Counting My Blessings
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 22 seconds
A year ago, I felt I had completed the most challenging twelve months in my lifetime.
As the minute hand ticks inevitably toward 2022’s denouement, the hardships I carried a year ago have been subordinated but not eliminated.
I believe my grief journey is in my rearview mirror, but can humans demarcate such a dramatic change?
If I have stopped mourning Jan, it is because of my family, friends, and faith.
The year’s highlights were Celebrate Jan Day and welcoming my grandson Wes into the world.
He has his grandmother’s smile, and every photo brings me comfort and joy.
Jan is omnipresent when I walk thru her Memorial Garden in Hanson Park as her soul reunites with mine.
Standing in front of the Wind Sculpture, Jan’s angelic voice whispers fill my heart with love,
Richard, you are capable and strong, and I believe in you.
Despite Jan’s enduring love, I still have days when I weep uncontrollably.
I will always be grateful for your support and friendship, and my heartfelt prayer is for you and your loved ones to be blessed with a Healthy and Hopeful New Year!
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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As I pray every week at Temple Sha'arey Shalom, when we remember those we lost in this passage, one of our readings is: "Grief is a great teacher when it sends us back to serve and bless the living. We learn how to counsel and comfort those who, like ourselves, are bowed with sorrow. We learn when to keep silent in their presence and when a word will assure them of our love and concern."
