Mother’s Day is coming. And after that, Memorial Day, and then Father’s Day. And after that there will be more. More holidays where families gather, laugh and enjoy the important people in their life. Even the seemingly innocent holidays can do it to us ,can’t they? Although we may partipate in these gatherings, happy occasions can cause a heaviness inside because we are missing someone that used to be here for all of this.
If I could somehow wrap up a hug and package it inside a box, I’d mail it out to each of you as you tackle these days. I’m especially thinking of those of you who have lost a child, or your own Mom. Mother’s Day is not the same for you, I know that. So, since I can’t mail hugs, I’m going to give away two boxes I’ve filled with items to hopefully remind you someone cares, someone understands, and you are not alone. I want you to know someone remembers these days can sometimes bring sadness. And I want to comfort you and bring you a little joy to help you get through it. I’d tell you what’s in the box, but that wouldn’t be any fun, would it? I’d rather surprise you.
So, who wants to enter to win??? You can gain extra entries, too! See giveaway below for details.
I’ll announce the winners on Thursday, so you have until Midnight Central 5/10/18 to enter.
Extra grace,
Jodi
The best gift ever was his son being there and staying.
One of my husbands nurses brought to me at the time of his funeral, a beautiful gift box, covered in scripture verses. In it were numerous gifts, wrapped , to be opened when ever I need some thing special, a pick me up. She told me she had shopped for these items ‘with my husband’… and had purchased things that she felt he would like me to have. … that these gifts were from him. I did hold on to them for a week or two before I started opening them.. there were things like a new bar of soap, a new mug for hot chocolate, a new glass for drinking water, etc. a candle, a bag of carmels, a plaque that read, All To The Glory of God. , a new journal, a pair of warm fuzzy socks….. there were other things I cannot recall right no. She told me that all of these things reflected the newness of my new life without him, that I needed to start new ways of doing things. It was the most thoughtful and meaningful gift I have been given. When ever I use any of these items, I am reminded of her and her love and care for not only my husband but me as well. It hasn’t only been a year and a half, but still remains very difficult.
That is truly amazing!
The best gift I received is prayers. Prayerd have really carried me through some dark times.
The best gift my children and I received was my cousin offered us a home to live in that is surrounded by friends and family. The decision to move from the home we shared with hubby/daddy was difficult but completely worth it in the end.
The best gift was company. Friends and family came from far just to be by our side. Time has passed and they still keep sending messages on special days to make sure I know they don´t forget, they keep checking on us, inviting us to share meals, etc.
This weekend will be a mixed bag of emotions. Saturday is my late husbands birthday so I will go with my daughter, grandkids & brother in law to one of my husbands favorite restaurants for lunch, which will be fun. My mom and my oldest daughter passed six months apart so Mother’s Day will be tough but I will focus on the blessings with me now, my youngest daughter and grandchildren. And of course, I have so many wonderful memories. I have been and am blessed. Happy Mother’s Day to you,Jodi, and all that go into this weekend with heavy hearts. Thank you Jodi for your encouraging words.
Mother’s Day is forever changed for me as it is the day my husband died last year. 🙁 This year I will go spread some of his ashes. I am struggling a bit with this one. to be honest. I am ready to skip the day all together.
I’m not really sure what this Mother’s Day will be like. We just lost our Mom April 29, just got back to Michigan from spending the previous 4 days with family & friends.
We had a visitation & memorial mass for her. She was 90 & was suffering from Alzheimer’s. The heartbreak of seeing your mom & her not knowing who you are is devastating! She’s back with my dad who died 18 years ago. I know she’s happy being with him. I will miss her so much. It still hasn’t really hit me she’s gone FOREVER. I love you, mom. ❤️❤️❤️😢😢
So true. I personally have no need for celebrating mothers day with her being gone. My dad’s birthday is the day after. Although. It was always a weekend we all spent together. Three years, he’s just able now to say or hear her name with out breaking down. It takes time I guess but it really doesn’t get better. Good luck Jodi. Hope your kids give you a good mothers day.
The best gift of a mother’s day is being a first time Mom and Rick giving me my son’s foot prints in a mold with his new born picture. This is going to be a tough FIRST mother’s day without my Mom and Rick’s Mom.
When my husband Ray passed away unexpectedly my big sister was very much there for me. My Mom and her prayers have held us when we needed it most. Your writings are a beautiful gift. Thank you. Blessed in this mess by Gods gifts:)
A family friend took family photos in July before my husband passed in October, it is a blessing to have those photos now.