Beginning This Year with a Loss

Friday, January 6, 2017

We traveled to a warmer climate for the Christmas holidays, and spent the days with family and friends.  The temps were warmer than usual while we were there, and I don't think we even once wore a coat or jacket while we were there!  A special time was had with all those who we visited with. In fact, we had no idea just how special those times would be to us, now just a few days later.

Returning home was a bit of a temperature shock as we arrived late in the evening at the airport, and found quite a bit of snow on our vehicle awaiting us and below zero temperatures.  We had received close to 2 feet of snow while we were gone!  After coming from 80 degree weather, yes, it was a bit of a temperature shock! But we were mentally prepared for it, and I really couldn't wait to see all the snow that we had received.


Thankfully our vehicle was easily cleaned off, and we made it home safely.


When we arrived home, we were not able to get in our driveway and had to park in a neighbor's yard for the night.  We were aware of the amount of snow we had received, and our friend who was to plow our driveway had his vehicle break down, so we knew that the problem existed before we got home. As you can see, the next morning, as we got up, the sun was shining, and it was the most beautiful sight to see.


My garden, now completely covered in a thick white blanket of snow.


Just a little idea of how much snow we had gotten, piled up on the lid of my winterized compost pile a.k.a. a trash can.

A dear neighbor came over and offered to plow our driveway for us.  We were working on getting the tractor started, and this lessened that load as this was one less thing that needed done.  The roofs needed shoveling due to the weight of the snow that had been received while we were gone.



 Shoveling off the roof of our storage trailer.


... and the roof of my new greenhouse...  We use a long snow rake to remove the snow.


My little greenhouse, now almost completely bundled in snow.


Cleaning off the roof of the chicken coop...


Swoosh!  Such fun!


Our wonderful and amazing neighbor showed up to plow our driveway for us.  What a blessing that was!


A tree stump decorated with a topping of snow.


Annie-girl, quite happy to be walking in the path we had carved out in the snow, lol!

So, we were just settling into being back home and getting things unpacked, while dealing with such things as replacing the mailbox that the snowplow had taken out, my van that had suddenly decided it didn't want to start, as well as the tractor not wanting to start (due to the extreme cold we have had this week down to 15 below zero for several nights) -  when I received a call from my precious mother-in-love telling us that "Daddy" (my husband's father) wasn't doing well at all.  His condition has been deteriorating for the last several months, but none of us expected that it would be this sudden.  An hour later, he had passed, quietly, peacefully, with my dear mother-in-law by his side, holding his hand.  We had spent a wonderful Christmas with them both, having no idea that his passing would happen so soon. Precious memories of our time with them comforted our hearts as we praised the Lord that we had the special time with them this year, not even knowing that it would be our last moments spent with him, and so we grieve for the loss of his passing, and the hole that his presence leaves in the family.

Due to the expense of the flight, and having just been there, it was decided that only my husband would be there for the funeral.  The funeral will be Saturday.  Our hearts are grieving his loss, and wishing we could be there to share this time of sorrow with the family and my dear mother-in-law who, for the last 56 years of her married life has loved and cared for him, and is deeply missing the loss of his presence in her life.

We are reminded as this New Year begins so eventfully, that life is so short, and that each memory and time spent with loved ones, is precious, and very special.  I remember taking some videos of our time with my husband's parents, not even realizing just how soon that time would be when those videos would be precious memories there for us to remember him by.

So today, hug your loved ones, love each one deeply and cherish the moments spent with them.  Life passes so quickly, just like the short dash between the date of our birth and death.  While this New Year for us has come bringing with it sorrow and grieving, yet I know that the Lord's hand is with us all, and we are comforted in His care.































68 comments

  1. Condolences, SUI to you and your family. How fortunate you are to have spent this last Christmas with your FIL. Lots of great memories to cherish!

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    1. Thank you for your condolences, they mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas.

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  2. Oh Marilyn....my prayers are with you dear friend. Praying that as the days pass, the memories will linger long after. In His Peace, mari

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    1. Thank you Mari, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. Hugs to you today :)

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  3. So sorry to hear of the passing of your father-in-law. It's so hard on the remaining spouse to adjust to living without their constant companion. It was nice that you spent the time together without knowing what was to come as you spent it without grieving over him while he was full of life.
    Wendy

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    1. Thank you Wendy, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your kind words!

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  4. I am so sorry for your loss, Marilyn...keeping you in prayer...

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    1. Thank you Linda, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas, and the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your kind words!

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  5. So sad for your loss, but grateful you have such sweet "last" memories of your dear father in law. Thankful you all are home safe, will be praying for comfort and another safe trip for your husband. Jamie, a reader who enjoys your gratitude-filled and beautiful blog...peace to you and your family.

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    1. Thank you Jamie, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your kind words!

      Also, thank you for letting me know you are a faithful reader, that means so much! Blessings and hugs to you today :)

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  6. Thankful you have the sweet memories of recent time spent together. Sorry for your loss and sending prayers as you grieve and heal.

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    1. Thank you Wendi, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers and thoughts!

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  7. I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear father in law. What a blessing it was that you were there to enjoy Christmas with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your hubby.

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    1. Thank you Kitty, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  8. I am so sorry that your FIL passed away so quickly. What a blessing that you were able to spend his last earthly holiday with him. I am sure that will help in the healing that there are no regrets as to 'oh-I wish we had seen him one last time'. Maybe having you there gave him complete fulfillment and the ability to let go easily.

    Your surroundings are just beautiful. As much as I don't like the cold and snow there is a certain beauty in it and your spot is especially pretty.

    I hope you have a good weekend even as you are mourning. xo Diana

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    1. You are so right, we are so thankful that we had the time at Christmas with him! We had no idea it would be our last, and there are no regrets there, so thankful for that! I took lots of videos of him too, and the last video I took, he waved goodbye to the camera. We had no idea just how that would be the last memory we have of him. So thankful though, that we did.

      There is a beauty to the snow that just warms your heart, even if it is cold outside! I love it so much.

      Appreciate your thoughts and prayers, Diana, they mean so much. Blessings and hugs to you today.

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  9. I'm so sorry for your loss. Life is uncertain and fragile, and only God knows our days. Today you will be missing everyone as they gather to remember your FIL - may God grant comfort and peace as you mourn.

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    1. Thank you Lorrie, your thoughts and words mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Hugs to you today :)

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  10. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time with your "In-Loves."
    I'm still shaking my head, God is good.

    By the way, your neighbor's truck is adorable!!

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    1. Yes, I love that old truck of our neighbor's, and it did an amazing job of plowing for us too!

      We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your kind words :)

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  11. I am so sorry to read of your loss, Marilyn. What joy in your sorrow to have those sweet memories of these past holiday moments with your in-laws...I understand that doesn't erase the fact that your "daddy" in law is gone....try to take comfort in the fact that he is resting in the arms of "his" Daddy...ALIVE and well!
    Love to you dear girl.
    Debbie
    xo

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    1. Thank you Debbie, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  12. I am truly sorry for your loss, but I do rejoice with you that you were able to spend some good time together before your dear FIL left for his heavenly home. Isn't it wonderful to know that this life is not our final destination...and that we have eternity together to look forward to? But in the meantime we miss our dear loved ones so. Praying for your family, especially your husband and his mother, and extended family today.

    The snow pictures were so beautiful. And I know you are grateful for such wonderful neighbors who came to your assistance! Stay warm and safe!

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    1. Thank you Pamela, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  13. Oh Marilyn...I am so sorry for the loss of yiur father in law. You and your family will be in my prayers.

    So glad you are home safe and sound. Stay warm my friend!

    Sending hugs your way!
    Amy

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    1. Thank you Amy, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  14. I'm so sorry for your loss. 😢

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  15. I'm so sorry to hear of your family's loss. I am very thankful that you got to spend that last bit of time together. That is amazing!

    It is cold and snowy here, too, so I've busted out the books and knitting to keep myself occupied while the cold days pass us by.

    I hope you are all able to find comfort in this new year. May you be blessed abundantly.

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    1. Thank you Ang, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper.

      Knitting and some good books sound like a great way to pass the winter days!

      Thanks again for your prayers and kind words :)

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  16. Oh, Marilyn, I wish I could wrap you in a big hug and share the love of Jesus with you.
    Father God, I thank you that you allowed this family the precious memories of Christmas together. I pray that you will strengthen and comfort the family, especially the wife left behind after so many years together. Please show them the blessings and provide for them. God comfort them as time passes and loneliness sets in. Help them through this. I ask it all in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

    Bless you my friend,
    Laura

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    1. Thank you for that precious prayer, it means so much to us to have others praying! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  17. Marilyn, I am so very sorry to hear of this. My sympathies to you, your husband and the rest of your family. What a wonderful gift you were given to be able to have this great visit together. May the Lord give peace and strength as you grieve this great loss. ♥Hugs♥

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    1. Thank you Debby, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  18. I am so sorry to hear of your father in law's passing. I send prayers out to you, your husband, your family and your mother in law as she navigates the world without him. I am glad you were blessed with a visit at Christmas...

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    1. Thank you Kim, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  19. Oh, so sorry your new year started with such a loss. I think it was wonderful timing to have spent time with him over Christmas. Your memories are good and still fresh. Your homecoming snow is just beautiful!

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    1. Thank you AnnMarie, your thoughts and kind words mean so much! The snow is truly beautiful, we are getting a lot of it this year :)

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  20. Our prayers continue for you and your family.
    What a blessing that you were able to spend Christmas together and to have that video to look back on for years to come will certainly encourage your hearts.
    Thinking of your dear MIL during this time. God's blessings be upon her.

    You came home to a lot of tasks, but the Lord sure took care of them with the love and help of your friends and neighbors. God lives is so much!

    Settle in and find rest in the Lord, sweet friend.
    Much love to you~~

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    1. Thank you Debbie, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. It was a lot to deal with as we got home, but thankfully all now is well. Appreciate your prayers so much, we certainly felt the prayers of everyone praying for us! Hugs to you today :)

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  21. My dear friend! Words cannot express how much our hearts go out to you at this time. May the God of all comfort just bless you and hold you close. 56 years is a long time, and your dear mother-in-law's heart must be so shattered by the loss of one who has been with her for so many years. I trust God will be especially near to her, especially, and also to your dear husband and bring him home safe to you. The Lord knows our end before our beginning, and He surely orchestrated the time you spent together at Christmas. Sending you big hugs and lots of love and praying much for you.

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    1. Thank you Cheryl, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. We appreciate your prayers so much, we have felt the prayers of everyone hold us up through this. Appreciate you and your faithful precious friendship! Hugs to you today!

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  22. I feel so sad for you and your family at the passing of your precious father-in-law, Marilyn. How wonderful you were all able to spend such precious times over Christmas, with him and your mother-in-law; precious memories that you will all hold close to your hearts forever. Your wintry wonderland is mesmerising. Everything looks so beautiful clothed in snow. What wonderful friends and neighbours you have to lend a helping hand. Thinking of and praying for you at this time, lovely lady. Sending you a basket full of hugs wrapped up in love. Xx

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    1. Thank you Kim, your prayers mean so much! I know that you experienced the loss of someone close to you recently, and know just how appreciated the prayers are to get through the grieving. We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers! And yes, the beautiful winter scenes abounding around me have helped me to have peace through it all. Appreciate you and your prayers so very much!

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  23. I send you my sincere sympathies on the loss of a family member. How wonderful that you had had that time together, and made memories for you both.

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    1. Thank you Barbara, your prayers are so appreciated! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  24. Marilyn, I found you! Thank you so much for the sweet Christmas card. My computer crashed completely a few months ago and I lost so much of my data, links, emails etc. I've a new computer now and started blogging on withtwigsandbranches (you can click on my profile name and it should take you there). I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law's passing. May God comfort your family with lovely memories of times spent with him. {{HUGS}}

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    1. Oh Gina! I'm so happy to have reconnected with you again! I'm sorry to hear about your troubles with the computer crash, those things are so tough to deal with! I will be by to visit you soon! Appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers! Hugs to you today :)

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  25. I am so sorry for you all. I will be praying comfort.

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    1. Thank you Chrissy, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  26. Marilyn,
    I am sending prayers. God is so good in that you were able to spend the Christmas season with your family all together.
    Prayers and love,
    Carla

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    1. Thank you Carla, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  27. P.S. I love your neighbors truck. How fun, a perfect snowplow truck.

    P.S.S Marilyn, if you feel comfortable, may I have your address.
    Carla

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    1. Isn't that a unique truck, I just love it! I sent you my address in an email. Hugs to you dear friend!

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  28. (((HUGS))) and prayers to you all. So sorry!

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    1. Thank you Teresa, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  29. Oh Marilyn, I am so sorry for you and your husband's loss. What a shock that was...and what a blessing it was that you could spend so much time with them before he passed. May God take him in his arms to heaven, and soothe your aching hearts in this time of sorrow.
    You are in my prayers...
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you Ceil, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  30. I'm so sorry for your loss, Marilyn - how wonderful that you were able to spend time with 'daddy' over the holidays, at least you will always have those memories. xoxo

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    1. Thank you my friend! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your visit and comforting words!

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  31. I am so very sorry for your loss, Marilyn, you are in my thoughts. A big big hug.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Thank you for that hug! I felt it in a very special way! Appreciate you and your faithful friendship :)

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  32. I will be praying for your family, Marilyn. So very sorry for your loss, but also very thankful that you now have the wonderful memories of Christmas just past with your loved ones.

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    1. Thank you Mrs. T, your prayers mean so much! We are indeed comforted with the special memories from Christmas. My MIL is holding up as well as can be expected. It is hard to lose someone you have lived 56 years with. But the Lord is our helper. Thanks again for your prayers!

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  33. Marilyn, I am so behind on my blog reading and I just saw this today. I am so sorry for the loss of your father in law. I am glad though that you were able to spend precious time with him just days before he passed. What a blessing that is. My love and prayers are with you and your family my friend. (((((HUGS)))))

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  34. I am sorry to hear of your loss. My father passed away unexpectedly but not before he held my newborn daughter. Eight weeks later he was gone. God is truly good and I praise Him. Saying prayers for you and your family.

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