Wednesday, August 10, 2011

36 Hours


In 36 hours (one year ago) my husband died.

This morning (one year ago) I kissed my living, breathing husband goodbye for the last time. 

He was to return to our beach house in 36 hours to continue our family vacation. He had a doctor appointment on Monday, August 9th. and a big drilling job to complete on Tuesday, the 10th. He was going to rejoin us Wednesday morning, August 11th.

We walked the dog on the beach Monday morning, as was our ritual, then had coffee and breakfast before he headed out for the one hour trip back home and work. I remember standing in the driveway of the beach house and he kissed me goodbye. I remember saying to him that "that was no goodbye kiss and did he want to go back in the house" LOL.... 
I know, I know, too much information - but we were in love.

I wonder if somehow he knew. Somehow, on a cellular level, did he sense that we would never see each other alive again?

It took this picture of him that morning of our walk on the beach. You may remember. 

No footprints in the sand. 




 In 36 hours (one year ago) I would fall to my knees and scream out his name. Over and over again. 

I would go numb with disbelief and despair and I would begin a journey that no one (if you have not lost) could imagine.

In 36 hours I will mark the one year passing of the love of my life; the father of my children, my best friend, the man who adored me and I him (beyond reason).

In 36 hours I will honor his memory and remember our life together. I will marvel that I have survived. I will wonder what comes next. 

In 36 hours I will begin another chapter. The end of the "firsts" and the beginning of a year of unknown territory.

In 36 hours I will once again thank God that I have had the support of family and friends who have set their own lives aside to sit with me, to hold me, to insist I come with them on some journey or adventure or family BBQ or get together. To hold me in my grief, to cry with me. To understand. To help me to breathe. To mention his name when no one else wants to. I once again thank my friends and family who understand my need to talk about TBHITW - to remember, to laugh, to cry and then to laugh again. To embrace his life and sit through my endless recounting of it. Thank You. I love you. I could not have survived without you.

In 36 hours I will crumble into myself for a bit, then rise again and thank the god's (or GOD as you know Him) that He gave me this amazing man - for a least a brief moment in time. A man who loved and honored me and his children and his family above all earthly things. A man beyond imagination. A man (and a human being) who was taken too soon, but from whom we could all learn a lesson in loving from. 

Recipes Soon. I promise. 

Linda AKA TGC


12 comments:

  1. You have been on my mind so much these last few weeks. Knowing such a dreadful anniversary is coming and hoping you are able be with those closest now.
    HUGS!

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  2. I also hope you will have your family close by during this anniversary. You have done so well under terrible circumstances and I am proud to call you my friend.
    Odie

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  3. Dear Linda, be kind to yourself, light a candle for Jim, I hope the next 36 hours pass gently for you. xx

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  4. I am thinking of you as I watch my friend, Patti, begin her own journey of firsts. Sending only good thoughts your way.

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  5. I am so sorry you lost Jim, and at the same time I am so grateful you have shared your life with us this past year. Thank you for that. Much love and blessings to you now and in the future.

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  6. You have some wonderful memories of you times with Jim and they will last you a lifetime.

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  7. I have been thinking about you today and always. Sending you peace, hugs and hope. Please take care of yourself. Thank you again for sharing Jim, your recipes and you. xoxo

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  8. God bless. If I could give you a big hug right now, I would.

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  9. Take care Linda! I'm thinking of you and sending prayers..

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  10. I've been thinking about you, as I knew the anniversary of his death would be coming soon. As others have said, thank you so much for sharing so openly. I wish you new peace and healing in the year to come.

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Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I love feedback... what with being a cook and all. I will respond to your comments via email (if you do not have a "noreply" address or here, below your comment) As always, Bon Appetite!

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