I know many on 365 have experienced loss and suffering this year. My heart goes out to you all, because I know how you feel.
Today is the 4th anniversary of the death of my sister in law, Victoria. This is her headstone in Hathern Cemetery. The inscription is German and translates as the title for this email. Victoria lived in Germany for many years, and the pink granite is from Bavaria.
She was taken from us at the age of 39, leaving her 2 sons Matthew and Jonathan, Andy, her husband, John and Rosemary, her parents, Rebecca, her sister, nephews and nieces, friends and broader family. Today, four years on, we all still grieve.
Our loss has no redeeming features. I see the heartache and pain that my family are still suffering and it is heart breaking along with my own personal grief.
Though I think of you every day Victoria, it is no substitute for walking in your front door, and hearing you say "Hiya mate, cup of tea?" and getting a hug from you.
So sorry for your loss. I lost my dad three years ago and still have those moments when I'm caught off guard and find tears suddenly swelling in my eyes. Thirty-nine is much too young and no child should have to grow up without a mother. The inscription is beautiful and so true.
Felling for you Sean today. My first husband died at 33 leaving me with a 7 and 4 year old, I know how grief hurts. Only time will gradually soften that, but it is a slow process. An inscription I saw on a headstone recently was titled ..'to live on in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die' ..... I find that a comforting thought.
@shamrockinmom Thank you Sherry, to know that my family is in others thoughts, including yours, provides comfort. Please accept my thoughts and wishes too.
@fannyb I had no idea Fanny, that is saddening. Take care, and thank you for your kindness and wisdom. It is special and means so much to me, especially today.
@jackie8 Oh Jackie, that is so sad. Thank you for reaching out with your words and personal experiences. It is comforting to know from your other posts that you have rebuilt your life. I am very grateful for your empathy and touched by your words.
Sean, what a beautiful tribute. . .I just welled up over your words and can only express my heartfelt empathy for your loss. Please know that I carry a little piece of you in my heart always!
Aww Sean, My heart goes out to you, Loss is such a devastating thing leaving a void in our lives, This is such a touching tribute to someone so close to your heart....and that is where she will always be, etched on her loved ones hearts! X
@annbo Thank you Ann. Yes you are right. Our love for Victoria will never diminish, and she will never grow old. I am grateful for the time you have taken to post and for your touching sentiments.
I am so very sorry Sean.
I think that there are losses that we never really get over - and the loss of someone so very young is so much more difficult than the ones that have lived to the fullness of year.
Hugs to you and to all of the ones that are keeping Victoria close in their hearts.
My heart goes out to you. It's hard. Time doesn't heal anything. It only makes us forgetful but, when we remember, the pain's still there. This is a beautiful tribute, Sean.
@cdonohoue Thank you Cathy, you ar eright. Your life becomes defined as before and after, and you change as a person. The highs in life are never as high again,and the lows will never be as low. Thank you for your warmth, it means so much to all of us. I think that you have had your share of ups and downs too, so thank you for understanding.
@ozziehoffy Thanks for remembering Cassandra, yes I posted on Victoria's birthday as well on February 4th. We had a nice meal at our house with Rebecca and Victoria's parents, and had Victoria's favourite as a child. We had a chat about family things, and yes, it helped. It is the quiet moments of contemplation for me, that is when it gets me.
@zuzana Thank you for seeing that and expressing it Zuzana. I miss Victoria terribly and am heartbroken by it, and seeing the pain in my family. Your perception means so much.
@sjodell Thank you Sarah, no, it doesn't. The nature of it changes as the rawness changes into an ache, but it doesn't get easier. There is always someone missing. I am grateful that you have taken the time to comment Sarah, thank you.
@myautofocuslife Thank you Livia. I know how you struggle at times, so for you to have taken time to express your sentiments to support me and my family, is both generous in heart and compassionate of you. Your words express perfectly how it is for all of us. Thank you.
Beautifully written. Hearts are sometimes torn apart with grief. It sounds like you are all there for each other. Time does help heal it does not heal.
I feel so sorry for your loss, remember her, talk about her is the best way to say how much you loved her, and that she'll be still there, in your heart.
I've lost very young people in my family, I miss them so much, but on the other side they are not just a part of my past, knowing them help to build myself so there are still with me, always..
@cocobella I am very sorry to hear that you have suffered loss too Corinne. I understand how you feel, how much you miss them. Victoria will live in our hearts forever. Thank you for taking the time to express your sorrow, it is very kind of you, and we very much appreciatre it.
@megsy Thank you Megsy. I know that you are up to your eyes in exams, so I appreciate you taking time to comment on my post. it means a lot to me. Thank you. x
I think that there are losses that we never really get over - and the loss of someone so very young is so much more difficult than the ones that have lived to the fullness of year.
Hugs to you and to all of the ones that are keeping Victoria close in their hearts.
I've lost very young people in my family, I miss them so much, but on the other side they are not just a part of my past, knowing them help to build myself so there are still with me, always..