Of all the comments I get on my blog posts, by far the most common is “It’s good to know I’m not alone.” When Mr. Virgo died, I felt like the only person on the planet. No one could possibly understand what I was feeling. I didn’t know how to find resources to help me feel better. I didn’t know who to turn to. I tried reading grief books but I couldn’t read. I couldn’t get beyond a sentence or two before my mind exploded. My family and friends were wonderful…don’t get me wrong. But I was sure even they couldn’t really get it because they hadn’t walked this particular path.
I reached out through this page as much for me as I did for you. Maybe more so. And we both found out we’re not alone in this. That was HUGE for me. Knowing others were having the same or similar experiences gave me courage.
I scroll through my files of pictures often for inspiration. Sometimes a particular photo will jump out at me and that’s the one I go with for my next post. Last night, it was this one. Mr. Virgo…big smile, twinkling eyes, and that shock of silver hair…in the afternoon sunshine at Rocky Mountain National Park on a day much like today. We had gone for a drive to view the elk and the bright yellow gold of the aspen leaves quaking in the breeze. It was a perfect day. As I scrolled through the photos and saw this one, two things happened. My heart squeezed for a few seconds. And I smiled. The smile is good. The squeeze in my heart still takes my breath away because it takes me by surprise.
I had a beautiful day yesterday. It was a day much like the one in this picture. The sky was a brilliant cerulean blue. The temperature was reasonable in the high sixties, low seventies. I was with the man that I love. We had a really busy and full day winterizing another of the four campers. Lunch out. A granddaughter’s softball game. A trip to the Piggly Wiggly. A day. Just a normal day in a life. Some would say it was nothing special. I beg to differ…it was.
Why was yesterday special? Because I get to love again. I get to look in another human being’s beautiful eyes and see love in return. Because I get to love…a lot. I get to love both of my ex-husbands and that great cowboy I dated for awhile. I get to love Mr. Virgo. And…I get to love Mr. FixIt. That is so special. I can still love all of them because I stretched my heart and made room
“I am not alone” has taken on a new meaning now. I’ll never take that for granted. ❤️
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
My favorite verse. Love the picture.
❤️
That verse, I needed it this morning. That love story, perfect – just perfect.
❤️
I just hit the one year mark in this journey. The grief has not really subsided but this gives me hope that things will get better.
Hang in there, dear one. My second year was rocky…ups and downs, harder in some ways because I was more “awake”. But, it CAN get better…just push ever forward, ever upward, and search for the joy. God makes us walk through flames, but he throws gems down for us to find. Look outside yourself and you’ll find them. ❤️
I’ve never known true love. I do have the love of my family and friends. Your love story gives me hope that one day….❤
True love can be elusive. And the more we yearn and strive for it, our focus may turn to another human as our source of happiness. I’m reminded of the verse…Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a man are established by the Lord.” I kept running into dead ends and road blocks every time I made finding a life partner my first priority. It was only when I rested into the comfort of God’s love for me that I truly was not alone. That’s when Mr. FixIt showed up. We don’t know what God has planned for us, but remaining ever hopeful, optimistic, and joyful attracts more people to our lives. Keep that hope alive, dear one! ❤️
Ginny thank you for this today…the Lord sends up what we need…and I so needed your words. Thank you dear friend.
❤️
I just shared this verse with my granddaughter, being a high school senior she will know she will never be alone as she journeys out on her own!
❤️
Your blog has helped me handle/embrace/look for all the ‘moments’ as I walked beside my precious sister/best friend on her long journey home. Three long years fighting ovarian cancer ended yesterday morning. My sister is free and I sadly rejoice. Thank you for being ‘there’.
Oh, Vicky…my heart is with you as you navigate life without your precious sister and best friend. i cannot imagine losing my sibling. Prayers for peace and comfort. ❤️
♥ to you too! Great post.
❤️
Today is my sister’s ninth Anniversary of passing on. I still miss her so much. The talks and laughs we had over the miles over the years. She passed due to diabetes at age 48. It is hitting extra hard this year though since Kens Anniversary is next Tuesday. Thank you for helping me through all of this grief, Ginny, for putting a little sunshine in my heart.
Sending hugs and prayers for peace in the coming days, dear one. I’m honored to be of service. Feel your feelings. ❤️