In this picture below my husband Lon & I are watching the Fair Parade go by along with one of our sweet little grandbabies.
That was seven years ago. I loved this fun time I had with my husband and our granddaughter but my heart was heavy. I knew in a couple of days I’d be flying to Virginia to see my sister for last time.
Just two days before this picture was taken I talked with one of her doctors who gave me the horrible news that there wasn’t any more they could do to save her life. My heart was broken. My mind could not process this news . . . yet, life goes on.
I was still working every day. Family was visiting. The county fair was still happening. Dinners needed cooked & yards needed mowed . . . yet my sister was dying at a hospital in Virginia.
I was going through life with a smile. What people saw wasn’t how I felt. Does anyone really know how to act when you’re in this situation?
I grew up in a city. I live in a small rural community now. I’ve learned there is a big difference, more than the population. Everyone knows everyone. This part of small-town living has it’s perks when life brings you down. I felt the love and concern of neighbors, friends, coworkers or just anyone who I casually knew.
I felt isolated with my pain but also knew that my community was there for support. That was such a blessing for me that I still treasure!
At this time in my life I felt like I was two different people. One was doing life because she had to. The other was desperately crying for the loss that she knew was coming but didn’t want to happen.
It’s crazy how one photo brings up so many memories and feelings. Painful and happy. My life felt out of control at this time. I didn’t know how I could endure the pain that I knew was coming yet, somehow, I did!
Time can ease the sharpness of the deep ache in your heart however, the wound never completely heals. This time of year will always trigger these feelings inside of me. I think it’s good to revisit them. I can see how far I’ve come. Life keeps going. God keeps on blessing!
“For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever” Psalm 100:5
2FaithfulSisters 