This is the time of year many of us reflect on what we want out of this new year. Or life. Or even just today.
I have many friends who believe in their past lives. If I had one, I sure don't remember it. And I'm not interested in delving back many centuries to figure it out. I'm pretty sure I was a Goddess of some sort!
The above photo was on a friend's Facebook page and it just reminded me of Mr. Ralph. That man cherished me. Simple as that. Like it was his job to make sure I was happy and loved. Every meal I made for him, he thanked me. Every day he asked about what happened in my world. Every day I received a compliment.
It was reciprocal. In the most loving way ... not as payback or that I owed it to him. I was his personal cheerleader. I enjoyed helping to make his life easier. He was employed (high stress ... running a company with 100+ employees) and I would find simple ways to relieve the burden. Fortunately, I knew most of the employees there and had electronic access to his calendar. I made his hair appointments, doctor and dental appointments and put Kate's school activities on so he could try to plan around them. I kept track of prescription refills for him. He loved having friends over and I entertained with him a LOT.
I'm glad I had almost 29 years of being celebrated. Once in a lifetime experience, I'm sure.
Good advice in that picture at the top. Sometimes I think widows like you and me who had great relationships have an easier time with grief recovery. I don't mean we don't grief as deeply or for as long. But we don't have to deal with emotions of wasted years or what we could have done differently to make a so-so marriage better. We have good memories to fall back on, too.
ReplyDeletePure luck in my case! It was a very fun journey together ... most of the time!
DeleteOnce in a lifetime indeed! Cherished--such a glorious word.. I had that feeling with Fred. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd even if we only experience that once ... it sure was enough for me ...
DeleteI had that feeling with mine, too - celebrated. for the most part. LOL
ReplyDeleteNow, to capture that joie de vivre without skinny dipping into the past : -)
P.S. This wonderful picture is going to show up on my blog!