Comments on: Support for the Sojourn

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 23:33:23 +0000

In reply to Valerie.

Oh Valerie, seeing your words brought a lump to my throat. I think of you soooo often, and wonder how your journey without Art is going. I do have a new IG account so I can follow those I love, but I deleted my other one because not everyone has a pure motive. Ugh. You can find me here – @lblsaj.

Thank you for your encouragement also — I feel called to write, but I don’t. Just little things on this blog once in a while. But every day I read something or think something and know I should write about it, but then I think, “But why?” And I don’t. I also think you have a gift with the written word.

And how many times I have wished we were even just 2-3 hours from each other, so we could get together a couple-three times a year, have tea, share, etc.

Thank you for stopping by Valerie… much love to you too, my Illinois friend. xoxo

By: Valerie

Valerie — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:37:34 +0000

The fog of grief still surrounds me sometimes. I am very forgetful still. Appointments, names, instructions, IG accounts that I follow….nothing and no one is spared.
Which is why I am here. I cannot find you on IG so I came to your blog.
As I perused the post, I noticed it was looonng. So I started scanning it just looking for certain words or phrases to see what jumped out at me.
I made it to the end and the word Schnauzer jumped out at me. It was then that I realized this was about YOU!!
So back to the top I went and read through the whole post.
My goodness you are a wonderful writer.
You have a beautiful heart Julie and it shines through your writing.
I wish I lived closer cuz maybe then I would pop over for a cup of Tea one afternoon.
Also, I now need to go to the store for Chicken, Asparagus and a Baguette.
Much love to you over the miles friend!

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 15:39:28 +0000

In reply to Ganeida. I see what you've shared more in depth here, Ganeida. I have also heard people say in my grief support group, "I don't ever want to be a caretaker again," which those of us who cared for sick spouses completely understand. I struggle with that being a selfish choice, but I truly cannot imagine it. I agree with your last sentence too. God bless you today, dear friend. xoxo

By: Ganeida

Ganeida — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 03:22:13 +0000

*She knows this will happen again with others, and she knows it will most likely be the men. She thinks that often men need to have someone in their lives to cook for them and take care of them, that perhaps they aren’t as comfortable with aloneness and silence as women are.*

This stood out for me. I think it is true. I see it when I visit my mother. It is always the men who are looking for a new partner, never the women. The women are finally free of all obligations to another human but I always think of God saying in the garden…*It is not good for the man to be alone*…

My mother says bluntly she has no intention of remarrying & my SIL, still a young woman, isn’t interested either. There are always exceptions but I think women learn to be silent & alone when they have small children & it stands us in good stead in times of grief.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 23:01:25 +0000

In reply to Nancy. I can't imagine a group only lasting 8 weeks, just when you're getting to know and trust one another, and forming those bonds, as you said. I love the idea of a ceremony, though. I would love to know more about you and your husband, Nancy. So glad you visit here -- thank you for your encouragement. xoxo

By: Nancy

Nancy — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 21:08:27 +0000

Dear Julie, you do have a gift for writing and inspiring. Hope you continue as you are very good at it.
I joined a grief support group after my husband passed away. This group was limited to 8 weeks. You couldn’t go for another session. There were people who lost spouses, siblings, parents and one woman who had lost her adult son. The group leader had also lost his parents under tragic circumstances. Over the 8 weeks we bonded and it could have lasted longer. We had a final remembrance ceremony for our loved ones where we each lit a candle.