Today I smiled
My best friend Heather sent me this wonderful poem today and I have to share it with all of you.
Today I smiled, and all at once things didn’t look so bad. Today I shared with someone else, A little bit of hope I had. Today I sang a little song, And felt my heart grow light. I walked a happy little mile, With not a cloud in sight. Today I worked with what I had, And longed for nothing more, And what had seemed like only weeds, Were flowers at my door. Today I loved a little more, And complained a little less. And in the giving of myself, I forgot my weariness.
Author Unknown
Last night on my way home I cried… the entire way… and on into my bed as I layed down to sleep…I cried like a new born needing her parent to sooth her needs. I just hadn’t felt the need to cry like that yet. I have been so focused on making sure that the only thing my Father sees before he dies is my smiling face. I selfishly cried into the night for the hope that this was all a dream, but I woke up this morning and got to hear my Father’s voice over the phone and Today I smiled.
People come over everyday all throughout the day. I am blown away at how many people have been touched by my Father. Each person sits down with tears in their eyes and then Dad gently grabs their hands and shares his faith with them. The peace that he has is soul soothing. He tells them with such consistant confidence that he is not afraid. I truly believe that he isn’t. He tells them that this is the process God has planned for him. The thought that My Dad will go on without us can be such a contradiction for right now, but the love that he has shared with everyone is such a gift that obviously keeps on giving.
Thank you to everyone for their love and kindness. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Bold Grace will always be an extension of my Father. This is a wonderful outlet for people to be true to who they are. No Judgements here…Just a perfect process.
Love you all!!!!
Mindy, I truly believe that God sent you here for me!
I couldn’t be handling my my trials and tribulations without you by my side. Your Daddy did such a wonderful job with you. I love him so much! You and your family are all angels on earth.
Thanks for sharing that Mindy and thanks for the cool picture!
As I look at my father-in-law, I look at not only a wonderful man, but as a second dad. He has let me cry on his shoulder. I have de”pants”ed him infront of the whole family. He’s even stolen the last bite of my favorite cookie.
People ask “Bridget, how are you doing during this family crisis?” Well, I have “waves” of shock, grief, anger and acceptance.
I’m in shock because he was fine just the other day? What is happening? This can’t be real. It’s a horrible nightmare.
I’m in grief because my husband is going to miss so many more wonderful opportunities with his dad, his best friend. This can’t be real. It’s a horrible nightmare.
I’m angry because my children have only experienced but a portion of their wonderful grandfather. They deserve so many more years with him. This can’t be real. It’s a horrible nightmare. It’s not fair!
Then I begin to float down to reality/acceptance. I know that he is ready. I know that this cancer will take him peacefully. This is what my brain tells me. But my heart is going to miss him so much!
I pray that the Lord will continue to be a comfort to you and your Father.
This is exactly why that death 2,000 years ago had to happen.
So that Jesus could reach down and lift up your Dad and give him new life again, when he really needs it.
And He will do it. You can count on it! Your Dad knows this is true and that is why he is not afraid.
You are all in my prayers.
Bridget,
You are our little angel. You are my sister and my friend. We couldn’t do this without each other. I don’t know how people get through this kind of thing without the love, support and comfort of friends and family. We are truly blessed to have each other. We are truly blessed to witness this perfect process. It is hard. It is one of the hardest things we will have to do. Knowing that we have to let go of something that has been a light for us from God to help us see our way through… seems so unfair, but we will get through this and we will get through this together.
I love you all the way to the moon and back.
Mindy….you…are…awesome!!
I’ll be honest…I am a confused, emotional mess right now, but when I come to this site and read your words and especially your dad’s, I feel so peaceful and calm and I feel like my heart is trying to beat out of my chest!! I look forward to what he will say on here next!
Thinking about all you every minute of the day,
Love you all,
Mandy
Mandy,
The same blood runs through our veins. We are so blessed…
I love you
Love the picture of Cliff with the little duckling. Perfect for spring!
Our Mom and Dad taught us that we were, Gingerbread Boys. All that meant was that if in your dreams, if you happen to be falling off a steep cliff to impending death of the rugged boulders below, that you can feel sure that you will always grow wings and fly to safety. All throughout our adult life we talk of this aspect of our personality’s knowing that all it meant was that we would deal with all that we were delt and find the wings needed to fly to that place of safety. I know, that the strength of the thousands of wings that this Gingerbread boy will ride on, will carry him to the heart of heaven.
Doug,
You really should write that book. I know I’d buy several copies!
Cliff,
After I read all the beautiful things that others have written I think “I can’t top that. So I will not try. I just want to wish you a happy Easter. You are in my thoughts every day, all day long. I love you. Judy
I am so glad you have such a special person like heather to share these precious moments with you mindy. Your entire family is a gift starting with your dad who has made it what it is. Your all in my heart…….-Sherry