Today in Atlanta is the memorial service for Donica's cousin-in-law, Sam, who finally lost her 5-year battle with colon cancer. She was only 55.
Last week I was in the Holland polder outside of Amsterdam, taking pictures with Astrid near her home. When I saw this weeping willow, I immediately thought of Sam and took this for her, knowing her days were numbered.
This is what I said on Shutterchance today:
We have loved you in Life, Sam, and will love you in death.
We will see you again. Prepare a place for us!
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalms 30:5)
Tomorrow Donica and I fly home to Atlanta on the same plane! We will miss today's service but there will be another one later for all of us who don't make it today.
We're so thankful.
Please pray for Theresa (Sam's partner) and the rest of Donica's family.
We've known this was coming but it's still a severe grief.
My deepest sympathy for Sam's passing away, the weeping willow is just a symbol of this moment, Sam is free from all her sorrows and pain, she is free with the wind, I do hope you find comfort with these thoughts. You know I am in this polder about 3 times a week, running away my miles in wind, cold, rain, snow and I am there when the sun rises, she would have loved to be there.
ReplyDeleteThe wind takes all the sorrow and pain and replaces it with joy. My thougths and prayers are with Theresa, to find the threnght to 'accept' and my prayers also for you, Donica and family.
Please give Donica our sympathy. Even though something is expected, going through it is always different than you think it will be.
ReplyDeleteTraveling mercies to you both.
I'm glad to hear there will be another service you two can attend. When I read your post at Shutterchance, I saw you were missing today's.
ReplyDeleteWhat a young woman, and it really does make you grieve in a different way when someone is so young. You feel like you've been robbed. But I'm grateful her struggle is over.
All best to Donica and you, and to Theresa and the rest of the family.
My sympathy and good wishes to Donica, her extended family, and to yourself, Ginnie. Sam was so young, so many years should have been ahead of her to enjoy. I'm sure she will be remembered fondly by her family and her partner.
ReplyDeletePeace.
Astrid: Your words rest my soul, mijn vriend. Ontzettend bedankt!
ReplyDeleteMrs. M: There's ALWAYS the final shock, Shari, you're right. Thank you. It means the world to both of us.
Ruth: Yes, it is true. It seems so much harder when they are young! Thank you for your sweet condolences.
Ex-S: Thank you for your kind words. We have a lot to remember in Sam, so the grief is harder. Maybe the joy will also be better, when it comes.
You and Donica's family are in my thoughts and prayers, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I hope when the time feels right, you can share some of your beloved memories. Her spirit lives on. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDear you,
ReplyDeletewe our age did early learn loss of family.
It's allways hard.
I've met sudden deaths too often in the great company I'm working for. Even at work.
So, when my father died (-89) i picked up my kids to "talk" to him for the last time.We did. With joy.
Then - wonderful replica of Holland just now.
You, that travel so much, read my intro to my daughters post to come.
hugs
what a beautiful tribute!
ReplyDeleteAnd how wonderful it is to fly together....
I'm so sorry to read this, Ginnie. How very sad for all of you to lose a loved one. Wishing you strength...
ReplyDeleteHave a safe trip home, my friend. We'll be in touch.
I am sorry that you are coming home (Atlanta home) to such a sorrowful occasion. My sympathy goes out to you all.
ReplyDeleteGinnie MY thought's are with You, Donica and all her family. You are a great comfort and I know you are a rock to all concerned.
ReplyDeleteMad: Thank you ever so much! That means a lot to both of us.
ReplyDeleteTor: You and I are old enough to have seen many loved ones die. But it's always hardest when they are younger than we are!
ET: Thank you. We really cared for her!
Christina: We're home safe-n-sound, thankfully. Thank you, my friend. I hope you're feeling better!
Karen: Thank you for this kind sentiment!
Lurch: These are times to be a rock, Tracy! We are a rock to each other, as it should be. Thank you.
I will share in your sorrow, but look to the sun.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for Donica's and your loss Ginnie! You know Diane lost her Mom some month ago for the same cancer reason and she was 62 - like yours: far to young. So we both know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteThe comfort is that they don't suffer no more.
It is never easy for when we loose a loved one no matter how much we expect it to happen. But to know that there is no more pain for them is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteWoW...a very beautifully captured shot!
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for your loss. I lost my mother to cancer just a few months ago - it is a difficult time. I love the weeping willow, lovely and symbolic.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read this, Ginnie! My sympathy and thought go out to Donica and to you.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful thoughtful photo for a very sad though expected event. My prayers are with all of you.
ReplyDelete