Comments on: A Holding Pattern

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 20:29:16 +0000

In reply to Ember. :) xoxo

By: Ember

Ember — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 05:59:28 +0000

Ahem. Heathrow. We’ll meet you. xxx

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 20:41:47 +0000

In reply to Sue Raimo.

I do agree with you, Sue, and don’t feel inclined at all to get out of this “feeling”….it’s just not what I expected. I expected grief and sorrow, but not grief and sorrow with an odd feeling of purposelessness. I’ve never felt this before. And your kind words uplifted me, as always. You are a kind and generous friend, dear Sue. I know in so many ways, we deeply understand each other. xoxo

By: Sue Raimo

Sue Raimo — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:17:46 +0000

You’ve described the holding pattern feeling so well. As much as we would prefer otherwise, I think it has to take as long as it takes. If one tries to land prematurely God’s next best may be missed – or even a crash. I have been enriched by watching you walk close to the Lord in the happy seasons of your marriage, watching you walk close to the Lord in the hard seasons, and now watching you walk close to the Lord in this new season of widowhood. May He continue to be your place of stability.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 00:45:06 +0000

In reply to Dorothy Sooter.

Thank you for all you’ve shared here, Dorothy. You loved my dad so well, and I’ll be grateful to you forever for that. I’m glad you’re reading so much — Dad would love that. And I send you my love and prayers as you grieve your dear sister MJ. xoxo

By: Dorothy Sooter

Dorothy Sooter — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 00:38:37 +0000

Dear Julie, I am a much older woman and I am a widow, as you know.
The first year was by far the worst. For me going back to work was very
helpful. Working in a pregnancy care center also helped as I met so many young women that were in a terrible place. The compassion I had for them helped me but there was always the nights to go home and wish with all my heart your dad was still here. It is close to eight years and he
Is as fresh in my mind as ever. I talk about him to my family an he was
so loved by them. I know you have a job in caring for your ladies and you sure do not need any more work. Your trip to Alaska sounds wonderful and your friends going with you should make it really special. One of the things I have missed were the great trips your dad and I had going across this beautiful country. Eating bologna sandwiches in the car for lunch.
Would never eat them at home but they sure tasted good. Seeing all the family was also great and I miss seeing you and all your beautiful children and grandchildren. In the past because I was such a slow reader, I did not get into reading until after your dad passed. That has been a wonderful experience for me. Losing my sister a few weeks ago has been very hard. Now I just sit and cry privately and know she is with the Lord and she is really home. Julie, you are such a blessing to so many people.
Hope some of this helps you find your way through the maze of losing Michael. Love you.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 16:01:33 +0000

In reply to Peggy Johns.

Oh Peggy…such an encouragement you are to me. I am honored that you stop by this little site. God be with you today… xoxo

By: Peggy Johns

Peggy Johns — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 15:25:23 +0000

Please continue with your huge, huge gift of writing, while you hang on to the love of God and Michael. I selfishly need your thoughts, and encouragement! Love, Peggy

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 11:07:03 +0000

In reply to Kay in Cornwall.

Dear Kay, I do know my grief journey has really only begun. And I feel your love and care — thank you. I perused the site you sent and was so impressed! To my knowledge, we don’t have something as comprehensive as this here. We have grief/bereavement support groups, but they’re organized by hospitals and counseling centers and don’t have such a centrally organized help site like you do. I would be contacting them if we did! Hugs to you and Alan… xoxo

By: Kay in Cornwall

Kay in Cornwall — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 10:58:32 +0000

Dear Julie, I write not from experience, but from love. I think maybe you’re being a bit too hard on yourself. To you, it must seem an age since Michael passed into Glory, but in real terms it’s not that long. Your grief is still being worked out. I honestly cannot imagine the pain you are going through. If only I were there beside you right now, I’d give you a massive hug!

Here in the UK we have an organisation to help the bereaved:

http://www.cruse.org.uk/

I’ve not read through the website so I don’t know if it will help, but I pray that something here will speak to you. Do you have something similar in the U.S.?

Praying for you dear, dear friend

xxxooo