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Surviving Spouses | Survivors
December 16, 2005In looking back over this year, I think of the trip I took to commemorate 9 11. I was invited to speak at a high school and I had invited another couple who had just lost their son in Iraq to go with me. I had not met this couple before but they live here in town. On the way, every time we'd hear a siren, this mother would say, "Here comes my ride!" And of course, we heard several being in a very large city. "Here comes my ride!!" On our way back, we stopped for some ice cream. She and I had stayed in the car while her husband went in for the ice cream and we heard a siren, "Here comes my ride!!" It took me a while but I finally realized, you know, we all feel that way when we lose a loved one, or go through many trials of life. It just takes forever to get over it or to learn how to cope. Life goes on and we must go on with life, but that life will forever be changed. It helps if we can eventually develop a sense of humor, memorialize our loved one, but recreate a meaningful life. Many times it will be in connection with the way we lost our loved one and that's OK. Military organizations needs an extra hand all the time, hospitals need volunteers, young wives and mothers and children need encouragement while their husband (or fathers - mother) is over there fighting for our freedom. There are ways we can be useful and not have to take that "ride." It's our choice. This time of year is always a family time but you know, many of us just doesn't have a family. That's the facts of life as we know it. Life still goes on and we must busy ourselves helping others, or focus on the good times, but don't set there and wait for that "ride." Life is so full of blessing and new experiences and adventures. I say, "Go for it." And remember Jesus is the reason for the season. You need never to be alone. ~ Carolyn |
