This One’s For YOU

September 29, 2017

I don’t know where you are in your grief today, but I want you to know I’m thinking about you. This one is for YOU.

I’m thinking about you, the one grieving as you painfully witness the life of the one you love slip away a little more each day. I understand. I’m reminding you that you’re doing your best. This is so difficult and unfair. Be reminded that God cares about your broken heart. I pray strength, peace and comfort for you. I pray today offers you notable tender and loving moments.

I’m thinking about you, the one blindsided by powerful and new grief. I’m praying for you, as your mind and this life don’t even feel like your own reality today. My heart is heavy for those of you crying out in the shower, the closet or in your cars. Today is hard, tomorrow will be hard, but one day there will be more than grief alone filling your day. Holding you tightly in thought and prayer as you work through this vicious and painful time.

My thoughts are with you, the one just beginning to feel the fullness of reality. For those moving from fresh and raw grief into the fear and uncertainty of what’s next. I’m holding your hand. I’m praying the hundreds of “fear nots!” written in God’s word will speak truth and reassurance to you. May He bring you courage, comfort and grace for today and all the days to come.

For the one who has just begun to dream and hope again, I’m with you! I believe in you and I’m cheering you on as you discover your new path. I trust in God’s plan for your future. I know it’s scary. I know you didn’t want a plan B! But I also know you will find your way. God is with you. And He’s FOR you. And I’m for you too. You will make it, brave one.

For the one who has survived more days of grief than most, we look to you with hope. You are our example. You are proof it can be done! You are the one who gives us courage to tackle each new grief hurdle that we face. You have gone before us and continue to show us it is not only possible, but that goodness and joy can be found ahead if we just press on. Thank you for your courage, as it lights the path for so many just beginning this journey.

All of you – regardless of how, when, who, why or where you are with grief…YOU are an important part of this space. I hold you all close to my heart. May you feel God always and in all ways. And may you know you aren’t alone.

Extra grace,

Jodi

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  • Dorothy J Wright September 29, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    Thank you!

  • Marlene Broening September 29, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    I love that you wrote this. more than you can know Thank you from the deep part of my heart.

    • Extra Grace Required September 29, 2017 at 8:54 pm

      I’m glad you’re here, Marlene. One step at a time.

  • Jan September 29, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    ❤️

  • Gwen September 29, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    Jodi, you always seem to touch the deepest part of my heart. We are both in 18 months. David died 3/15/16. Today I picked up my new license plates for my car. I wish I could show you, but can’t see how to add a picture here. They say ILM DJP. IN LOVING MEMORY, DAVID JUDD PORTER. He bought the car I’m driving just for me….thanks for your beautiful prose!

    • Extra Grace Required September 29, 2017 at 8:53 pm

      March was our month too. I love the license plates – a reminder every day. I know how those things that seem insignificant to others can have deep meaning to us. Thank you for being here, Gwen.

  • Jennifer Kilpatrick September 29, 2017 at 8:26 pm

    Thank you 💕

  • Robin murphy September 29, 2017 at 10:14 pm

    Thank you! Over 2.1/2 years. I cried while I was mowing the lawn today. Might have been that country song on my headphones. Now my cries are almost a release that I need from time to time. Focusing more on the blessings lately and not as much on the life that was supposed to be.

  • Cindy September 29, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    Thank you! It will be 9 months next week and I still think he is going to walk in the door. Your posts are really helping me

  • Jennifer K. September 30, 2017 at 1:09 am

    I am “new grief” and thankful to have stumbled on to you and your words that resonate and are so helpful because you understand. My husband of 25 years passed away only three months ago from rare type of cancer…leaving us grief stricken….heartbroken beyond words….just trying to stay brave as he did…..Thank you for what you do!!!!

  • Debbie Canavan September 30, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    The care in this post is palpable, and one can almost sense a physical nearness in these tender words. As much as we all strive to “get up and show up,” to live in grateful humility and as much as we try not to be self-absorbed buckets of need, alas, sometimes we just are. Grief is a bit of a tyrant, I say. Thank you for an understanding place to come and hang out a bit.

  • Bridget Johnson October 2, 2017 at 10:06 am

    I am one who is beginning to feel the fullness of reality. (17 months) It’s scary! Everyone’s lives are moving on and I feel like I don’t know who I am or where I fit in. Thank you for your words!

  • Libby Peay October 5, 2017 at 10:53 am

    Thank you! I haven’t been checking email lately so just now saw 2 of your posts. It has been 7 months and 22 days for me. A lot of times I feel like this is a nightmare I am living, but I don’t wake up. I try to stay busy and I try to smile and “be ok”. I promised him I would be a big girl! I am praying each day to be able to see HIS plan for me. I know HE is my Healer and my Provider. I love your posts.