As the Lord mercifully aroused me from my sleep this morning around 3am. I stepped out of the bed and headed downstairs…About midway the stairs my thoughts reflected on Bobbie and how you cannot neatly tuck away memories that have culminated over so many years. This is the second holiday season we are without him.

And as I descended those stairs I began thinking about how he’d already be up prepping for today’s meal whatever we didn’t finish the night before—rattling those pans in the kitchen. And my favorite song by Barbara Streisand came into my heart like a flood…The Way We Were.

After checking on the food I had thawing out for today—I grabbed some pecans and began back up those stairs I could see him in my mind—He was the source of strength for our family. The silent strength that protected us and kept us safe.

I began to reflect on the words to that song…”Memories light the corners of my mind, misty watercolored memories of the way we were. Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind, smiles we gave to one another for the way we were. Can it be that it was all so simple then or has time rewritten every line. And if we had the chance to do it all again tell me, would we? could we? Memories may be beautiful and yet once too painful to remember—we simply choose to forget. So, it’s the laughter we will remember whenever we remember the way we were.”

I came up stairs—went into my office—put that song on as I went through all of the photos of Bob—all sorts of pictures and I cried a river. But that river of tears was mixed emotions carrying everything from hurt to happiness. With a repetitive—“I miss you so much.”

For all those of you who face a similar situation today. No matter how you might feel—it is alright because each of us has to paint their own cherished portrait of memories with our loved ones who have gone on with our own colors of everlasting love.

My prayer for you today…“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV)

Thank you all so much for your continued readership and support. Until next week…Blessings and Peace!

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