One of the worst days of my life

 

I woke up and realized what day it was—the third anniversary of Ed’s passing. It was easy to tear up and be sad. However, it did not take long for me to remember all the amazing things people did that day. I had been immediately surrounded by friends who were incredible—and I want so badly to name them one by one. But the day was so traumatic, I know I would forget someone—and how can I do that??

It was one of the worst days of my life. Three years later, I remember how awesome everyone was to me. There were so many people who came alongside me that day, taking me home, taking me to the hospital, packing up Ed’s stuff, contacting people, and most importantly—sitting beside me. And my incredible kids who dropped everything to be there with me.

The whole week people brought food, helped with the arrangements, housed my family, picked up people from the airport, and sent me texts, cards, phone calls, just an overwhelming outpouring of love and support. So many people who helped with everything the day of the funeral, and all my family and friends who traveled from all over to be there to support me and my family that week. And those that hosted, preached, and spoke. Those that sent flowers, served food, and the pall bearers who carried my loss that day…and the group that started the whole plaid shirt “movement” was amazing!

If I focus on the fact that I lost the love of my life three years ago today then, it is an incredibly sad day indeed. But if I focus on the amazing people I am blessed to know and have known, and the amazing things people did during that time, I am truly humbled and awed. I want to pick up my pen and start writing “thank you” cards again, because I am so INCREDIBLY thankful for each and every one of you—even though as I write this, I might not remember your name (I will think of it later!)—but I am INCREDIBLY thankful for those people God put in my life. I am blessed to know some pretty amazing people—some are my family by blood, and some are just my family.

October 21, 2017 was definitely one of the worst days of my life, but it is also one of the most amazing times of my life to remember. People came alongside me without my even asking, and I accepted help and leaned on people like I never have before. When I needed help the most, an incredible number of people showed up. My life will never be the same, but I am thankful for each and EVERY ONE of you!

Comments

  1. Doug PicirilloOctober 23, 2020 at 5:41 AM

    It was a day that could have shattered the best of us, but the joy and faith that was so evident in Ed's life helped us all through it. We were a family of brothers and sisters in Christ. We still are. We love you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beth MartinezOctober 23, 2020 at 9:00 AM

    I admire your strength, grace and gratitude during such a awful time. I think of you,Ed and your kids often.

    ReplyDelete

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