This is one of Mr. Virgo’s pictures. I am sure you can see the difference in the quality of his photos and mine, but I keep trying.

Last night I reached a turning point in my grief process. Every person’s grief is different and no two people run on the same schedule. I was beginning to feel as though I was holding a heavy weight in my lap and it was getting more difficult to stand up. I know that is probably hard for you to believe because I really haven’t sat still very long since my husband died. I felt the heavy burden of grief was keeping me from moving forward in my life so, even though it has only been a little over four months, I made a decision.

In my mind, I built a beautiful shelf with hand carved animals on the trim. Dark wood with a warm finish. On that shelf was an ornately carved box. I took the box down and carefully and lovingly placed my memories of my sweet Mr. Virgo inside. I wrote a long letter and thanked him for every single thing I could remember him doing for me and placed it in the box beside him. Then, in my mind, I placed this precious box on that beautiful shelf. Now I can go by and smile and talk to my man. I can cry with him if I need to. I can take it down and hold it again when I feel it’s necessary for my wellbeing. And now I feel lighter and can stand up again. It’s a beautiful thing.

I’m heading out Friday on the next phase of the Grand Adventure…Mt. Rushmore, Grand Mesa, Chicago, Estes Park, Colorado Springs… Stay tuned for updates and photos!

Thank you for all the new “likes” and welcome to Marshmallow Ranch!