9/11/09

Today Jo Ann and I walked our "4 miles". We have no idea if we walk 4 miles anymore. But we walk and walk until we just don't walk anymore and make it back to my house. It's kinda funny the route we take is never quite the same but somewhat similar. Hmmm, maybe I'll drive it today and clock it and see what we did. Then we'll know if we are walking anything near the 4 miles. I could find my pedometer and then we'd really know, but who knows where that thing is. Maybe I last saw it in with my makeup? Could be. It was miserably humid when we got back too. So bad that I cranked up the air conditioner, which I am still quite thankful for, and we each stood on a vent and went "ahhhhhh!".

As we walked today we talked about 9/11 and our memories of that day. Neither of us watched any of the coverage on TV today. Having just lost her husband, I think 9/11 is much too poignant. I know I was near tears many times in our discussion. Then again, September is always a time when emotions are closer to the surface. This year on 9/23 it will be 5 years since my dad passed away. I have missed him immensely each and every year. Milestones are harder for some reason. We were talking about how weird it is that subconsciously your mind seems to know before you do that it is coming up and you are wondering why you're throat is tight and you're so tender, and then the reason becomes apparent.

There have been so many seasons and times in our lives that I've wanted to share with my dad. Gib's scouting, especially the Philmont backpacking. I'm sure my dad would have gone on that. Indy's high school graduation. He and Taryn's shared birthdays. I think about other people going through that too when I hear about anniversaries of tragedies, or when Jo Ann and I talk about her family's recent loss. It's hard getting through all the "firsts", then there's all the anniversaries, and the milestones in your life that you wish you could share in person with your loved one.

When you have moments of missing living, sharing, and talking with them in your day to day life it's so lonely and draining. I am grateful for the knowledge I have that death is a new beginning into everlasting life. For all the trials and tribulations we face, we have the comforting words from the Savior in Matthew 11:28 that if sought after, bring blessings and peace. You may still have occasions of grief, it's just that you know where to turn for peace.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I am really proud that mom and I completed the Read the Bible in 90 Days too! It was fun to do together at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. I got to know several people throughout the summer and we had many interesting discussions in our weekly meetings about our reading that week. When I got terribly behind in July/August, they were supportive and when I finally got caught up in the 11th hour, they were jubilant. It felt so good to have so much love and support from the group. And now I have a nifty certificate that says I read the Bible in 90 days! I am pretty sure that I have never read the Bible cover to cover before. So Go Me!!