To be absent…

from the body, (death) is to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that when the medical team said my dear husband had died, that he was with Jesus, our awesome God and Creator. Knowing that has given me much peace these last 5 years. Today is the 5th anniversary of his home going.

I still miss him terribly, every single day, but my grieving has lessened and that is a good thing. Grieving is something we ‘grow’ through, it is different for each of us. Jesus has been and is my strength each and every day.

Sometimes it seems like my dear husband just left yesterday and at other times it seems like forever ago. I feel his love here at Plum Cottage as I am surrounded by so much that reminds me of him. All of the projects we worked on inside and out, the gifts, music, flowers growing in my gardens, momentos of our life together. I am thankful for the 43 years we had together, living, laughing, loving, encouraging, forgiving each other..

Below are some ornaments hanging on my main, small tree. Symbols of love for each other and from others.

The one below was given to me by a dear widow friend. Someone had given one to her when she lost her husband, and she found one to give to me.

Soon after my DH left this planet, I heard this song while driving down the road one day, and I felt and still feel that it was meant for me right then. I just couldn’t believe it and drove with tears streaming down my face. Songs come and go on the radio, and this song is no longer played. I heard it at the time in my life that I ‘needed’ to hear it.

‘Even If’
by Kutless

Sometimes all we have to hold on to
Is what we know is true of who You are
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane
That could never change who You are
And we trust in who You are

Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come

Lord we know Your ways are not our ways
So we set our faith in who You are
Even though You reign high above us
You tenderly love us
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are

You’re still the Great and Mighty One
We trust You always
You’re working all things for our good
We’ll sing your praise

You are God and we will bless You
As the Good and Faithful One
You are God and we will bless You
Even if the healing doesn’t come
Even if the healing doesn’t come

(Italics mine)

***

I did the embroidery/beadwork on this piece below before my DH left this planet. After he was gone, I cut the white fabric into a heart shape and mounted it to a heart shape cut from a pair of his old blue jeans. The heart on the right represents him the one on the left me. Two hearts bound and interlocked together with love.

These two ornaments below were the last ones given to us by his mom before she passed away 25 years ago. She gave us kids a new ornament every year. Meet Mr. & Mrs. Lion.

     

This is a little porcelain ornament that Mom also made. She is such a sweet delicate piece. She’s about 3”- 4” tall.

She also made this little egg ornament one year, from a little blue Robin’s egg I think.

This I picked up somewhere. As you will no doubt notice there is a heart theme going on. I am a romantic, love hearts and flowers, still watch Hallmark movies, even though they make me cry. They also make me clap my hands for joy, because love prevails and there is nothing better than that.

I made this many yeras ago, and it is stuffed with dried lavender.

I also made this red crocheted heart.

DH gave me this hand painted, blown out egg one year, on the other side is a rooster.

This little snow people couple was made by a friend in Country Life forum many years ago.

This little crocheted stocking was made by another friend from that same forum. We had 3-4 ornie swaps over the years I was there which was a lot of fun and we all have sweet ornaments from those swaps, all handmade.

This was made by a blogging friend for me that first Christmas without DH.

I will end this post with the quirky watercolor I painted of us. The twinkle in our eyes and smiles on our faces are only a glimpse of what we will be like forever in the company of our Savior and all who believe in Him.

Joy unspeakable and full of glory.

FlowerLady