It looks like I opened up a blog in 2016, but never created a post. Writing is one of the pieces that got me through the months and years after Mark was killed. I’ve hesitated to blog as I didn’t know what direction to go in. "Just begin" came to mind. I have no idea how this will unfold. Let's see...
Today I needed to see a picture of my family at what is often called, the happiest place on earth. We visited in 2009 for the first time. The past five years have taught me that the brutal can take over and have me miss out on the memories that make me smile the most. This is one of those memories. On top of Disneyland experiences, Mark and our son Brady enjoyed trips to explore car restoration places. Mark arranged for us to see John Fogerty in concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It was truly magical.
The Brutal. On January 15, 2015, Mark took our border collie Reo for a walk in the neighbourhood. Reo returned, leash intact, and sat on the doorstep barking. Mark had been hit from behind. He died at the scene. The scene was the only way in and out of our subdivision where we lived together for 24 years less one day.
The Beautiful stepped in immediately. Yes, right there in the midst of the brutal a member of the local fire department attending the scene offered to drive me to the hospital. He stayed by my side as I identified Mark's body and waited for family to arrive. The Beautiful arrived when my neighbour Barb came to sit with Reo while our son and Mark's brother left for the hospital. More of The Beautiful showed up at the hospital in family and friends. The Beautiful continued to make it's way into our home with friends and family and Mark's co-workers, his firefighter family, who showed up every day for the 13 days it took to wait for the celebration of his life. The Beautiful was in
an abundance of food and flowers and beautiful words written in cards and on notes. The Beautiful was several helpers for the required paperwork that follows a death. The Beautiful brought a B.C. Alberta Guide dog named Janson into our lives. The Beautiful created ‘Joy on Friday’s’ - Janson’s training days. The Beautiful stayed and remains today. I only need to view my contact list and know that I'm never alone.
What has life taught you about brutal & beautiful things?
Oh my Lynda! I wish I could hug you (an am doing so in my heart!)
ReplyDeleteBrutal and Beautiful are the teachers of life- though hard.
I have learned to trust and accept- after flailing arms and running around the kitchen island- I have learned to let go- after gripping so tightly to the present. I have learned to open my arms and embrace change- while running in the opposite direction.
I have learned and am still learning about life and brutal and beautiful things.
Thanks for the chance to share.
Our first pay it forward in Mark's honor was today @tracycakesbakerycafe. and the recipient was given a card explaining how Mark's life was a gift that keeps giving.
Wow Tracy. We must meet! I was just writing about learning to surrender to this shelter in place thing. Thank you for passing along your beautiful food offerings. I can never repay what's been given to me; I can only pay it forward. Hugs back to you. Lynda
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