My husband died six weeks ago, I am remembering moments and some of them hurt, then a few days later, having read something in his journals or on-line, a new meaning presents itself and love surfaces. Thank you for capturing that in your writing today.
I often shared your weekend pieces with him and together we appreciated your reflections and your humanity. Some even made their way into sermons!
Thank you for sharing your life and experiences through your pen.
Ailsa- My father taught me that the ones we love and lose would want us to live on and find joy in our lives. It is no betrayal of their memory to laugh and dance and embrace all that life still has for us. Yes, mourn and remember. Read his journals, reminisce with family and friends, thus allowing the love to surface. Don’t let loss and sadness have the last word. I’m honored that my writings were a small part of your shared life, and I wish you peace like a river during this time of loss and adjustment.
Since 2019 I have been madly writing a book of poetry, lyrics, short stories and observations to leave behind for my family and friends. It will offer insights into our relationships that they can re-read any time. I trust it will give comfort.
Every once in awhile I read something that stays with me in the part of my mind that is eternal memory. Sometimes something I read becomes part of the catalog of moments I refer to, and pull back up and look at, when I'm thinking what does my life mean. It's a gift when something I read becomes part of what I reflect on when I measure what's important, and where is this path I'm on taking me.
Elizabeth- I like what you wrote about “eternal memory”. There are books and stories I’ve read that remain with me. They moved me or changed me and still provide a kind of sustenance when life’s challenges and difficult days intrude. So I can relate to what you’ve shared here. Thanks for reading.
Nancy-When I first shared the line with my wife, she too envisioned a kind of treasure chest. One can imagine an entirely different story using the same line but with a chest found in the basement of an abandoned house by kids exploring. And in the chest are what appear to be old rocks but when held by those with pure hearts, the rocks begin to glow like magical asteroids and enable the pure-hearted to fill the lives of the downtrodden with grace and healing and hope. Sounds like a Stephen King story.
I see a Hope chest at the bottom.of a bed. A,young couple is in the bed, anticipating their future and the sparks some how help them see their life in a new light.
Thanks, Clint. Sometimes it’s obvious when we’re not living the life we were meant to live. I think of folks battling addiction, or a destructive relationship. But then, other times we compare ourselves to the wealthy or someone in a different career and think we’re missing out. We are unaware of the realities and hidden struggles in the lives of others. And as Teddy Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Seems the happiest people I know are the ones who find gratitude and peace with their loved ones, meaningful work, and fulfilling passions. The grass isn’t always greener in the neighbor’s yard.
This short story is brilliant John! Since my wife passed away I live with that “nagging sense of isolation and irrelevancy”. In my case, I struggle to come to terms with who I am now that I’m on my own. Thank you for this!
David-I have no doubt that your wife would want you to be happy and enjoying your life. Who you are now is a good man who can honor her memory by embracing life, helping others, chasing your passions, and holding your wife’s memory and spirit close to your heart. Wishing you all the best.
Well done John! You created a beautiful tapestry of longing, reflection and real life. I love the image you paired with this story, I felt it gave it even more depth. Thanks for a great read.
It’s Easter and my family has gathered on my son’s patio. I love hearing the joy of laughter and everyone making new memories. However I chose a bit of quiet and sat down to read your heartfelt story which brought to mind my own fragile memories.
How coincidental with today’s writing, first thing this morning I visited my husband’s grave. This time I brought a jar of bird seed with me to sprinkle on his grave. Sounds a little unusual perhaps until you know my husband and I watched our visiting birds together every morning over our first cup of coffee and I after his death had a stone engraved- LETS HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE AND WATCH THE BIRDS near his birdbath. The tradition is simple now just one but cherished memories linger.
Keep spreading your beautiful thoughts.
Rereading your answer to my response last Christmas about writing a cards to my deceased husband and putting his name on it to mysteriously somehow being found by him. I never did, but when I return home tonight that’s exactly what I will be doing. I want to. Thank you for your advice and your caring. It’s just what I needed today.
So very thought provoking….. wow I can so relate that story to my current (20yr) relationship. You could nearly swap those names out to ours, & there we are! [But I am definitely no “Literary” expert or skilled creative. Just a lover of those who are, an old school romantic & Journaler.] The description of mind & manner - linear & logical, devoid of poetry….. yep that’s him. Even close to the career he chose. He’s a “George”. My very question yesterday was “Is my relationship bringing the sense of fulfilment I long for?” Wow thank you. I need to check in with myself and ensure I am reading the man in the manner he deserves. Very powerful.
My husband died six weeks ago, I am remembering moments and some of them hurt, then a few days later, having read something in his journals or on-line, a new meaning presents itself and love surfaces. Thank you for capturing that in your writing today.
I often shared your weekend pieces with him and together we appreciated your reflections and your humanity. Some even made their way into sermons!
Thank you for sharing your life and experiences through your pen.
Ailsa- My father taught me that the ones we love and lose would want us to live on and find joy in our lives. It is no betrayal of their memory to laugh and dance and embrace all that life still has for us. Yes, mourn and remember. Read his journals, reminisce with family and friends, thus allowing the love to surface. Don’t let loss and sadness have the last word. I’m honored that my writings were a small part of your shared life, and I wish you peace like a river during this time of loss and adjustment.
Hold on to the beautiful moments Ailsa xxx. Every time you think of him he is right there with you, in your heart.
Since 2019 I have been madly writing a book of poetry, lyrics, short stories and observations to leave behind for my family and friends. It will offer insights into our relationships that they can re-read any time. I trust it will give comfort.
Every once in awhile I read something that stays with me in the part of my mind that is eternal memory. Sometimes something I read becomes part of the catalog of moments I refer to, and pull back up and look at, when I'm thinking what does my life mean. It's a gift when something I read becomes part of what I reflect on when I measure what's important, and where is this path I'm on taking me.
Elizabeth- I like what you wrote about “eternal memory”. There are books and stories I’ve read that remain with me. They moved me or changed me and still provide a kind of sustenance when life’s challenges and difficult days intrude. So I can relate to what you’ve shared here. Thanks for reading.
I have noticed how literal I can be. A chest full of asteroids made me envision a Hope chest with sparks flying out of it.
Nancy-When I first shared the line with my wife, she too envisioned a kind of treasure chest. One can imagine an entirely different story using the same line but with a chest found in the basement of an abandoned house by kids exploring. And in the chest are what appear to be old rocks but when held by those with pure hearts, the rocks begin to glow like magical asteroids and enable the pure-hearted to fill the lives of the downtrodden with grace and healing and hope. Sounds like a Stephen King story.
Oh, that was beautiful. You created an embracing atmosphere that held me through to the end.
Thank you, Jeffrey, I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
That is so beautiful and moving John.
I appreciate that, Morna, thanks for reading.
I see a Hope chest at the bottom.of a bed. A,young couple is in the bed, anticipating their future and the sparks some how help them see their life in a new light.
That’s another artful interpretation, Nancy. I like it.
Great story, John. And wow, what a line:
"I think if you don’t fight it, the life you end up with can become the life you were meant to live."
We do fight it don't we? Even though all the great masters taught us about surrender and presence.
Thanks, Clint. Sometimes it’s obvious when we’re not living the life we were meant to live. I think of folks battling addiction, or a destructive relationship. But then, other times we compare ourselves to the wealthy or someone in a different career and think we’re missing out. We are unaware of the realities and hidden struggles in the lives of others. And as Teddy Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Seems the happiest people I know are the ones who find gratitude and peace with their loved ones, meaningful work, and fulfilling passions. The grass isn’t always greener in the neighbor’s yard.
This short story is brilliant John! Since my wife passed away I live with that “nagging sense of isolation and irrelevancy”. In my case, I struggle to come to terms with who I am now that I’m on my own. Thank you for this!
David-I have no doubt that your wife would want you to be happy and enjoying your life. Who you are now is a good man who can honor her memory by embracing life, helping others, chasing your passions, and holding your wife’s memory and spirit close to your heart. Wishing you all the best.
Well done John! You created a beautiful tapestry of longing, reflection and real life. I love the image you paired with this story, I felt it gave it even more depth. Thanks for a great read.
Thanks, Donna, I’m happy you enjoyed the story.
Loved this story. So many good lines, deep truths. More, please. Thank you.
More stories snd essays are percolating, Brenda. Thanks for reading.
It’s Easter and my family has gathered on my son’s patio. I love hearing the joy of laughter and everyone making new memories. However I chose a bit of quiet and sat down to read your heartfelt story which brought to mind my own fragile memories.
How coincidental with today’s writing, first thing this morning I visited my husband’s grave. This time I brought a jar of bird seed with me to sprinkle on his grave. Sounds a little unusual perhaps until you know my husband and I watched our visiting birds together every morning over our first cup of coffee and I after his death had a stone engraved- LETS HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE AND WATCH THE BIRDS near his birdbath. The tradition is simple now just one but cherished memories linger.
Keep spreading your beautiful thoughts.
Rereading your answer to my response last Christmas about writing a cards to my deceased husband and putting his name on it to mysteriously somehow being found by him. I never did, but when I return home tonight that’s exactly what I will be doing. I want to. Thank you for your advice and your caring. It’s just what I needed today.
As an English teacher, "she" would be very proud of you. Blessings.
I enjoy your writing very much.
This essay resonated in a way that that made me very mindful of my own behaviour at different times.
Thank you.
So very thought provoking….. wow I can so relate that story to my current (20yr) relationship. You could nearly swap those names out to ours, & there we are! [But I am definitely no “Literary” expert or skilled creative. Just a lover of those who are, an old school romantic & Journaler.] The description of mind & manner - linear & logical, devoid of poetry….. yep that’s him. Even close to the career he chose. He’s a “George”. My very question yesterday was “Is my relationship bringing the sense of fulfilment I long for?” Wow thank you. I need to check in with myself and ensure I am reading the man in the manner he deserves. Very powerful.
Another moving piece, John. Thank you.