Pain - inevitable; Misery - optional

I remember a book called "Stick a Geranium in your Hat and be Happy" which encouraged us to focus on what is good about our lives. It's sub-title was "Pain is inevitable but misery is optional."
And, through God's gift of thankfulness, and Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things," I do believe misery can be optional.

I have learned this past year that it is extremely painful to walk forward in life without someone you love - David's graduation to heaven left a huge hole in my life.
So, I try to focus on whatever is true in a praiseworthy way - Trying to use thankfulness to fill the hole. I'm thanking God that when David's body gave out, He took him to heaven. I'm thanking God that every day of my life I remember many things he taught me. He was a good teacher and once thanked me for having a "teachable spirit". I'm so grateful for a teachable spirit that allowed us to enjoy each other so much.

Today, May 15, 2009, may you enjoy anything excellent or praiseworthy in your life. I know I am :) Love you, Mary

1st Anniversary

I think that it has taken me this year for reality to "set in" on releasing David to heaven. No longer can I think "last year at this time ..." because, now, last year at this time David was in heaven. All year long, I would wait for my life to get back to "normal". I've heard about finding a "new normal". I'm not sure there is a normal. I think part of our battle in enjoying life is acceptance of it - with all it's changes. Going forward, one day at a time, expecting God to supply manna for each day and keeping thoughts focused on the fact that we live for His glory. Easier said than done - but let's try :)
As my brother-in-law described his recent time spent in Florida with his wife to me today, my mind immediately wanted to scream out - "that is my life - or should be - with David!!" But, I quietly listened to his golf stories, nodded and moved on to another conversation with the reality/acceptance of "that is not my life anymore but was a wonderful way to live. David and I really enjoyed when God gave us that life."
So, I'm resting tonight so grateful for the wonderful family God has placed around me - the wonderful children and grandchildren who will make this world a better place because David influenced them.
And, I do love the song that speaks about finally making it home.
For, someday, I do plan on jumping into David's arms and telling him how much I missed him. Then hearing him say that he is proud of the woman I became. That is manna for tonight :)
Love you,
Mary