A Daily Journey

We have so many precious friends and family who know exactly what I mean by the words "A daily journey" after you bid farewell to a loved one. There are ups, there are downs, you cry, you laugh, you just get through each day.

Mom's memorial celebration was beautiful~~~serene~~~beautiful. The kind words brought by Mom and Dad's Pastor were so personal...so loving...so true.  The congregational singing lifted our hearts and spirits and was glorious!!!  We were overwhelmed by the friends and family that came to the visitation, the funeral, and sent card of encouragement!! What a tremendous blessing you are to us and to Dad. 

Since the memorial, Dad has come to Cadillac and is living in an apartment  at Green Acres Assisted Living. Mom and Dad had discussed this option before the Lord took her home...so Dad was already thinking about these arrangements.  Changes in life are so bittersweet...so difficult when many changes are thrown at someone in a short amount of time.  It was heart wrenching to me the first night he stayed there.  Swirling through our heads were the fact that Dad and Mom had been married for 64 years.. all they have ever known is each other...how would Dad face life without her?? 

Linda and I talked numerous times per day....just meeting each new situation..and trying our best to comfort Dad in this transition. Here we were...the daughters...almost taking on the role of Mom's to him. We experienced the feelings that we had when our grown children moved out of the nest~~~wanting to lead/guide/protect.  Yet knowing that Dad would have to walk through this valley, adjust to life without Mom, and sort out out the many emotions and struggles that come with bidding farewell to his beloved wife.

During those days we were surrounded by our families and friends. We saw friends from our growing up years whom we hadn't seen in decades.  Hugs were given....stories exchanged..comfort abounds!  The flowers were beautiful~~~Mom always had flower gardens~~smelling the arrangements reminded me of her lifelong appreciation for God's beautiful world.

I have read and re-read the cards.....cherishing each one's message and the sweet people who sent them.

So here we are...almost ten days later...adjusting to life without our Mom..but not without the memories that grace our hearts!!  Those will last and bring us comfort...every day..every hour...every minute.

Before Mom went to Heaven...I had scheduled to "Step out for a cure" for the Michigan Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation.  I was scheduled to walk June 26th...the day after she passed.  Knowing how Mom would have encouraged me to continue on....keep my commitment...I did the walk...and not just one mile...a little over:)

Dad stayed with us Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,  and moved into Green Acres on July 1st.  He is settling in well...and has had visitors already! On Thursday his phone will be hooked up...and we know he would love to hear from you:)  A close friend our ours, Karen Grogan, is the activities director at Green Acres...and we are so thankful she sees our Dad every day. the care givers are wonderful....and have welcomed Dad with open arms and kindness.

Please keep Dad in your hearts and prayers!  Linda and I are so thankful for the loving home we were raised in, the example of godly parents, and special love we were given.  Together as sisters, along with our husbands, children, and their families....we will embrace the times ahead....experiencing the comfort of a loving God...mourning our loss....but rejoicing in the promise of eternity for those who trust in Jesus as their risen Savior and King of Kings!!!

Pictures to follow tomorrow~~~~Thank you dear friends and family!

Dale Hopkins
237 Pearl Street
Room 211
Cadillac, Michigan  49601