I found the spark in my heart and gently blew the embers back to flame.

Baking all day with my family yesterday was just what the doctor ordered! I got up and went to church, which I sorely needed. Then came back and started baking. Twenty dozen cookies, three trays of butter mints, a batch of Chocolate No Bakes, a batch of Rolo Pretzel cookies, a batch of Cherry Mash, a double batch of Jello Jigglers, and about five dozen “dipped treats” such as pretzels and Oreos and candy canes dipped in white chocolate! All in six hours and we only over cooked one tray of cookies. Three bakers, one stove, and two very cute little taste testers. My heart is as full as my tummy!

Such is the nature of grief. If there is any message I truly want you to hear, it’s this:

• You are not alone. While every grief is different, there are others out there walking the same path.
• You are normal. While there are some “abnormal” states associated with prolonged, complicated grief, for most people who grieve, just about anything can be expected. Hearing others experience the same things you do is comforting.
• You are loved. You may not know that. You may not believe that. But I am here to tell you that I know, completely and absolutely, that you are loved. God loves you and I love you. So, there’s two already!
• You are incredibly brave. Even during those times when your anxiety is melting the paint off the siding of your house, you have more courage in your little finger than the majority of people walking around based solely on the fact that you are grieving and did not fly off the face of the earth.
• You will get through this. You may not have a clue how, but you will. Another promise.

The holidays are marching toward us. While they are difficult, the long stretch of time that crawls toward spring can be even more so. Have an “accountability partner”. Someone who you can call, day or night, if the going gets too tough. Don’t be embarrassed to seek help if you need it. We’ll get through this, you and I.

❤