It has been almost three months since my Sweetie left me...not of his own accord. I think a divorce would be harder in many ways. Don tried so hard to stay with me but the cancer was stronger than he was. Life moves on for me.
I still am picking up the pieces of my life. I still have most of Don's clothes. I have given some of the things away. I have given his service bag to a young father who was in need of a good bag to make calls. I have given his first meeting bag and his house to house record book to a young man who is thirteen and making good spiritual progress. I hope it inspires him to treasure the gift of the knowledge of Jehovah in his heart. At thirteen he is such a nice wholesome young man. His name is Alex. Don would be pleased with both of these choices. I am trying to match the item with the person. Grandson Brian has Don's Bible that he used when he gave public talks. He used that Bible when he gave a talk in Toledo, Ohio District Convention. I was so proud of his courage.
I went shopping yesterday and purchased a treadmill. Don and I had talked about getting one for the winter. I can now get my doctor-suggested 30 minutes of walking 3 times a week. I have a friend Carol who likewise is going to walk on hers. She and I will encourage each other. She is in her fifties but not in as good as health as I am.
I had a busy weekend. I went out in the ministry for about 3 hours on Saturday then went with 3 friends to see the chic flick "You again." It was a riot. Then on Sunday after the morning meeting, I took some young people with me and an older friend, Marline, to the cider mill. What a nice time we had. I am speaking for myself but the other four seemed to really enjoy it...especially the cider and donuts and the walk. We went to Yates Cider Mill on Mound and 23 mile Road.
I passed another birth milestone. I am now 72. Because I do not celebrate birthdays, it was not too bad but it was a disquieting reminder that this is the first birthday since I was 16 that my sweetheart Don was not by my side. Quite an empty spot that guy left. So much of him is still left in my mind and heart.
I have planted the bulbs that Don ordered from Brecks. I have plans to move his favorite one -the ice cream tulip - to his grave in spring after it blooms and his gravestone is set.
I am planning to go over to the grave with Betty, Don's sister, on Friday. I will pick up a pretty mum to put on his grave for the winter and one of the stones from his funeral flowers that reads: If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. Insightful, because we (Don and I) believe that the love of Jehovah and Jesus will someday open up the situation where we will live forever on earth. I dream of that day and I don't consider it a pipe dream or pie in the sky. Am I dating myself by using those old fashioned expressions?
It is after nine in the evening so I will sign off for now. I was told that some people were still checking Don's Blog to see an update. If you are, let me know and I will keep posting on it. If not, I will stop.
The many prayers in my behalf have strengthened me to face the winter and the future with a smile on my face. Life is precious even if I am now finishing mine by myself.
