Sunday was All Saint's Day at our church. My emotions took me by surprise; I thought I'd cried most of my tears. Actually I did okay, but I had a hard time stopping the tears once they started.
I looked at David's name in the bulletin and my sweet friend Jay's name right above his name. Hearing the names spoken and the lighting of the candles for each person who died this year made it real again. My best friend was sitting next to me; her daughter, Jillian was one of the acolytes. Jillian lit David's candle which made it very special.
A special, but sad day.... a real day! I KNOW with the holidays coming there will be a lot of days when I know David's death is real.
However, I'm thankful that I took pictures of him at the end of his life. I DON'T want him to be like he was........Oh yes, I'd love that he NEVER had Alzheimer's, but he did and life goes on.
I should stop..... but here goes. I wanted/needed to look back and see what was happening this time last year.
This is my post for November of last year.
BLESSINGS of ANIMALS & MUSIC
I've thought ........... a kitten would be fun
to have in the house ..............(silly me!)
Our next door neighbor is an animal activist in our
community. She and others have been instrumental in improving our City
Pound.
She called me from the City Pound last week to tell me
of a tearful elderly couple and their kitty. It seems the man was recovering
from a stroke, and they were afraid the cat would trip him. They also have
space heaters and they were afraid the cat would cause a
fire.
We don't have a kitten, but we are now the proud
owners of a one year old neutered kitty; better for us than a kitten (I also
discovered he's been de-clawed). I've named him Punkin.
Punkin is very affectionate, and jumps on David's lap
for some rubbing, and David loves it!!
I feel extremely blessed that David loves animals as
much as I do.
David is doing remarkably well. He continues
listening to his music, clapping his hands, with his faithful companion by his
side.
One
day at a time ... this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past,
for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet
come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth
remembering.
Ida Scott Taylor
As I read and re-read this comment by Ida Scott Taylor, I marvel at how appropriate it is right now....
God is Good!!
P.S
My sweet kitty and dog are such a blessing to me..
20 comments:
Oh I agree...a beloved pet can keep you going when nothing else can. The dog needs out and they both need to be fed. One good reason to get up and be doing.
The service sounds very special and those tears are healing.
Love to you...
First I wish to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I know the pain, just lost my Johnny on Oct. 27. The journey is difficult but as we both know, and I always say "GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME.
Sandie (Chatty Crone) sent me the link to your blog. Thought you might like to know that. Sandie is an awesome lady. You take care. I'll keep you in prayer.
We went to two church services last Sunday and yes All Saints Day we had at one service is a moving celebration of lives. But I can see how the tears would flow when you saw his name listed.
Going back one year is also interesting.
Hugs and prayers
Carol
Oh yes, there's nothing more calming and serene than the quiet love of a pet's presence, and you have these two cuties, as they seem to have been left to you, to take care of them for him, by dear David. The pictures are so familiar to me, specially handsome David with your lovely dog. I loved the quote, as Orientals live their life like that, I'm trying not to be such a worrier myself and live the present. Have a blessed Sunday my darling friend.
FABBY
I know all Saints Day from our church and it is a hard one to go through. And I am sure the holidays are going to be really tough. I am glad you do have your animals. sandie
And what beautiful animals they are.
I am sorry you were feeling sad in church. It is so very hard to hold back the tears in church. You have every reason to break down wherever you feel like it. You have been through so much. May God bless you and hold you in his arms.
Hopefully you will look back on today with a smile as a happy memory... of all people, your friends' daughter lighting David's candle. There are many 'firsts' to come, so remember the happy times, and hopefully they will be tears of laughter. :) Jenny x
Tears can be very cleansing! Have a good week
Tears do a great job of cleansing the soul so you cry all you want to babygirl!
Animals are tiny Angels from Heaven...they keep us moving!
Loving you sweet friend!!!
(((HUG)))
The kitten is adoreable and so is the pup. We love animals. I have 6 dogs!
I love that saying! I'm pretty good on the not grieving the past (as it ruins the present!) and I'm getting better on not fearing the future! Ha!
The hardest part for me of losing someone that is really really good are all the beautiful times because they remind of so much of how he/she was...beautiful. Forgive my language but if they were a no good nik it would be easier...but David and my dad were beautiful people and those are the ones we miss so much during sweet and tender moments...xoxo
Those tears of grief do have a way of sneaking up on us. This sounds like a very nice service, but easy to see why it would be a sad one. So glad that your best friend was there with you.
How interesting to see what your post from one year ago had to say. The quote is such good and timely advice.
I am sure your kitty and dog are providing lots of love and companionship. They are so good at that.
David would be so happy that you are enjoying these furry friends. Thanks for sharing! Nothing wrong with tears by the way. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." Ps. 116:15
Dolores, I agree with Ida Scott and I think you are doing remarkably well. I have five cats and love them all, each one has a different personality and they sweeten our life. Yes, God is good and also God is love. Blessings...Lu
Oh Dolores, I can imagine how you felt on All Saints Day. I still pray for you so you can cope well and I think God answers our prayers...Christine
Oh Dolores, the tears will come. Sometimes at the most unexpected times. But it is a good thing. Let them come and then let them go. I, too, wish you could come and see me and my new house. But I will do a "house tour" on my blog as soon as I possible can. Pretty soon. XO, Pinky
Hi Dolores,
I read a book on grief after my divorce and losing my father. It talked about how grief does not progress in stages, rather you might feel as if you are fine and then tomorrow you feel the pain again. Soon little by little the pain will go away and only the sweet memories remain.
It's so good to have this blog. The more you say the words the more acceptance takes the place of tears. But the tears will help you heal.
Tears of grief are the way that the Holy Spirit washes our hearts.
Your heart is beautiful and now David is as beautiful as he was when you first met him.
Karen
Hi Delores, a lady just came into my place of employment this morning and she is from your town. I told her about your blog.
Dear Dolores,
Just stopping by to wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving Day. Prayers...Lu
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