Lesson Learned

In anything we do or encounter in life there are are lessons to be learned.
Here are some lessons learned through the past couple of weeks for me.

• God is faithful

I honestly don't know how people go through a major loss in their life without God. He truly does give grace and strength at these times in our lives to allow us to go forward. My family and I experienced this over and over during the last couple of weeks and are grateful.
Thank you Father!

• I am not a good crier

Crying is not easy for me. To be honest, it hurts. When I let go and cry it is like having the "dry heaves". It's not fun and I don't like it. It makes me feel weak and vulnerable. It's ugly too. This is one of those things that I have to do alone.

• Good memories will sustain you and bring healing

Good memories are a gift from God. These memories allow you to have conversations that make you smile and laugh. Many of those that came to the viewing and service for my father shared their memories with us and it was such an encouragement and help.
I have so many good memories of my dad. Even the last few days up until his last breath are memories that I will cherish.
I value making memories now more than ever!

• Good friends are priceless

I can't begin to tell you how blessed my family and I are to have good friends. Our family had so many friends from over the years bless us with cards, e-mails, phone calls, visits, flowers, meals and gifts. We can't even begin to say thanks for all that was done for us.
For me personally, when you are 12 hours away from home and you see your friends come walking in when you are hurting, you know you are blessed! These are the friends I enjoy doing life with. I would take a bullet for any of them. I love you guys!

• You can learn how to live well and you can learn how to die well

I kept hearing this from those that were close to my dad at the end. Even when he could barely talk he would still say "Thank you" and "I love you" with a smile. He never complained about anything. He was kind and grateful at the end of his life.
I believe this is all about right relationships. A right relationship with God and others will keep you from being grumpy and mean at the end. I really want to live this out in my life.

I know there are many more lessons that I learned and will learn. These are the ones on my heart. I hope they will be a help to you when you have to face a loss.

One lesson I continue to learn is to be open and vulnerable with things in my life. It is not easy but even writing this today is a part of that process.