So, you’ve moved on and life is back to normal. Good for you.
I am still grieving. In my own way. We are not the same and, therefore, do not grieve the same. I’m happy you have moved through all the stages of grief and are doing well. I have not and you can’t tell me where I should be or how I should honor the memory of the people I have lost.
Have you checked to see how other grievers are doing? Have you responded to messages they have sent checking on YOU? No? Well, that says a LOT about you!
Don’t tell me not to post “happy heavenly birthday” or “happy (name a holiday) in heaven”. This is how I keep my happy memories alive. I’m going to go and remember the happy memories. I wish one of you could remember with me. But you have moved on.
Wishing all the fathers and father-figures a very happy Father’s Day. I hope your people celebrate you today and every day.
My dad passed away peacefully about 25 days ago. I am going to miss him, especially on his birthday and Father’s Day.
I was going to post “happy heavenly Father’s Day” on Facebook but I recently had someone make nasty comments about people who write those things. Normally I would say something like “let people mourn the way they mourn” but with all the hatred and animosity going on in this world right now, I don’t want to add to it. So, I will mourn the way I want to mourn. I just won’t share my thoughts and feelings with people who don’t treat others with kindness.
Whenever I am down or having a rough day, I try to use one of the skills I learned in therapy.
Today was a rough day but I was prepared. I purchased some pretty little cards that say “ You Rock. Thanks for making a difference “ and “You’re awesome. What you do is amazing”. The plan was to leave them anonymously to cheer people up.
Today, while walking and thinking what a rough day I was having, I spotted a woman at a desk, all alone and I just felt that I needed to give her one of the cards, since I had two in my pocket.
I walked over to her and said I was walking by and felt the need to stop and give her this … the You are Awesome card. The look on her face was something I had never seen before. She said “You have no idea how much I needed this. You see, I was just diagnosed with cancer and just started chemo.” The compulsion to walk over to her was so strong I couldn’t ignore it. We introduced ourselves. Turned out she remembered me from when I worked at the library. I told her I would pray for her and check in with her occasionally.
Something I was doing to combat my own depression turned into something so meaningful to me.
Next time you have the urge to do or say something nice to a stranger, do it. You don’t know what the people around you are going through. Be kind. Always.
Until yesterday around 10am, when Ian decided he wanted to visit Southwest Florida, we had planned to ride out the storm at home.
When Charlotte County Emergency Management called for mandatory evacuation of our zone (B-orange), we looked on Expedia again and by some miracle, we found a hotel room up near Orlando. We decided to get out of Dodge. Run from the water (storm surge) hide from the wind. Even though Orlando is under the hurricane warning as well, a Cat 1 or 2 inland is better than a direct hit/landfall of a Cat3 or 4. We live right where the big M is on the picture above.
An almost 5 hour drive (normally 2 1/2 hours) without stopping for food or drink and we arrived tired and hungry. We stashed the cat in our hotel room and headed to Publix for some fried chicken and cat food, which we forgot in the rush to leave.
We’ve slept a bit and now are resting and praying for everyone.
When I woke up a few minutes ago, I looked at the weather and my stomach dropped. It looks like the worst possible scenario. The storm moved South and East and looks like a direct hit of a Cat 4, just like Charley in 2004.
I have friend that have stayed and I’m extremely worried for them. My coworkers, whom I have grown to love like a big family, are in danger.
I’ve been humbled by the friends who have reached out to offer shelter and money. You all are my angels. After all is said and done, we may need that help.
I ask for prayers for everyone dealing with this. I want to thank meteorologist Denis Phillips and Mike from Mike’s Weather Page for your calm, straightforward info. I want to thank Charlotte County Emergency Management for their guidance. Thank you in advance to the first responders. Thank you to the regular Charlotte County employees that have volunteered or been assigned to work the storm shelters. You are truly heroes.
Stay safe and PRAY!
Creator God, we ask you to calm the wind and the waves of the approaching hurricane, and spare those in its path from harm. Help those who are in its way to reach safety. Open our hearts in generosity to all who need help in the coming days. Amen.
Be kind. Check on your neighbors. Hug your family.
This {_______} life 