There was even the receipts of gifts that he had sent mum. One was for an emerald ring that he had hidden inside a pickled onion jar, with a note attached saying…”Just like you, I have a heart of gold”

Dad wasn’t the most obviously romantic person, yet the letters showed the undying love he had for mum.

We so often create memories and don’t value them as occur. Memories are emotional – they can hurt yet they can provide such love….this little box caused a few tears, yet that little box brought such joy.

[istockphoto]

Post from: Widows Quest

“Proverbsl 18: 22 says:”He that findeth a good wife findeth a good thing.” When I see something I really want I try to get it.The first time I saw you I said,’that’s for me.’ I proposed on our first date. I think I proposed on every other date but you would never say yes.I finally bought a ring and put it on your finger and told you we were going to get married. I must have really been in love because I sold my 28 Chevy to buy that ring.

One week before we married I quit my job.I was always real smart and you had to loan me 30 dollars to get married. I never paid you back but I have tried to keep the interest paid.

When you were asked if you would marry me again you said, yes, but you wanted to change the part of the wedding vows concerning POORER!

You have been a good mother to our children and a wonderful companion to me. I just want you to know I do not regret the decision I made over 48 years go—to chase you til  you caught me!

You were my valentine then, and you are my valentine now.” 

As she says at the end – wonderful memories!

Remember to email me – anna@b5media.com your memories for the 10th August as I pull together a memorial post for my wonderful Dad

Post from: Widows Quest

Tears fell like waterfalls, my body felt empty, weak with emotion. I sat holding the letters and this made me wonder whether it was healthy to keep them?

What do you think? Do you keep letters and other memories that hurt you to look at? Or do you think that the time has come to let go of the memories? Would love to hear your thoughts…

[Photo by istockphoto]

Post from: Widows Quest

1. Smiling encourages serotonin and stimulates our body.
2. Showing love to others
3. Feeling the love of friends of family
4. Walking to enjoy nature and rediscover the joy of life

Our heart may feel broken but in truth it is injured, needing a little tender loving care to get it back   beating in time with life.

Post from: Widows Quest

And now he’s there….  

Post from: Widows Quest

I never feel guilty from having a chill out day when I just recharge the batteries. After all grief is very draining on your mind, body and soul. I snuggle up on the sofa and doze to music – how do you deal with these kind of days?

Post from: Widows Quest

• There are many on line tutorials of handling your money – google managing your money and increase your knowledge for free.
• Ask friends who are good with money. Often friends don’t know how to help you in times of grief and will be relieved at having a chance to provide some practical advice.
• Don’t be too proud at this time. Speaking to your bank early can get you some free advice and also if money is in short supply they will look at ways to ease the financial pain.
• If reading is your preferred method of learning – go to the library and read the books on managing your home finances.

In essence  you need to work out how much money is coming in, and how much you are spending over the next 4 months to start with. It sounds very obvious but then look at ways of reducing the outgoings until you can improve the income. I will look at this later in the week.

Post from: Widows Quest

“The Grief Recovery Institute has been in the trenches with grieving people for 30 years. Institute founder, John W. James reports, “Frankly, it has become more and more difficult for us to help grievers with the principles and actions of Grief Recovery, since so many of them are put on psychotropic medications almost before the funeral of their loved one or the ink is dry on their divorce papers. Being on those drugs, not only inhibits the griever’s ability to do the essential work of Grief Recovery, it also keeps them from finding any effective methods of dealing with the normal and natural reaction to the death or divorce that has turned their world upside down.”

Post from: Widows Quest

• You changed my life…you allowed me to understand what love really is..
• Thank you for being you, and thank you for allowing me to be me…
• Your bad habits were not that bad…in fact I will miss them

If you could say something what would it be?

Post from: Widows Quest

” “The strangest thing I’ve tried to snort? My father. I snorted my father,” he told NME magazine.

“He was cremated and I couldn’t resist grinding him up with a little bit of blow. My dad wouldn’t have cared, he didn’t give a shit. It went down pretty well, and I’m still alive.”  

Now I know I have never understood drugs but I cannot understand why anyone would do this….I suppose it is like I always say, people deal with grief in their own way.

Post from: Widows Quest