
Bob and I have never planted so much like we did this Spring. We planted a salsa raised garden box, many large barrels and raised beds of herbs and spices, asparagus, tomatoes, tomatillos, green pole beans, squash, peppers, pumpkins and even a few stalks of corn, which should provide a tasty treat for the squirrels and raccoons, if not for us to eat.
For the first time ever, I planted vegetables and flowers from seeds, and to my delight the seeds pushed through the soil, which let me know they were well planted in good soil that would promote growth for a harvest to come.
During our time of planting, I thought of a couple we know who's only daughter died suddenly this past May of a seizure. She was a beautiful 28 year old soon to be engaged, the same age and in the same season of her life, as our son, Kevin.
Bob and I have stayed in close contact with this grieving dad and mom, and we have talked with them several times about how they are doing and what they are experiencing, as we empathize with their pain and sorrow, and we love and care deeply for them.
In a recent phone conversation, the dad asked Bob and I how we navigated through our grief, kept our faith and our sanity. Bob shared that we both held on to our hope of seeing and being with our son, Kevin, again in Eternity. In recalling how we both were intentional about holding on to our eternal hope, I was reminded of how I didn't want the seeds of pain and sorrow to be too deeply rooted within me. I didn't want to stop growing and I knew that life goes on, and I had to somehow get my "happy" back.
My personal journey through grief strengthened my core personality and solidified my identity in Christ. My journey enhanced my faith and caused me to surrender absolutely to the sovereignty of God. I fully embraced God's love and grace. To this day, nearly 20 years since Kevin died, the seeds of compassion, empathy and mercy for those who grieve continue to be planted and bear fruit in Bob and I. We are both more loving, more caring and concerned for those who are hurting and for that we are grateful. We needed to change and the changes in us saved our marriage. We are both better for the wear and the tears.
What are the seeds growing within you precious mom? How is the soil of your heart?
With Faith, Hope and Love,
Angie "a mom like you"
amotherlikeme@gmail.com