Saturday 13 June 2015

The kindness of others

 
















I have been so deeply touched by the kindness of others towards us during these last few weeks. We have received many gifts, cards and messages. We are truly blessed to have so many thoughtful people in our lives. And flowers - oh the flowers... Friends have called round, bringing love, cake, pizza, jam and sweet smelling oils, and I came home one evening to find my fridge filled with home cooked, freezable meals.My heart is full from this amazing outpouring of love we have received. Thank you all, for every word, gift and deed.

We have been living quietly, one day at a time, as they say. After the funeral, we came down with colds and coughs, not really surprising, but a reminder that after such a busy and stressful time, we have to really slow down and care for ourselves. We dosed ourselves on this delicious remedy, nourished ourselves with proper chicken soup, oh - and  ate more cake (it's the law).

Feeling a little better, and with a long overdue improvement in the weather, I decided to visit John's graveside for the first time. He is buried in a very familiar and beautiful spot, and now I have a real connection with that place. Later I wandered down to the beach with my flask of coffee and new crochet project, and sat listening to the comforting sound of the endless waves crashing on to the shore. Yes -just one day at a time... xx

44 comments:

  1. What wonderful acts of kindness, such a lovely spot to be laid to rest :-)

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  2. The kindness shown by others is a real balm to the soul especially at this difficult time. I am so glad you are surrounded by such lovely friends. John is laid to rest in such a beautiful spot and it will help your grieving process to be able to have such a place of meaning and beauty to visit. Thinking of you and your family and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers... Much Love, Jane xxxxxxxx

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  3. Thinking of you all at this time. What a beautiful spot to be able to go and visit him. So glad you are surrounded by the kindness of others. Love to you all xxx

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  4. Such a beautiful spot to have to remember your dear one. May the nearness of God's love be very real to you all. X

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  5. God bless you and your son, and continue to surround you with His love and peace. Love and blessings xx

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  6. I think of you so often, having been where you are I have some small knowledge of what you are dealing with. (I too became ill after the funeral.) I hope that each day finds you a bit lighter.

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  7. Anonymous13/6/15 19:07

    such wonderful friends and neighbors you have,, I cannot say I know how you feel but I send you all my best wishes, you and your son,
    I'm so glad that you are finding a peaceful calm , you have such a gift with words and I admire your strength,

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  8. Anonymous13/6/15 20:08

    think about you during my day and always ask God to give you a hug- it is always comforting to me to know that he will never leave me or you

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  9. Anonymous13/6/15 20:12

    God bless you. I wish I had wise words to comfort you but "one day at a time" is good - Tam

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  10. May each day bring you gentle blessings. Love and prayers x

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  11. Anonymous13/6/15 21:26

    I have found this to be a most beautiful and moving post to read this evening.
    May God bless you and make his face shine upon you.

    Sue McD.

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  12. God Bless you dear friend, holding you in prayer xx

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  13. Quinn Columba14/6/15 04:10

    Your words and pictures continue to inspire. Take comfort, dear heart.

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  14. What a wonderful, peaceful spot John has. As you say, one day at a time. You are blessed with many true friends, usually the way in small communities. Hugs from New Zealand.

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  15. Anonymous14/6/15 09:55

    So glad that you have been encircled by loving people. Sending my love and prayers, xxx

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  16. Think about you and how you are getting on. What a comfort to be in such a loving, caring community. Such love and support is invaluable, and helps to ease the pain of loss. Lovely beach to just be quiet, and let the rythm of nature feed you soul. God bless you and son, and continue to comfort you.

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  17. you've been often in my thoughts this past while....i'm so glad to hear you're surrounded by the love and support of such kind and wonderful friends.

    so much love to you....xoxo

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  18. I have thought of you and James every day Jacqui , continuing to pray for you both, always.
    Such a beautiful spot for John and I hope one that will bring you a little comfort too..
    One day at a time and if need be, one minute at a time.
    Big hugs from across the pond my dear friend.

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  19. Been thinking about you....with lots of love to you and your family.

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  20. A very lovely post and, yes, I can understand it so well. After I lost my husband, I was really touched by the kindness of friends who did little things such as helping me write thank you notes, pulling a garbage can up from the street after it was emptied by the city, etc. These acts helped sustain me and I only hope but I do know will also be a comfort to you. It's as though one is wrapped in the warm arms of friends and so much concern and care shown. All the comments about one day at a time are so good. And I can promise you from my own experience with the loss of my husband, at some point and time, life will pick you up and help you move on. With love...

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  21. As you carry on, know that we are keeping you in our hearts. Be well and yes, one day at a time. Much love.

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  22. Dearest Jacqui, I can echo the sentiments expressed by Kay, take comfort from the fact, that this is your grief, no one has the memories that you and John shared, so how you grieve will be different from everyone else who has suffered loss.
    "Lord grant us a quiet night and a peaceful end, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest upon they eternal changelessness" God bless and keep you Jacqui. Love Triciaxx

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  23. May god bless you and your family xxxxx

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  24. Anonymous14/6/15 19:14

    Such a beautiful post Jacqui-thank you for sharing the photo of John's resting place. Catriona

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  25. What a beautiful place you can go for quiet thoughts (and talks) xx I have been thinking of you during this time.

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  26. Jacqui, from the other side of the broad Atlantic, I want to continue to send my love and prayers to you and yours. Your post is so full of love and grace and spiritual depth.

    xo

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  27. Oh my, I pray for you and think of you often. I can feel that the weight that was on your shoulders has lifted but now there is a heavy heart. I am glad you have the support of friends and family, better weather and a beautiful son and a special place to gather your thoughts :)

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  28. Anonymous15/6/15 01:17

    From Margie in Toronto - It really is the only way to get through these kinds of trials and it just goes to show how much people think of you and John that they show such kindness. Take care.

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  29. I am so very glad others have been kind. John is in a beautiful place, here and There.

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  30. Thinking of you. Take care.

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  31. Anonymous15/6/15 16:07

    John has a very beautiful resting place, thinking of you and your family.
    Kind wishes
    Wendy

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  32. Jacqui I've just caught up with your news, I'm so sorry. One day at a time and one foot in front of the other. x

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  33. Anonymous16/6/15 14:32

    Jacqui I'm so glad you are being held up by the love of those around you, and by God's love as well I'm sure. I really like what Nancy Carroll says above: a beautiful place, here and There. Look after yourself. xox

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  34. A beautiful post, it is when we are face the hardships of life that we see the kindness and beauty of others and they carry us with their love and kindness. My thoughts are with you and your family x

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  35. Such sadness for you and your son. I can't imagine it. It's good you're taking care of yourselves and that friends are rallying around. I think cake and flowers are a good remedy for many things. {{warm hugs}}

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  36. So good to see you posting. Such a hard thing to do - but satisfying for you to record. I am so glad that you have strength to take each hour as it comes.

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  37. I'm so glad that you've let us all know how you're doing, Jacqui. When my husband suddenly passed ten years ago, the kindness of my community was beyond anything I ever could've imagined. Your husband's gravesite is the most beautiful I've ever seen. Look for signs from your husband that he is still with you and always acknowledge them. They will be there. One day at a time is how you will get thru this. My thoughts are with you and your family. xoxo

    ~ Wendy
    http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  38. Beautiful flowers, a beautiful son, a bountiful gift from your friends and neighbors, the beauty of sunshine on the seashore (a truly beautiful place!), and the beauty of the peace that passes all understanding. Praying for your family as you take it one day at a time. Hope you are recovered from your colds...
    xo

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  39. What a beautiful resting place. I can imagine people thousands of years ago, placing their families in a similar spot.

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