I just had to take time to blog about a very special friend. Marie started babysitting Taylor when he was four, and began watching Jenna when she was only two months old. In all this time, I have grown very close to Marie. When I leave Jenna, she is happy, when I pick her up she is happy. Marie is never frazzled or frustrated. She is always calm and she has such a sweet disposition. You may find Marie pushing kids in a wheelbarrow or swing, giving kids rides on her back, rolling around on the ground with them, or giving them "airplane" rides on her feet.
She is truly a blessing in our lives. She is the kind of person that you never want to see hurt. She has been on my mind constantly since the passing her very special daughter. I wish there was something I could do to help her during this time.
Having lost a sister and Dad myself, I know the inevidable pain that one goes through. There is really nothing that can help ease the intense sorrow that you feel. The first year is really hard. You can have fun times and moments of happiness, but there is always "grief in the wings" (as I once heard someone say). Your mind is drawn back to the realization that your loved one cannot experience that happy time with you. I had to work really hard to break this. I realized that my grief and sorrow was not fair to my Dad or sister. I needed to be able to think about them and talk about them without feeling pain. I wanted my children to know of their Grandpa and Aunt Twana. I needed to be able to talk about them.
One thing I relied on was knowing that my loved one were in a better place, and that this seperation is only temporary. A book I read after my Dad died was called, "The Message" by Lance Richardson. This book helped me through a very difficult time. It has been almost 9 years since my Dad died, and almost 4 years since my sister passed away. I still have times that I feel sad that they are not here to share in the happy times of our lives, but overall, I am at peace. It took me a while to get here, but I can talk about both my Dad and sister without feeling the sadness that I once felt. I know that they I will be with them again. I pray at this time for Marie, and that she can feel love and find peace amid the dark times.
This is such a sweet post. You are a great friend. It is amazing all that you have gone through and stayed so strong. You are a true inspiration to others. I think it will be a blessing for Marie to be able to have your friendship through a time like this. And hopefully she will be able to find the same peace inside that you feel.
ReplyDeleteMy heart also goes out to Marie...and to you for all you went through--most of us can't imagine the kind of pain you experienced. I think with most tragedies in life, the only thing that can heal us is time. Having an understanding of the gospel is definitely a blessing, but no matter what, we still feel pain and sometimes only time can ease the intensity. I'm glad Marie has you. I wish I could help..
ReplyDeleteWell said Jen. I don't think people can understand the true feelings of a loved ones passing unless feeling it themselves. I will have to check out that book. Marie is awesome! Our prayers have been with them at this time. Thank goodness we know where they are today and that they are always watching over us and with us! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMarie truely is a wonderful lady. Very caring and is always so generous in serving others. It is not easy going through this. It has been a little over 10 years already since my daddy has passed and my heart still aches for him but I understand he's in a better place and we will see him again. I'm so glad I have people like you and Tashie to relate to. We have to hold on tight to our kids and love them like tomorrow's their last.
ReplyDelete