July 1st was Jill’s birthday. As you have been reading this blog, you have seen my journey after having become a widower on May 17, 2012.
For most of the time, I have been occupied with various activities. And for the next few weeks this will continue.
But July 1st interrupts my thoughts. I understand anniversaries that people rehearse each year. I also realize that this is an opportunity to grieve and to remember.
At the same time, my desire is to press forward. I take this as a time to look at my life and see a new “birthday.”
Where does God want to take me now? What would be honoring to God and be a memorial for me of Jill’s almost four decade presence in my life? These are questions that will occupy my day – and hopefully forward my life!
I remember so many birthdays for Jill and for Philip, July 1st. Today Philip is in Ohio, and Jill is in heaven. Birthdays were always special days. Days we would celebrate by going somewhere special, or having a birthday party. Jill is celebrating today with her Dad in heaven and others who are welcoming her, and with the Lord she served so well. Philip will probably be having a swim in their pool in Ohio on this very hot, humid day. But I am happy for both of them. God’s gifts to Allan and I.
Today we had friends over for lunch after church. Since it was July1st I was compelled to go through my recipes and find the perfect dessert- aha! There it was! A strawberry dessert recipe given to me by Jill! Bob had just got the last of the Ontario strawberries the day before and she had passed this on to me knowing that Bob had Type 2 Diabetes.A crustless strawberry pie! It was enjoyed by all and then enjoyed again later that evening!!!! Thankyou Jill , and Happy “new”Birthday !!!!!!
Yes, “Happy “new” Birthday Jill…I thought about you off and on all day.