The Work of Grief

I was given a book by my mother about grieving just after Ken had passed away.   I am a firm believer in being a student and actively learning each day.  This book became a great resource for developing a better understanding of what our family has been going through.   So far I have learned that there is no set way to grieve,  that it will be different for everyone and that there is "work" involved in grieving.

I thought I'd share that we have each been grieving in our own way and as the days pass by, many things DO get better.   I believe each of us will gain strength from the things we have experienced and learned during this time.   I also believe that strength gained will be used to serve others in our own special way.

 

I have yet to do all of the "work" of grieving but I have gotten past many difficult things.  Some of this "work" is emotional - as emotions emerge at unexpected times.   Some is physical - especially as I begin to sort things and downsize.   Some is logistical - or what I now refer to as the paperWORK of grief.  So if I haven't written yet, called or came by to visit - it is because I'm still working on bringing closure to many things and taking time to envision new dreams. 

Today marks six months since Ken passed away so I thought I'd update my Blogger online profile. Here's how it now reads:

I am a Christian, was a wife but still a mom. Although I loved my career as a Recreational Therapist, I have been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for the past nineteen years. It's been a privilege to home-school our children for most of their education. My late-husband was a pastor who was great at teaching people of all ages. He definitely left a legacy, especially in my life. Because of what he taught me, I seek to make a difference in people's lives by sharing resources, wisdom and encouragement!

What a blessing to have been lead and taught by someone who knew what it meant to leave a legacy!  I look forward to getting back to the "work" of leaving a legacy even though it may always be intertwined with the "work" of grief.

I truly look forward to reconnecting with many of you as I write.   I look forward to crossing paths when we can but as always, I look forward to encouraging each other through our words and prayers!

Blessings ~ Lisa

Signs of Spring

In every place there seems to be different things that are considered the signs of spring.  Growing up I remember hearing people say that spring is near when the first Robin would appear.

For ten years our family lived in Wisconsin. One thing we loved about living in Wisconsin was the winter wonderland of fun so it became a family tradition for the kids to build a snowman.  

 

The past two winters we have lived in Illinois.  I think we must have brought some of the winter wonderland with us because both winters have had more snow than usual.  Once again the kids built a snowman. 

As you can see "Little kids,  little snowman.  Big kids, BIG snowman! "

Getting back to the signs of spring . . .

. . . spring is felt when the snowman begins to melt! 

What are your signs of spring?  Is it here, is it near or will it ever appear?