Such a range of emotions this week. We’ve been with my Dad-in-law as he lives out his last days on this side of eternity. Sitting and praying and reliving beautiful memories of him. One minute there is a deep sadness so heavy it takes your breath. The next, there’s laughter when remembering something he said or did. I’ve learned lots about his early life with my Mom-in-law. Sixty five years is a long time to be together. Sixty five years…
At the same time I’m helping with a wedding. My daughter, Bethany’s best bud, Kristen is getting married tonight. I’m in charge of decorating the reception tables and telling everyone when to walk the aisle…heaven help me, there’s a stop watch involved. Anyhoo, when not at the hospital, I’ve been drilling out tiny pumpkins for candle holders and winding autumn garland around lanterns and writing seating charts with chalk paint pens on a big a delicious blackboard…all this to set the stage for the beginning of Matt and Kristen’s life together. A new beginning for a young couple who, God willing, will a have a lifetime to make memories that they’ll one day share with children and grandchildren.
Some of those memories will be sheer bliss and some will be almost magic. Some will bring them peace while others break their hearts. Because as we all know, the memories won’t all be beautiful. Some may even mascaraed as regrets. But it’s okay. It will be part of the whole that is their life. The life they’ll build together.
That’s one of the things I’ve learned from watching my parents-in-law this week.
Love to each one of you. We are so grateful for your support and your prayers.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
beautiful perspective, ms. robin. loving you and holding you all close.
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Just Breathe =-.
So sorry about your father-in-law. Praying for your family!!! You do have a wide range of emotions going on with a wedding and an approaching death. Love & blessings from NC!
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Hello…I visit from time to time here…this was a lovely post. 65 years is pretty much amazing…I will keep your family in my prayers this weekend.
The beginning of a sweet young love and the memories of 65 years. What a tribute to beginnings and endings on this side of eternity.
Still thinking of and praying for you. ~Lanie
.-= Lanie´s last blog ..Monday Musings (October 20,2009) =-.
Well said. Hugs and prayers to and for all of you.
.-= sherri´s last blog ..Weekend Update! =-.
I love this, Robin. You know what’s awesome? While we’re at grandaddy’s funeral, he’ll be at the best wedding EVER! Not even you can plan a wedding like the one he’ll be attending…
Beautiful post. I recently was watching my mother in a skilled nursing facility while at the same time observing my youngest deal with the “delights” of early pregnancy. Both are fine, mom is home, but my point is I totally understand the dichotomy of where you are standing. It’s amazing, really. What a wonderful gift to be such a spectator. Blessings to you.
.-= Claire´s last blog ..Sneak Peek =-.
Isn’t it amazing that when one thig ends another is just beginning! I continue to pray for your FIL and all your family. The wedding will be beautiful. I will be thinking of you tonight…..we are having dinner with my daughter and her fiance to celebrate my husbands birthday! Hugs, Pinky
So beautifuly written! I will hold all of you in my prayers! Thank you for writting about your dear father in law and of the wedding too!
I love what you daughter said about her Grandpa!! That is something we all can strive to be……the kindest!
Life comes at us from all directions it seems. You are in my thoughts. Try to get some rest and take care of yourself too.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Falling and can’t get up =-.
This is so beautiful. Sixty Five years. Wow. That is something to be proud of. Congrats to the couple getting married. But my prayers are with your family. Stay strong.
.-= valerie´s last blog ..Happy 96th Birthday To Granny =-.