28 Comments

How we express grief is very different from one individual to another.

G. In our grief some of us choose to

GO to the frontline

R. Some of us choose to RETREAT to

the background

I. Perhaps it’s because of the way Our

Creator made us, He made some of

us INTROVERTS

E. Others He made EXTROVERTS

F. The important thing is that we give ourselves the FREEDOM to grieve our own personal way and allow others to grieve their own personal way because grief takes many different paths to healing.

Love your transparency. It comes with the gift of showing me that we all do struggle at times with self judgement and our own “Aunt Phoebe “. You are teaching me that when my Aunt Phoebe shows up I should give her my back instead of my ear.

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Mirtha, I'm in tears wishing I could give you a hug. Thank you for your generous note. I can't thank you enough for sharing with us. I'm going to write this down. Thank you so much. xox

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Your post immediately prompted thoughts of courage and commitment while reading your account of that day. Your courage to share with this community the full sweep of that Sunday. And, from what I saw, your commitment to continued growth in your life.

I believe that many wish they could feel and live with greater courage, but don’t know what steps to take. From reading your posts a while, that’s just not the case for you.

The burden shared is the burden halved. All the best, always.

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Hi Gary, What a beautiful note here. Thank you so much. I repeat the mantra courage over comfort when I run and race...I guess this mantra is really helpful during life's challenges as well. Thank you for being here and your courage for chiming in.

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AAA represents “Awareness” (I can’t believe what I just did), “Acceptance” (I do that a lot), and “Action” (I choose to not ignore this any longer). A close cousin of “If nothing changes, nothing changes.”

I never fail to be inspired by what you publish each day. “Connectication” is what Gail Boenning calls the marvel of community. All the best today.

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Thank you for this Gary. I love what AAA represents and this is spot on. Thank you again for your generous reply.

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The way you write Julie, I feel transported to your world...

Crying do helps sometimes. It's a sign of strength, I believe. Letting all our emotions out to calm ourselves...You are a brave woman♥️

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Khushi, Thank you for this kind message. I needed to hear this today.

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Oh gosh, Julie! Sending hugs your way. Actually, with eyes this damp I might even need one right back! 😘

You write so beautifully - I could imagine you right there.

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Giving you a big hug and I appreciate it so much. Thank you Rebecca. xox

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😊

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Leaves dance in sunlight

Yes, a standing ovation

Before the Fall…

Just noticed the leaves dancing in the Sun, celebrating their last hurrah and applauding their Creator for their beautiful existence. It was a dazzling sight I couldn’t help but share.

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I'm so glad you shared it! I love this Haiku and makes me want to dance. :)

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You shared this with or read it to Jeff and your and his children?

My sense from reading yours is, perhaps you have not been able to consider Jeff might be gravelly ill and preparing to leave?

The enemy is not the Devil, but is life can really suck sometimes, and there is nothing that can be done but embrace it and do the best we can to go with and through it to wherever it is going.

I never experienced a spouse dying, but I did experience my first child dying of sudden infant death syndrome, and there is no way anyone can know what that is like, who has not experienced it.

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Thank you Sloan, This is my next book that I'm working on. This happened last year. Jeff is recovering and doing well! Praise the Lord.

You're right I would not know what it's like to lose a child. I'm so sorry

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I’m glad Jeff’s doing better.

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Thank you so much Sloan. We are too...slow and steady. Take good care.

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What an amazing story, I completely understand how you felt. I will pray for you, your husband, and your children. My advice for what it's worth is to be thankful for the supporters you have in your church. Thanks for sharing such a personal story with us.

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Thank you Scott. I really appreciate you reading and your message here.

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I am speechless! Nice to know others are in the same boat. You will never be alone. God is always with us.

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Thank you Faith, yes God is with us and pretty incredible to think the same God who was with Ruth is walking with you and me right now! Love you.

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O my God, Julie, that had to be so terrible! I wish I had been there to hold you right then. I am in tears just thinking of it.

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Oh Claudette, I would have loved that yet you were holding my children. I can't thank you enough. xoxo. Love you

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I know a number of “introverts” who would have reacted as you did. Changing one’s fundamental constitution/personality is a very tall order. I love that you have an “all powerful “ walking Partner.

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Thank you, Clark for the encouragement. It was at this time when I wish I wasn't an introvert..LOL. But I'm learning to be happy with who I am and I don't need to change that part.

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We are all unique

Created in G-d’s image

We are mystery

If the above is true, then perhaps we can let go of self judgment. A tall order but “try it on”, perhaps it will feel right...?

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Thank you Clark. It's interesting how my old patterns of thinking showed up and I'm really good at beating myself up. Thankfully, God was walking with me and still is.

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Love ❤️ you all!

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