A Reflective Week of Anniversaries

This week of August is a deeply reflective one for me,  having two back to back anniversaries to commemorate. On the 9th of August, my sweet 26-year-old son, Cole, left this earth, and on the 10th of August, I would have been married for 38 years. (My husband Ross passed away in 2014.) As you can imagine these are not necessarily celebratory occasions for me.

In the midst of missing their presence so very much, I have to diligently focus on remembering all the happy times I had with both of them. My heart aches to have one more family trip together, to have them physically share in the joy of Laurel's growing family, and to feel their hugs.

I believe that one of the things that I am called to do is to continue my journey of healing and deepening my understanding of God’s plan in all of this. It’s the most difficult work I do. I realize you know this to be true, because I hear from so many individuals with regard to how much pain they are in while moving through their own loss and adversity. I want so much to help you and the only way I can do this is to make a commitment to get better every day.

This week as a way of honoring these anniversaries, I will be attending a conference being held for parents who are learning how to heal, to find joy, and peace of mind again. (This is not a coincidence that it is this week)

In addition, I want you to know that I will be allowing myself to ‘feel all the feels’ and to bring to you anything I can that will help you heal and have hope.

I have so many more lessons to learn and I can envision having complete joy again. I genuinely believe both Cole and Ross are guiding me and loving me through this journey.

My prayer for you today is that you will work with me through your own journeys and that together we can be a light for others who are in their journeys.

What has helped you through your ‘anniversaries?’ I would love to hear you share it with the world!