keep smiling
Posted By Sherry on March 30, 2007
A couple of years ago we were over on the “other” coast, enjoying a reunion of the Nill clan. As timing would have it, we were together on the day that would have been my dad’s 100th birthday had he lived past his 92nd year. Unable to ignore such an excuse for a celebration, we went ahead and had a party for him, cake and all! I loved thinking about how much he would have enjoyed all that special attention from his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and even a grand niece and nephew.
Today would have been Margaret-Rose’s 60th birthday had she lived past her 42nd year. We didn’t order a special cake but we did eat dinner with MomEdna at Friendsview Retirement Community, her new home, and listened to her tell us stories about the day her daughter was born. Then we went up to her 5th floor apartment and pored over the pictures in one of her albums.
Grief is such a wonderful thing. It illustrates we had meaningful relationships worth remembering in spite of the sense of loss we feel. I identify with this Dr. Seuss quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
Sherry, your message brings to my heart the thought that even if life doesn’t turn out how we anticipate it will-God has not forgotten us or moved on-in fact He allows us to live a life more fully and richly blessed than we can dream. Life doesn’t have to be all “smiles and joy” to be a blessing. I’ve found some of the riches moments come from places where grief and change abound.
Hi Sherry,
I’m not at the place as the Dr. Seuss quote says, but I copied and saved it…a some day I will be there. It will be 18 months on 4/22 that Mom’s been gone. I still miss her everyday. What a great idea to celebrate the life of your sweet Dad…my Dad would have been 93 on April 10. I will remember that idea too. Thank you for being one of the most creative and witty people I’m privileged to call a friend.
All the best to you and your “coffee-loving” hubby!