Tomorrow Will Be a Better Day!
Living Fully in a World Without Jan!
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 57 seconds
“We bought this t-shirt for you,” said Jon and Mike gleefully.
After unwrapping and unfurling the package, I read the message as my two boys and lovely wife laughed.
CONCRETE DAD: Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set in his ways!
Looks like you found the perfect gift for my birthday!”
I wore the shirt so often that after thirty years of wear and tear, I could not wear it anymore.
“Are you sure you want to discard the t-shirt, dear? I thought it was your favorite,” Jan laughed as she held the t-shirt full of holes before me.
“I can leave that one behind…”
As cute as the t-shirt was, I have rarely felt as if I was set in my ways.
When Jan, the love of my life, died, I did not know the future, but I was confident I was flexible enough to adapt.
Slowly, one day at a time, I accepted that grief was an outstanding teacher.
Once I did, I learned to live life fully.
The best days of my life are behind and ahead of me.
Last night I signed up to attend the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s Day of Action.
The last time I lobbied on The Hill was in July of 2018. I was sure that I would never do that again.
Five years later, I am signed up and ready to participate in the Power for Purpose, The Reform Movement’s 2023 Campaign for Climate Justice.
Jan will be with me in spirit as I walk the halls of Congress, and the evening I return will be her 2nd Yahrzeit.
By not being stuck in my ways but choosing to live fully, I know I am doing what Jan wanted me to do.
Our love and our commitment to repairing the world will endure forever!
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.
I receive a commission when you buy a book or product using a link on this page. Thank you for supporting Sharing Jan’s Love blog.
Choosing to Participate Fully in Life!
Afraid grief would destroy me; I chose to grow and actively participate in my life.
I celebrated Jan's life and helped build a memorial garden in Hanson Park.
Each of those baby steps helped me thru the darkest days of my grief.
But accepting that grief has been an outstanding teacher in my life, I have learned to live life fully.
By living fully, I know I am not only doing what Jan wanted me to do, but if we were to meet now, she would see someone she could love, not someone so drained by a loss that they are an empty shell.
Power for Purpose
Living Fully in a World Without Jan!
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 57 secondsAcross our Movement, we have worked together to protect our freedoms, empower leaders, and pursue racial justice. We continue to strive to create a world of peace and wholeness (shalom), justice and equity (tzedek), and belonging and joy (shayachut and simcha). Our work is not yet done. Learn more about how you can act to shape the future of the Reform Movement’s Campaign for Climate Justice.
