I received a card today. The content was a reminiscence of Jill. The intent was obviously for both remembrance, condolence and encouragement. That intent was fulfilled.
I immediately phoned Carol and thanked her. Since our children were little, and our journeying paths crossed, we have been friends. I consider her wisdom and love for both Jill and I one of the greatest gifts we received in our married life. And I can see that friendship is not broken even though, as Carol wrote, “Jill has completed her earthly pilgrimage and has gone on ahead to explore new horizons with the Shepherd of her soul, ‘I can only imagine.'”
Of course, that last phrase refers to a song – one of the great points of intersection in our lives. Carol continues to write music and I look forward to hearing more of her compositions.
Yes, Carol, sometimes a hand written card has impact. Thanks for your time and effort. I have over 200 other cards that sit in my file cabinet. They also express their thoughts of love and compassion. I am overwhelmed at the network Jill had built – a true and living monument to her that a granite headstone, or a bronzed plaque can never capture.
As Carol directs her ending thoughts towards me, hear these thoughts – perhaps they are for you today. May you “sense the presence of that same Good Shepherd in your journey through the uncertain terrain and shifting weather patterns of the Valley of the Shadows.”