Posted by David on August 06, 2001 at 19:47:01:
In Reply to: Just Lost My Husband posted by Lucy on August 06, 2001 at 19:36:19:
Moving on does not mean leaving that loved one behind. Life is for the living... those of us left behind. We become the steps of the other.
I am reminded of a nature documentary from some years back. It followed the lives of a band of chimps. One loving matriarch was highlighted. She had produced a majority of the leaders of this particular clan and had just given birth to another promising new chimp. The young male showed intelligence, creativity, agility, and all the things necessary to excel in the wild. He was particularly close to his mother. She fell ill and subsequently died. The young chimp, although old enough now to care for himself, stayed by the body mourning. He grew weaker each day until he too died ... of grief. All of the effort and hope entrusted to this chimp by his mother was lost.
I remembered this film after Linda, my wife, passed while I was contemplating her gifts in my life. She will live on in me...through me...through the things she taught our children and me. When we celebrate Christmas, opening brightly wrapped boxes...each one is a gift from her. Our continued struggle through the confusion of life...each step is a celebration of her life...her gift to, through us.
Your husband is there, too. He resides forever in your heart and mind. He is seen in the steps you make down paths you once shared. He is in your voice when you find his words on your tongue. He is a part of you, not apart from you.
Go with God on this journey of healing.
david