Oklahoma Christian honors those alumni who have passed away in the last year with a reception and short program. Tim attended with me December 10. What a nice event for them to host to honor alumni. Lynn was attending David's first band concert. December schedules are busy.
The first celebration of life service was held at Alameda Church of Christ in Norman, OK. I started attending there with Tim and Lynn the Sunday after Jerry died on Saturday. Click here for a video of that service. It was a different service with lots of singing to honor Jerry.
My travels started with a visit to my sister, Linda, in Boerne, TX. It was great to see her doing better healthwise.
The next Celebration of Life service was in Onalaska, WI, at the church we attended there. It was held March 23--one month later. While there, I spent 2 weeks visiting friends from school and church. I also gave my first caregiving talk there.
In April, Jerry's older brother, Marvin, passed away. I flew out to California for the service and stayed with my sister-in-law, Shirley, for 2 weeks helping her with all the details I had just gone through.
In July, I drove to Colorado speaking in Broomfield and Ft. Collins and visiting lots of old friends in Denver, Littleton, Colorado Spring, and Ft. Collins.
As you can see, I have started a ministry based on my experiences with God helping me care for Jerry. Let me know if you would like me to come to your church to speak. The next time to share my story was on my Eastern tour visiting 10 states and speaking in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. See the video below for some of the highlights.
Home in September, I have focused on finishing my book, 22 Months with Jerry, Lessons Learned while Caregiving with God. It is in the editing stage currently. I am praying God will use His testimony to encourage many others.
Attending GriefShare last summer and attending Tim and Lynn's church has given me support in my grieving. My website has my grieving blog journey. I have gotten back into my Master Gardener activities, Bible Study Fellowship, and teaching a Ladies class at church as well as singing on the praise team and working in the media ministry. There is a struggle to get back into life while still maintaining a quiet time at home for my relationship with my God.
My sister, Linda, who lives in Boerne, TX.
My two high school buddies, Diane and Kay, met in Ardmore, OK for lunch.
Martha, Shirley, and myself in Searcy, AR. Shirley came to visit in October and we drove to see her friend.
This picture was taken at the Widow/Widower banquet at church. This is not a group I have wanted to join but am thankful for the support available to me. I am soon to finish all the "firsts" that are difficult to go through. The first Chrismas and first anniversary of Jerry's death will be full of tears.
Merry Christmas to all of you. May 2019 be a blessed and happy year for each of you.