I vividly remember the moment the words sank into my mind. It was a few days after mom’s funeral. We were sitting around the kitchen table going through cards and kind notes filled with sweet memories of mom. A tender moment for each of us.
Turning the pages in mom’s address book, looking up addresses for the thank you notes we were preparing I came upon a curious piece of scratch paper. Immediately I recognized my Grandma Wiggins’ handwriting. It was just a grocery list. She always had a list. Just holding it in my hand brought back sweet memories.
Grandma was notorious for saving everything that could be repurposed – wait – was that even a word back then? She cut up every envelope that came in the mail and always had a ready stack to make a list or scribble a note or keep score when we played games for hours.
Something made me turn it over – curiosity maybe – maybe wanting to prolong that moment of reconnecting with my sweet childhood – maybe to remember that time when mom was a young mother with five kiddos always keeping her busy – dinner was always ready when dad got home from work.
Maybe just wanting to remember mom whole and not broken.
It was part of a newsletter dated 1962 from a children’s home grandpa and grandma supported. I was holding a piece that came toward the end of the report. I read the first sentence, but the second part resonated so deeply in my heart.
I don’t know who wrote the newsletter – I would love to give them credit for these words.
“We cannot let our achievements obscure the fact that so much remains to be done; they should instead inspire us to an even greater effort.”
This is so beautiful to me. This is why I can eagerly anticipate tomorrow. It is a chance to continue in life. Moving forward on my journey through grief and life.
Join me.
It is my prayer that this touched you as much as it did me and fills you up with a great desire to carry on. Life is full of obstacles most of us never imagined we would face.
So, whatever crazy things happened today in your world – remember – tomorrow is about living inspired to carry on!
Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Peace, joy, and happiness to you,
Janet
You have had amazing role models. Such wisdom!