I was heading to my doctor's Appointment, but at the last Minute I stuck the grief booklet into My purse. I soon learned why. While I waited to be seen by My doctor, an elderly man Conversed with the receptionist. I overheard their conversation. "The house seems really empty When you're alone," the man said. The lady responded with words of Condolences. As the man walked away, I stopped Him and asked, "Are you a new Widower?" "Yes, since September. We were Married 63 years and 12 days." "This was meant for you." I pulled the booklet from my Purse and handed it to him. We chatted a bit, I gave Clarence a hug, and then I Settled back in my chair waiting, Waiting, waiting to see my doctor. |
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She's a new widow and has
Discovered she can eat only Soup. Most likely the lump in her Throat is more emotional in Nature than physical, but for Now, her friends are providing Soup each week. Today it was my turn to deliver it. I lingered awhile so we could visit. Mostly, I listened. My grieving sister shared the Frustrations of obtaining death Certificates and endless phone Calls, the overwhelming details of Death. She introduced me to her husband's Paintings, and his sweet spirit and Amazing insights. I wish I had known Don better. He taught her to embrace winter and to Not hurry on the park trails, but to Stop, and look and listen. He was her rock and constant Companion. She played one of their favorite songs, "Time to Say Good-by," and we both Cried. A devotional book was open on an End table, and my friend read the Page for today. How could the message be so Pertinent? Before I left, I prayed. My soulmate and I both needed the Visit today. And Rose and I will both be eating Cauliflower soup for supper. It was 58 years ago on this date that
C. S. Lewis, the great apologist, died. He called himself Jack. His death was overshadowed by The shocking assassination of Another Jack, our country's President. But when my own Jack died on November 22nd, his death Overshadowed those of the two Famous men by far. If only in my own eyes, He was a man of renown, Worthy of honor, Loved deeply, Never to be forgotten, My Jack. The man was acting strangely.
He seemed to be talking to Himself as he shopped at the Grocery store. Later, as I waited in line, he Pushed his cart up behind me and Asked, "How are you today?" "I'm good. How about you?" I was surprised when he began to Sob. "My wife died two years ago, and I miss her so much." I tried to console him as I placed my Groceries onto the conveyor belt. He continued to lament, interspersing His conversation with off color words. The cashier averted her eyes, not Knowing what to make of us. I lagged behind so I could talk to the Gentleman as we left the store. The widower had been married 38 Years and recently moved to the Area to be near his kids. "I just can't get over losing her." I listened and shared bits of my Own story of loss. I gave him one of my tracts, and as I left I told him I would pray for him. I couldn't relate to the man's Vocabulary or to his unusual Mannerisms. But I could identify with his Broken heart. I could share his grief. His wife died just weeks ago.
"What is hardest for you right Now?" I asked him. He choked up. "In bed at night when she's Not here." I agreed with him. Being alone is hard during the Daytime. But it's hardest in the Darkness of night.
I just learned the tragic news that
See Yan lost his only child. Ben was climbing a rock wall in a Gym when he went limp and was Gone. He was thirty years old. See Yan is my nephew. And since his wife died a Number of years ago, he is Now sadly, intensely alone. I was searching for a card to Send him when I noticed a Packet my friend had recently Given me. Shuffling through the cards I found it, The perfect one. On the front is a desert scene with This verse printed out: "I will make a way in the wilderness and Rivers in the desert." As my nephew gropes his way through This barren season of his life, I pray that He will find that God has already made a Way for him, that when he is desperately Thirsty, God will provide a stream. I pray that in See Yan's sorrow our Compassionate Father will be his oasis, a Soothing balm for his broken heart.
The lady was turning left when a
Semi ignored the red light and Plowed into her. Instantly she was gone. Lillian was a kindred spirit. She loved to give away my gospel Bracelets. I had just strung another batch for Her days before she died. She had planned to give them to an Employee at her favorite restaurant. The man loved the bracelet she had Already given to him and had asked For more. I drove to the establishment today on A mission. I knew I was speaking to the right Person when I noticed the bracelet On his wrist. When I told the young man the sad News, he was stunned like the rest Of us. "This is awful!" he said. "Lillian was Our favorite customer. When she came In we would say, 'Lillian's here.'" But we encouraged each other. "She's home with Jesus." I handed the man a gift bag with the Bracelets inside. "Lillian intended these for you." "I can't thank you enough," the fellow Told me. "I can't tell you what this means To me." Since I have gift cards for the restaurant, I'll stop by again, not just for the food, but To honor my friend.
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Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
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