Have you ever heard of tender mercies?
As you can imagine this month as been full of emotions . . .
sorrow.
sadness.
love.
longing.
happiness.
joy.
gratitude!
I thought I would have to dig really deep to find gratitude this month, especially when Thanksgiving rolled around and yet everywhere I looked I was presented with reflections of tender mercies showering down upon me.
On mornings when I wasn’t sure how I would get through the day, the sun would peek out of the clouds on my morning walk and a still small voice would fill my heart with a pounding that I knew my mother was right by me.
I would receive a phone call from a friend or my sister right when I needed it.
I have witnessed my dad grow in ways I never dreamed possible. He is finding joy in being invited into neighbors homes for dinner, he makes the daily phone calls to each and everyone of his children and grandchildren to make sure they feel his love, he continues to golf daily, has learned to grocery shop, do laundry, and happily helped decorate his home for Christmas.
As we gathered on Thanksgiving day, we all knew it would be a difficult first but the tender mercy of having each family member gathered together presented itself as a huge comfort.
We started some new traditions of coloring and photo props and yet I still used my mothers china and goblets because I had no doubt she would have insisted on this.
But the greatest tender mercy I was given was when I took the time to sit quietly asking why my sweet, healthy, vibrant little mother had to leave me so suddenly and a light came over me presenting me with the most beautiful answer. I was given 55 glorious wonderful years to be part of her life. And for the last three days she was here on earth I was able to spend countless joy filled hours with her in which I can now see was such an added bonus.
So when I thought gratitude may be hard to find, I have been reminded that if I take the time to be still, quietly and without flare or fanfare, God graciously moves upon our lives. In that I am truly grateful for.
For this I envy you. You know I am an atheist, but when I experience people getting so much comfort, peace and reassurance from their faith, I feel envious. It must be so nice.
You have a wonderful, fantastic and loving family. It is greatthe way you support each other in this difficult period.
Greetje
Totally forgot to say how chic your outfit is. Love it.
Greetje
I am sorry about your mom. I lost mine fifteen years ago.and I still miss her and think about her every day. The thing is she is still alive. Alive in my heart and in the hearts of her granddaughters that mirror their grandma’s passion for life, her opinionated and independent lifestyle, her very dry sense of humor. Yeah, she’s still around and it certainly sounds like your mom is still around, too. Take care.
This is a beautifully written post. I just lost my mother-in-law this passed Monday. She was a loving, strong and funny woman. How nice you can give a tip to find quiet time to reflect and allow good thoughts to enter in. It is too easy to stay constantly entertained by phones, television, computer, fill in the blank, and not slow down.
I love the photography of table decorations, cute little ones, and of course, your outfit You wrapped so much up in a brief post. Nicely done.
-Dana
Like Greetje I’m happy that you have your faith to comfort you at a time like this. Faith and family are great pillars of support when things go astray.
I’m really happy to hear that your Dad is coping well. It can’t be easy.
Suzanne