It's a year ago today that God took my Mr. Z home....It's been quite a year. I haven't shared as many personal things as I might have here but I will say
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12, 13. I don't think I could have done this without God.
That's all I'll say.........except I do thank my wonderful, loyal, fellow bloggers so much for having supported me as you have. OH, and I'll say that I've become almost dangerously short tempered when I hear husbands and wives belittling each other.. Life's too short, people. Love your spouse, support your spouse....no regrets..
photo by Ms. Z. Santa Monica, California....Mr. Z doing what he loved.
z
35 comments:
Z, special hugs for you, my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. This has been a tough year.
In prayer for you, Z.
H
A full year!
Such anniversary dates are difficult.
When Cubed of Sixth Column lost her husband, she said to me, "Cherish your beloveds." Good advice.
opus, thanks, it's been tough and prayer must work because I don't know how I got through it as well as I did...and, of course, the 'tough' isn't over.
Heather, thanks so so much. That means a lot, especially around 8:30 LA time, when I'll be singing with the praise band trying not to remember what happened at 8:30 a year ago. But, I know I"ll be fine. Plenty of family coming to my church and the church family's supportive, too......
Always, "cherish your beloveds" is so important but I'll just settle for their not fighting in public.
I remember so clearly we'd just been to a doc's appt and the news was still iffy, no diagnosis yet, and we went next door to the Whole Foods for shopping before going home. I saw an elderly couple holding hands and I felt a slight twinge of resentment "Look at them, they've had all those years together.."
AT THAT MOMENT, I got such a strong feeling that it was better to say "Look at them, how lucky they've had all those years...we might not have them, but I honor and admire that couple, how lucky they are!" It was then I felt bitterness that could have come must not ; and I have to say it never once has. THat's huge and can only be the product of prayer.
Our timing was different but our life together no less sweet.
And I can't say the elderly couple was 'more blessed' for that extra time because we are ALL blessed, it's how we deal with things and learn from them that makes us all truly blessed, don't you think.
I can't believe a year has passed already. Prayers for you today, dear Z! Blessings to you today.
Hi, sweet Linda.
I can't BELIEVE it, either...I really can't. xxx
Your strength is inspirational to us all, Z. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Z, there was an elderly couple at the synagogue yesterday that celebrated their pre-wedding day. It is traditional for a couple getting married within the next week to go up to the Torah in celebration with the community.
There is another elderly couple I know there who I assumed had been married their whole lives. They are close and solicitous of each other. I got to know them, and it turns out that they were both widow/widower. They had known each other in high school and became reacquainted and married late in life.
So not all elderly couples have had years together. I don't know what it means for us, but for some reason seeing these couples gives me peace and hope in my heart.
Big hugs, Z and a 'gros bisou'
You have lots of hugs and prayers headed your way.
We are grieving with you today, Miss Z ... God bless you.
A beautiful post Z, and a tribute to you and Mr. Z.
I have found that life is full of different phases, and we never stop learning, and growing.
You are a brave and dear woman, who has shown us all what grace is in the face of loss and hardship.
My prayers are with you, and may good fortune follow you always.
God bless you Z,
Love Pris
I'm so sorry. One whole year... I can't and don't want to imagine losing my husband.
Z - It's surely been a rough year for you since you lost Mr. Z.
They say the first year is the hardest, but you'll feel it for the rest of your life.
You have done well this past year, thanks to your inner strength, family and friends. I hope that continues.
Bless you, Z.
Mt remembrances of Mr. Z go way back Z...my prayers are with you and him today.
I miss his wisdom and sensibilities too.
Imp
So that was W. taking pictures of the birds?
A day at a time turns into a week...you'll be together again. Hopefully later rather than sooner. :-)
We need you here and now. America is under siege Z, and you play a very important role in saving her!
Impster!!!!
I agree with you. W. was one heck of a guy. He left a HUGE footprint. When's the last time two Hebes praised a German guy? LOL! That means something. :-)
It doesn't seem like a year- however- I know it has been a long one for you-dear friend..
Carol-CS
Jingo:
This "hebe" will give a ring on my way back from NC....and we'll discuss how to resolve I95's woes..deal?
You crack me up.
Z,
I'm humbled by your strength and convictions over the past year and really longer than that. As special as Mr. Z was, he married a very special lady as well.
God bless you, Z.
Thanks, everyone.....you're all amazing and so kind. I honestly love all of you.
Jingo, you made me burst into laughter with this "When's the last time two Hebes praised a German guy?"
It reminds me of a Bat Mitzvah we attended a few years ago...there was my 6'3" German with a German accent in a suit and wearing a yamulka...and he stands there next to me reading the bible backwards! I nudged him and said "It took you being in a Jewish synagogue to finally open a bible and READ IT!?" We howled :-)
He had a wonderful time!
Beamish...you made me cry. "thanks" isn't enough.
God bless you Z; Mr Z is strong and healthy and as he envisions himself in heaven. The passing of my father is still affecting me terribly; I can hardly feature the passing of my wife.
Blessing and peace.
BZ
Much love to you Z.
I take your words to heart and I've cherished our friendship.
I'm thinking of you and Mr. Z today.
Dear, dear Z~
I just shared this post w/ Mr. Sus. He & I both have you in our prayers. And you're so right: life is fleeting & precious. We should cherish those we love, & be grateful for the gifts they bring to our lives, & we theirs.
Thank you for this post, for sharing your heart with us. That's a gift to my life, & I'm grateful.
BZ, your love for your father touches my heart.....
Jen, I cherish you, too.
Susannah, the best thing anybody could do for me or Mr. Z is treat their loved ones with even more kindness and GRATITUDE. It's not everyone even finds someone who'll love them enough to give their future to that person ... and when both love like that, what could be better? I'm glad you shared the post with the very lucky Mr. Sus!
I can't imagine going through this, though either my wife or I certainly will at some point. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, and remember, you are an alien here, this is not your home, another City awaits.
Dan, thanks....funny you should say that..my bible group's studying I Peter right now! Aliens, indeed. xxx
warm hugs and love to you, z. that's a beautiful photo. your strength is a reflection of your faith and how well you are loved. God bless you.
Dear Z, I'm so sorry I didn't make it here yesterday.
A year already? I'm sure your mind was flooded with so many memories. God is our strength, isn't He. Praying for His continued strength and grace for you in your times of need.
The second year is, in some ways, harder than the first. One somehow thinks that things will begin to be "back to normal," whatever that is. We just have to find that "new kind of normal."
Hugs.
Special prayers for you this week Z. I hope that you and yours are well otherwise.
I can't believe it's been a whole year. I can't imagine what you've gone through, but what I've seen on your blogs, you have handled a difficult situation with grace and dignity. God bless you, Z.
Dear Z,
You are a tower of strength, standing on the Rock of your Salvation, Jesus Christ.
As you know, I empathize because my beloved wife of 49 years went home to her Savior 7 years ago. I know that a year seems like just yesterday to those of us who have experienced that.
However, you have not "lost" Mr. Z but you simply told him, "See you later in Heaven." We are indeed pilgrims just passing through.
Praying for you -- and thanks for your dear friendship.
In Jesus Christ eternally,
Jack
It was 20 years on 9/20 that my dear husband died. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday and others like our marriage was just a fantasy. Time doesn't heal all wounds, but the pain is not quite so bad after this amount of time. I'm thinking of you.
thanks, everybody.
Jack, you give me far too much credit, but I LIKE IT :-) I have had struggles and rivers of tears...but I have been buoyed by my faith and my Christian friends and family, NO doubt about it.
Lana, I am so so sorry for your loss...it's something none of us can describe until we've gone through it ourselves. I hoped to not have had this experience for another twenty years. I know you had, too.
Thanks so much for your words.
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