General Discussion & Chat: My Life will never be the same., 0 by Cajun2

Cajun2 wrote:
squeaky, God love ya, honey!
Having lost my father at 17 after a 7-year illness, I can definitely relate to your pain. However, my memories of my father, and constant 'enlightenment' about him and his life, I have grown closer to him over the past 30 years. I loved him dearly then, but immeasurably now.

I was left with an alcholic mother who did not show love my whole life. I quickly figured out that this was God's plan for us. It forced us to draw closer and get to know one another on a different level. While she's still an alcoholic, I have come to appreciate her in so many ways. My love for my mother began to grow after the loss of my father. So there ARE good things that can come from bad ones.

And like you, I felt I was more prepared for Daddy's death after the lengthy illness, and felt relief for him when he passed. I knew he was no longer suffering and was with Jesus (and I feel his loved ones in heaven too). And I know I'll see my daddy again some day.

One more thing... last February I lost my best friend of 20+ years. It was devastating for me because she was only 53 and we'd begun to drift apart. I felt guilt and immense sorrow. That night I prayed for the grace to get through my loss and was answered with the suggestion of a Memory Garden. I have commemorated Nancy's life in the form of a garden. All things related somehow to something she loved or that she and I shared. It turned out so well, and I spend so much time talking to her there, knowing she's smiling down on the garden I made in honor of her and our friendship. I'll always have "Nancy's Garden" within my full gardens.

I recommend a Memory Garden to anyone who suffers a painful loss. (And I SO believe gardening is the best therapy!)

Hugs,
~ Carole

My Friend Nancy: (and my baby girl)