Five years. 1,825 days. A lifetime, yet only a breath. It cannot be overlooked that on September 24, 2020, the first word of my story was written for all to read. What a crazy story it’s been!
Everything began with a word whispered in sorrow and written through tears. In those early days, when grief was fresh and heavy, words became the thread that stitched my world back together. Journals, prayers, and stories carried me through heavy fog. All while God surrounded me with His love and encouragement.
Five years ago, I stood outside a life I no longer recognized. As a widow, I learned how to breathe again and live as a single adult for the very first time in my life. Every day was a lesson (some were harsh, some gentle) in how to stand, laugh, and find purpose when life had changed in ways I never wanted.
As a Grieving Gardener, I found comfort within the walls of my precious Winterpast. She became my world for a time, making sure that I had a soft place to heal. She provided the perfect pace to watch the seasons roll by, while I realized I could survive and thrive in the new place that would become my forever home.
God, in His tender mercy, didn’t leave me there. Step by step, He led me. Through words, through tears, through prayers, through the ordinary days that somehow become extraordinary now that I look back on them. Slowly, I found more than just survival. I found myself. I found Him. And with Him, I found peace.
Day after day, writing gave meaning to my new life. Grievinggardener.com became the friend and ear that listened to my words as I explored and grew. As a brilliant 5th grader once reminded me, “Writing is life.”
My journey did not stop there. For in this season of rebuilding, love found me once again. My beloved life mate now walks beside me. HHH came at the perfect time to share our golden year. Such a beautiful gift I never imagined, but now treasure so deeply. From a widow, I have emerged a wife again. And so, the circle of life continues.
Looking back over these last five years, I see so much more than grief. I see transformation. I see faithfulness. I see the hand of God guiding out of darkness into the light.
Five years. 1,825 days. Such a journey. Such a milestone.
And, it all began with a word.
More tomorrow.