weather was expected. We watched the hail build up, looked like snow…enough to build a snowman. We still had to go back over the mountains, on those narrow roads…now covered with snow and hail. Norm took it slow and we got some beautiful pictures.

We visited an old gold mine, some ghost towns, and took a gondola ride up the side of a mountain along the Million Dollar Highway…steep, but not narrow and paved all the way. I drove that one.

We didn’t know that would be the last time. He was looking forward to talking the kids into joining us one summer.

Within a month, his health took a downturn. We didn’t suspect cancer at all…lyme disease, possibly…but not cancer. By the end of August he hardly had the strength to leave the house and it took 3 months to discover the cancer.

This is ending up being as tough as our anniversary. The memory of his strength and stamina, his joy of driving in the mountains, his joy in photography of nature…very real as I remember our trip last year.

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful that I chose to go with him last year…one never knows when it will be the last.

I pray for those who are facing an unknown or cancer diagnosis, that they will be given the strength to endure, and some times of joy in the midst of it.

I rejoice that God gives us joyful memories, and sometimes allows the rough times to fade so that the best remains.

Where’s the joy? I have been able to enjoy some very special memories. Though they are tinged with grief, they are great memories.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
The Lord performs righteous deeds
And judgments for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the sons of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.
The Lord has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
Bless the Lord, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 103

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Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on April 9, 2025 by tricialathrop

April 9

It’s been a little over a month since I said my final “I love you” to Norm. It seems far longer.

Yesterday as I returned from Savannah, GPS took me off the main highway due to road construction on I-40. Every turn reminded me of traveling through the hills with Norm and stopping for lunch at a local diner in the small towns. I drove through Maggie Valley and over Newfound Gap and remembered watching the elk that had gathered in each place and seeing Norm’s joy as he tried to take the perfect picture. He always hoped for that iconic shot of two male elk fighting it out…usually after a few bellows, one will run away.

When I got home, I started going through some things. I would start to ask Norm a question, and realize he wasn’t there.

I’d start to ask if he wanted to go do something, but he wasn’t there.

I dozed off and when I awoke, looked for Norm, but he wasn’t there.

I thought of something funny to tell him, about what Sierra and Sawyer had done, but he wasn’t there.

We had over 44 years together…but now, he’s not here. This is hard, but it is my new reality.

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for the years we had together and the memories that I will have for the rest of my life.

I pray for strength and wisdom to walk this path, realizing that I I will walk some of it alone, but I need to make sure I don’t isolate myself.

I rejoice that while people will leave, God will never forsake us. He promises to be with us always.

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

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Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on April 2, 2025 by tricialathrop

April 1

Yesterday we took the grandkids to the Upside-down house in Pigeon Forge, actual name, Wonderworks. Norm spoke often of wanting to take the grands to this attraction. It seemed that it would be like an interactive museum, with optical illusions and other interesting scientific interactions.

There were some…we walked through a tunnel that had us all leaning to the right because of the appearance of spinning. We touched lightning with a gloved hand. Steve lay on a bed of nails. Sawyer and Sierra had a good time with giant bubbles, even ending up inside of one. They colored in dinosaurs that came to life on the screen. Sierra, Steve and I played laser tag.

It was more like an arcade…lots of games and crowded. Norm would not have enjoyed it…especially since Sierra and Sawyer were not willing to do a lot of the events. But Norm would have enjoyed spending time with them. They bless both of us, every time we spend time with them.

Grandchildren are the crown of old men. Proverbs 17:6a.

We drove along the Foothills Parkway to get home. Beautiful scenery greeted us at every turn, not fall beautiful, but beautiful all the same.

Yesterday and today, the tears stand at the edge of my eyes, ready to leak out down my cheeks. He loved time with the grands. We spent a lot of time on the Foothills Parkway. Norm and I went there for lunch during covid, enjoying the views.

The memories are mostly good, the sorrow over losing Norm, deep. But I can choose each day to take another step and rely on the Lord to guide me each step of the way.

Where’s the joy? Harder some days than others.

I am thankful for my children and grandchildren, they are truly are a blessing of the Lord.

I pray for strength and wisdom to walk in the ways of the Lord.

I rejoice that the Lord remains faithful.

Where’s the joy? I think that for awhile it will be found in family and friends.

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Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on March 23, 2025 by tricialathrop

March 22

I came to see my grandchildren, Sierra and Sawyer. It’s been seven months since I have seen them in person. We’ve done some video chats, and while that is better than nothing, nothing replaces the personal touch. One of Norm’s greatest griefs, he did not see or hug his grandchildren since he got sick.

But before that, we had them with us for a full week of fun and laughter. We were able to visit them for Sawyer’s birthday…after that, video chats only…in the last few months, video recordings from them to their Poppop.

It’s bittersweet. Each event, playtime, eating…all remind me of what they lost in their Poppop. He played with them wholeheartedly, entering their imaginative play without hesitation. He switched scenarios with them as they brought new challenges to light.

They went on bear hunts, played hospital with all the stuffed animals, managed zoos, went to school, had great adventures of every kind.

They know he is gone, I know that because not once did they ask when Poppop was coming. Their conversations of him were sweet, filled with the laughter that signified their times with Poppop.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and now flow as I consider the loss to my grandchildren of their Poppop who loved them and would do anything for them.

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for all the times Sierra and Sawyer had with Poppop. They have some physical reminders, a clubhouse, a mud kitchen and a climbing wall which he built for them.

I pray for them, that they will come to know the Lord and to follow Him as Norm loved the Lord.

I rejoice that the memories are good.

Where’s the joy? It is in the laughter and joy of youth, who rejoice each day in all that life brings their way…and can always find the good in it.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives ones such child in My name receives Me;” Matthew 7:1-5

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Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on March 15, 2025 by tricialathrop

March 14

I went through some of Norm’s items. I’m finally unpacking what I brought home from the hospital. It reminded me of what a roller coaster the last five weeks have been. It not only held items for his hospital stay, but also clothes for him to wear when he came home.

Sometimes, it’s as if he’s just away on one of his camping trips, at any minute he could walk through the door…but then, the reality of his being gone hits. Lunch with a friend and a few card games with my nephew provided some distraction, but the reality is always with me.

The memories are all good. I know there were times Norm frustrated me, but what I wouldn’t give to have him back, even on the most frustrating of days.

I’m preparing for his Celebration of his life. I love looking at it that way instead of as a memorial or funeral. He blessed a lot of people. His photos took people to places they could not go on their own. His storytelling never failed to entertain. He could talk to anyone about pretty much anything, his knowledge covered a number of topics.

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for the extra four months with Norm that the Lord gave to me through the effort of several doctors.

I pray for wisdom and courage as I walk this path.

I rejoice that God gives us memories to enjoy and to share with others.

Where’s the joy? It’s in sharing the stories, not only of Norm, but of what God has done.

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.

My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:3-8

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My Legacy

Posted on December 22, 2022 by tricialathrop

As Christmas approaches, I think of Christmas past. The memories are not so much the events, but the people who impacted my life. With their life examples or encouraging words, each played a part in who I am today. I look forward to saying thank you when I meet them again in Heaven.

Thelma sang “O Holy Night” every Christmas. A petite grandmother, her beautiful soprano voice combined with her love of god drew us into an attitude of worship, calling us to fall on our knees before the Savior. I cannot sing the song today without seeing her in from of Red Lion Methodist church, honoring God with her voice.

Al greeted us every Sunday morning, opening the church doors with a warm, enchanting smile. On Christmas he dressed up as Santa and gave each child a bag of candy as we left. He stands out as a faithful man, consistent in serving the Lord by making people feel welcomed.

When we had a service when we could choose the hymns, we could count on Jip to call out, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. He often cried as he shared how much the love of Jesus Christ meant to him. Everyone was his friend, and he made each of us feel special and important.

Our organist, Dolores, invited the teens at our church to form a singing group called “The Impossibles”, not because we were impossible…though that was a running joke…but because of the power of God to do impossible things in our lives. She, along with my mom, encouraged me to spend time in the Old Testament searching for the wealth of riches in the Word of God.

Each of these people, and many more, lived their lives serving God as best they could. And each has left an imprint on my own walk with God. They all gave me a rich heritage in the Lord.

It makes me consider, what kind of legacy am I leaving for those who are watching me today?

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints, the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all truth. Colossians 1:3-6.

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