Friday, June 10, 2011

storytelling.

Oh, what a trying week. That is not a complaint, however, just a fact. Claire is feeling it too. I have had a lot on my mind, and she has been responding to that. She has been staying pretty close to me and has been really snuggly. I have needed it. Sam shared this quote and it perfectly describes my sweet girl and her devotion: "She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart." I am so thankful for Claire and for the comfort that she brings me. She is always there for me and just wants to be with me, no matter what is going on. I sat with her yesterday on the back porch and told her what was on my mind. She is a great listener. She laid down next to me and put her head in my lap while I told her about a dear friend...


Seven years ago yesterday, Melissa died of cancer. Since then, it is hard for me to not shut down on June 9th. The grief and sadness of that day in 2004 hits me - and it hits me hard - every year. Physical symptoms of grief reappear: my muscles ache, my head hurts, I lose my appetite, I'm exhausted, and I just get lost in my own thoughts. But despite how difficult June 9th continues to be, God always pulls me through by encouraging me and blessing me with little gifts from Melissa. Yesterday, as I was talking to Janice (Melissa's mom), I realized just how amazing it is to think of all of the lives, all of the stories, that God has knitted together through Melissa. No matter where her friends are - and we are scattered all over the world from Massachusetts to Cambodia - we are tied to each other in our love and memory of her. We reach out by phone, by email, by prayer to let each other know that, though no one else may understand what this day is like, we do. And what a blessing that is.

3 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry for your loss, Lauren. The anniversary of my Grandma's death was yesterday so it seems you and I are very much in sync.

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  2. My Grandma's birthday was June 8, so I think of her every year on that day more so than all of the other days. I'm sorry you lost your friend. Hold onto all those good memories of Melissa.

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  3. it is hard to believe so much time has gone by and still feels like yesterday - I am sorry for your loss, her mom and all Melissa's friends.

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