GeorgeAnn, this gives so much insight into what you have walked through in this past year, and in many ways what I have walked through. I'm in no way comparing losing a child to addiction even close to losing a child in the way that you lost Ryan, but you were able to put into words things that I've struggled with, such as the isolation and the effect on our mental health.. I would add another: the feeling of wanting to speak of your child, especially with family, but often they don't want to, so it feels as if you have to keep silent. Especially at family gatherings.I call it being a placeholder.
I loved hearing about Ryan and all his interests. I'm pretty sure we could have tied for the 'worst garden' ever! And it brought to mind the tomato plants that sprung up in the ashes. And the music. It's so hard when they leave and the music goes with them. I'm going to share this with a new friend who's son took his own life. She still struggles and I feel that it would be a blessing to her. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Thinking of you during this season and praying that you have peace, comfort and joy and experience the hope of the season! 💜🙏
Thank you and I am glad it resonated with you, and I hope it will help your friend who lost her child. I was hoping to write something that not only honored the 1 year anniversary of his passing but also something that might encourage others who are struggling.
My heart goes out to you and I know you are fighting hard for your child. Nothing more important or impactful than a mother who is fighting for her children. I pray for your daughter’s redemption and recovery and I pray for you to have the strength you need. You are doing everything you can to help her and yet you help so many others that you meet in this journey. My prayers are also that your husband’s health improves and that you and your family will be blessed. 🙏♥️
I’m so sorry for your loss. I am a Catholic, and praying for the repose of the dead is a central part of my faith. I am going to Mass (church) this morning and will pray not only for your son’s soul but also for you and your family. May God bless you.
GeorgeAnn, bless you for having this kind of insight one year into the great sadness (Reference: The Shack). It's been almost 17 years since my boy went to heaven. He was 18. Thank you for sharing about Ryan ... what you wrote made me wish I had the chance to meet him. God bless you for facing your pain with faith, I don't think there's any other way. I don't know if there is a Compassionate Friends group near you, tomorrow (Sunday) night is their worldwide candle lighting ... with groups meeting around the world to honor their children who are no longer with them physically. (https://www.compassionatefriends.org/). I loved reading this post and will share it with some other bereaved parents who will appreciate it. Keep writing!
Thank you so much John. I appreciate the information about the candle lighting, not having one here but there is a chapter close by. I love the idea of doing it especially since it’s on the anniversary of his death. I signed up for the newsletter.
John I’m sorry that you lost your son. I know God is using you to bless others and I want you to know that I am on Chapter 7 of Merry Christmas to a Broken Heart and it’s definitely helping me.
God bless you and your family this Christmas and in the year to come. And keep writing, I will be recommending your books to my family and friends.
Thank you GeorgeAnn … your talent for writing, even when expressing sorrow … will be a blessing to many. I’m glad you are enjoying the book, I prayed it would be a blessing to whoever chose to read it. God’s blessings to you as well!
Georgeann, I too lost my 25 year old daughter on January 17, 2000, to an elliptic seizure while she slept. I think of her every day. I was at a total loss for a year after she passed. You don't get over it. It has taken me 24 years to write about it. You can read it on my Substack, "January 17th." Christmas is hard when you want all of your family to be together to celebrate and you know they aren't. I do believe my Elizabeth is teaching the angels how to ice skate in Heaven. And, she is probably also helping all the little children who have arrived in Heaven. That's who she is, a most loving and caring daughter.
God bless you and may He keep you save in His fold. Celebrate Christmas with your son tucked safely in your heart.
Thank you for your kind words Richard. I read your January 17 post and I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you know that your daughter is in heaven with the angels, and your faith is strong…especially with all you are going through now. My husband is a cancer survivor..,rare form of cancer related to agent orange Vietnam exposure. Took years for the cancer to be diagnosed, and the type of tumor he had caused a heart attack and several strokes before it metastasized and the doctors at VA and Vanderbilt diagnosed it. He had surgery and they removed most of it from his small intestine. It is an ongoing journey but God’s answered so many prayers. I know you are facing a difficult journey ahead but sounds like you have some excellent doctors so that is good.I will keep you in my prayers.
Keep writing and I’ll be following and praying and cheering for your recovery. May God bless you!
I am sorry, GeorgeAnn, for your loss, and for the difficult process of grieving, especially during the Holidays. I lost a baby, shortly after I gave birth to her, prematurely. It took me a long time to feel like smiling again. This was in 1972. But, even though I lost my Faith, briefly, God never lost faith in me. I am thinking of you, today, and your grace in sharing your grief experience, and how your Faith brought you comfort. Thank you for sharing, and may you have a blessed Christmas Season.
GeorgeAnn, this gives so much insight into what you have walked through in this past year, and in many ways what I have walked through. I'm in no way comparing losing a child to addiction even close to losing a child in the way that you lost Ryan, but you were able to put into words things that I've struggled with, such as the isolation and the effect on our mental health.. I would add another: the feeling of wanting to speak of your child, especially with family, but often they don't want to, so it feels as if you have to keep silent. Especially at family gatherings.I call it being a placeholder.
I loved hearing about Ryan and all his interests. I'm pretty sure we could have tied for the 'worst garden' ever! And it brought to mind the tomato plants that sprung up in the ashes. And the music. It's so hard when they leave and the music goes with them. I'm going to share this with a new friend who's son took his own life. She still struggles and I feel that it would be a blessing to her. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Thinking of you during this season and praying that you have peace, comfort and joy and experience the hope of the season! 💜🙏
Rosemary,
Thank you and I am glad it resonated with you, and I hope it will help your friend who lost her child. I was hoping to write something that not only honored the 1 year anniversary of his passing but also something that might encourage others who are struggling.
My heart goes out to you and I know you are fighting hard for your child. Nothing more important or impactful than a mother who is fighting for her children. I pray for your daughter’s redemption and recovery and I pray for you to have the strength you need. You are doing everything you can to help her and yet you help so many others that you meet in this journey. My prayers are also that your husband’s health improves and that you and your family will be blessed. 🙏♥️
I’m so sorry for your loss. I am a Catholic, and praying for the repose of the dead is a central part of my faith. I am going to Mass (church) this morning and will pray not only for your son’s soul but also for you and your family. May God bless you.
Thank you! May God bless you.
GeorgeAnn, bless you for having this kind of insight one year into the great sadness (Reference: The Shack). It's been almost 17 years since my boy went to heaven. He was 18. Thank you for sharing about Ryan ... what you wrote made me wish I had the chance to meet him. God bless you for facing your pain with faith, I don't think there's any other way. I don't know if there is a Compassionate Friends group near you, tomorrow (Sunday) night is their worldwide candle lighting ... with groups meeting around the world to honor their children who are no longer with them physically. (https://www.compassionatefriends.org/). I loved reading this post and will share it with some other bereaved parents who will appreciate it. Keep writing!
Thank you so much John. I appreciate the information about the candle lighting, not having one here but there is a chapter close by. I love the idea of doing it especially since it’s on the anniversary of his death. I signed up for the newsletter.
John I’m sorry that you lost your son. I know God is using you to bless others and I want you to know that I am on Chapter 7 of Merry Christmas to a Broken Heart and it’s definitely helping me.
God bless you and your family this Christmas and in the year to come. And keep writing, I will be recommending your books to my family and friends.
Thank you GeorgeAnn … your talent for writing, even when expressing sorrow … will be a blessing to many. I’m glad you are enjoying the book, I prayed it would be a blessing to whoever chose to read it. God’s blessings to you as well!
Georgeann, I too lost my 25 year old daughter on January 17, 2000, to an elliptic seizure while she slept. I think of her every day. I was at a total loss for a year after she passed. You don't get over it. It has taken me 24 years to write about it. You can read it on my Substack, "January 17th." Christmas is hard when you want all of your family to be together to celebrate and you know they aren't. I do believe my Elizabeth is teaching the angels how to ice skate in Heaven. And, she is probably also helping all the little children who have arrived in Heaven. That's who she is, a most loving and caring daughter.
God bless you and may He keep you save in His fold. Celebrate Christmas with your son tucked safely in your heart.
Thank you for your kind words Richard. I read your January 17 post and I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you know that your daughter is in heaven with the angels, and your faith is strong…especially with all you are going through now. My husband is a cancer survivor..,rare form of cancer related to agent orange Vietnam exposure. Took years for the cancer to be diagnosed, and the type of tumor he had caused a heart attack and several strokes before it metastasized and the doctors at VA and Vanderbilt diagnosed it. He had surgery and they removed most of it from his small intestine. It is an ongoing journey but God’s answered so many prayers. I know you are facing a difficult journey ahead but sounds like you have some excellent doctors so that is good.I will keep you in my prayers.
Keep writing and I’ll be following and praying and cheering for your recovery. May God bless you!
Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable post. Full of insight that can only come from God. Bless you.
You are welcome and thank you for reading and commenting on the post. God bless you.
I am sorry, GeorgeAnn, for your loss, and for the difficult process of grieving, especially during the Holidays. I lost a baby, shortly after I gave birth to her, prematurely. It took me a long time to feel like smiling again. This was in 1972. But, even though I lost my Faith, briefly, God never lost faith in me. I am thinking of you, today, and your grace in sharing your grief experience, and how your Faith brought you comfort. Thank you for sharing, and may you have a blessed Christmas Season.
Than you Sharon. Appreciate your kind words. May you have a blessed Christmas as well.
Thanks for sharing this GeorgeAnn. I hope helped you, I know it will help others.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for restacking my post.