Friday, February 06, 2009

Grief and Faith

Today is a day of reflection for me and probably always will be. Four years ago my daddy died of a heart attack and ironically today is the day to wear red to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Irony can be a strange thing. :)

Time has softened the gut-wrenching grief over losing him, but I don't miss him any less. I remember a few months after his death I headed to the internet to see if I could find out if the pain I felt was "normal" and really didn't find much. I have since learned that there really isn't a "normal" when it comes to grief as everybody responds differently.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

It does make me wonder how a person without faith could ever get through something so difficult. I know that he is without pain now and that is comforting. But I still miss him.

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

So as you go about your day, remember to hug your loved ones extra tight. For our family and friends are so very important.
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And speaking of friends..... One of my absolute dearest BFF's is going with me to Oklahoma today as soon as I get off work. For years mom, daddy, mom-in-law and I would go to a super large craft show up there twice a year. After daddy died we haven't been back, but that changes this year. Mom, Jeanie and I are going to the craft show tomorrow and then out to dinner. J and I are setting off this afternoon for our version of Thelma and Louise as we drive up the Interstate.

This is truly a beautiful thing that she is doing by being with mom and I this weekend. So go and call or email a friend today and tell her how much you appreciate her!

7 comments:

Joansie said...

Elizabeth, may you find comfort in the happy memories you shared with your Dad.

Have fun at the craft show. I look forward to hearing about it.

southerninspiration said...

Aww, I hope your time together is a soothing balm.....I understand! Take care and have a great road trip!!!

Suzanne

Le Bleu Bonnet Boutique said...

awwww!!! My cup runnith over!!! I am just thrilled to be invited along on this ride!!! Would not miss it for the world!!!

Renna said...

Elizabeth, I lost my dad about 6 years ago, and I do miss him terribly still. We had a few weeks to prepare for the fact that he was dying, which, though while it didn't make giving him up any easier, we were at least able to say our goodbyes. Losing a loved one suddenly is harder to handle, in my opinion, and I've experienced both situations.

Your trip sounds like fun, and you're blessed to have such a good friend. I'm sure this will be good for your mom, too. Drive safe, and I'll say a prayer for you and Thelma...or you and Louise, whichever is which. ;-Þ

Lois Christensen said...

What wonderful verses! Thanks so much for sharing them. I lost my dad last May and it's still so hard to get over never seeing him again. I know we'll be reunited one day but still not being able to see him or speak with him has been the absolute hardest thing. I hope you have a nice weekend and it'll bring back happy memories for you as walk around and SHOP!!!

Debby said...

I am sorry for your loss Elizabeth. But glad for your inspiration in how you are handling it and using scripture to console the loss. Your trip sounds like a lot of fun.
Little Miss B will most likely want to hear stories about her great grandpa and it will be fun for you to tell them.

Lovin Hello Kitty said...

Elizabeth you are in my prayers for today and it does get easier but never totally. March 3 is the anniversary of the death of my dad36 years ago, I still think of him today and always will forever. Keep the memories close at heart as you got to have many with him.
Hope you and Thelma (or Louise) have a blast, I will be thinking about you ladies and wished I could come but next time I'll be there for sure. Love you!