Two Years Later, Jan is Still With Me!
Love Transcends Physical Boundaries
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 47 seconds
This morning was different from my usual wake-up routine. It’s hard to explain, but everything felt a bit off.
A notification on my iPhone caught my eye as I prepared for my morning walk. Today is May 3, which means it’s Wes’s ten-month birthday. I always remember this day, but this year is especially tough because it’s been two years since Jan died.
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been two years since she died. I miss her so much, and sometimes the pain will never disappear. But she would want me to keep moving forward and remember the good times we shared. So today, I’ll celebrate Wes’s birthday and remember all of the happy memories Jan and I created together.
When I lost Jan two years ago, my world fell apart, and I wasn’t sure how I could go on without her. However, with the help of my family, faith, friends, and fellow widows, I managed to cope and learned to share her passion when all that was left of her was love. My grief has slowly become a thing of the past.
On days like this, I’m reminded of a quote by Viktor E. Frankl, “Love is the ultimate goal in life,” and I know that Jan and I achieved that goal. Our love transformed us into better versions of ourselves, and I’m genuinely grateful for that. Even though Jan is no longer here with me, her love continues to surround me. Instead of grieving, I choose to celebrate her life.
During my walk, I focused on the beautiful memories of falling in love with Jan rather than the pain of losing her. I thought about when she told me she loved me for the first time, and I knew I had found true love. Although Wes will never meet Jan, I plan to share her passion with him so he, too, can experience the joy of true love.
Next week, I’ll be honoring and remembering Jan and other loved ones who have passed away, along with the members of my congregation at Temple Sha’arey Shalom on her second Yahrzeit. This commemoration will inspire me to do good deeds for her soul’s merit, which ascends higher in heaven on that date.
It can be challenging to grapple with two opposing truths. Jan is still with me in spirit, yet she’s not physically here. However, our love transcends physical boundaries; I’ll always hold that close to my heart.
Jan taught me that the only way to live is to help each other and work together to repair the world. The last two years have only reinforced that truth. On this second anniversary, I vow to be there for anyone going through a similar experience. Let’s support one another and share our loved ones’ legacies.
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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Background on the Photo
Love Transcends Physical Boundaries
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 47 secondsI’ve received several inquiries about the picture showcased in this post. It’s a stunning snapshot taken in Central Park back in 1974 that manages to capture the essence of love and affection perfectly. The radiant smile on Jan’s face in the black-and-white photo is genuinely captivating, and the photographer’s impressive skill has managed to freeze such a unique and romantic moment in time.
It’s truly remarkable how a single photograph can hold so much inspiration and influence. Gazing at this picture takes me back in time, stirring up a sense of nostalgia and rekindling all those emotions that Jan and I experienced. It’s a powerful reminder that true, lasting love is something that we should all aspire to achieve.
