Letters to Taylor: On Singing Again My sweet girl, I am getting accustomed to the barren space in my world without you here. It’s strange how the pain still feels vast and deep, yet a numbness surrounds it. I don’t know how to compartmentalize the grief of losing you because you came from me and are a part of me. But the new routines of daily living are beginning to take shape and actually … [Read more...] about Letters to Taylor: On Singing Again
Encouragement
Letters to Taylor: On Change
Letters to Taylor:On Change Dear TayTay, Change sucks. Shh! Don’t tell anyone I used that word, because the kids aren’t allowed to say it. I never say it aloud. Just doesn’t sound ladylike. But what I mean is that change is almost always difficult. Though I’m working to find joy through the transition of adapting to life without you, sorrow still runs deep. We were creatures of … [Read more...] about Letters to Taylor: On Change
75 Bible Verses to Help Manage Grief
Life is hard. My heart is aching today for many reasons. If you've lost a loved one, then you know that life is never the same afterwards. One of the difficulties in losing my precious Taylor girl after 22 years of fighting MPS is that there is no finish line for the grieving process on this earth. I met with a wise friend last week who used the phrase, "We're managing grief." Grief never … [Read more...] about 75 Bible Verses to Help Manage Grief
Letters to Taylor: On Healing
Letters to Taylor: On Healing My Girl, I wonder what you are doing today. If you’ve had something really yummy to eat. If you’re singing new songs. If you’re looking forward to seeing us again or if you’re content with Jesus and your new knowledge and understanding, realizing that in his perfect timing, we’ll see each other again. I’m guessing it’s all of the above. I just can’t help but … [Read more...] about Letters to Taylor: On Healing
Letters to Taylor: On Gifts in Grief
Letters to Taylor: On Gifts in Grief Sweet Taylor, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to coming home without you here. You know I’m a homebody anyways. But part of the joy in our home was having you in it. I miss you so much. I’ve often thought of some friends, parents I know who lost their two children to heaven. Now they have an empty house with no children. My heart aches for them deeply … [Read more...] about Letters to Taylor: On Gifts in Grief
Letters to Taylor: On Emptiness
Letters to Taylor: On Emptiness Sweet T, I had a hard time sleeping last night. I don’t know if it’s because I’m thinking too much or if it’s because God is having me pray for others. Either way, I’m using the wake time to pray. In the wee hours this morning, I couldn’t stop thinking about your caregivers. I started praying for them because I felt so burdened. Especially for the current … [Read more...] about Letters to Taylor: On Emptiness
Letters to Taylor: On Expressions of Sympathy and Love
Letters to Taylor: On Expressions of Sympathy and Love My sweet girl, Four weeks ago today, our family followed the hurse holding your body as we made our way to the cemetery. In some ways, it seems like yesterday and in others, it would appear to have been years ago. I feel like I’ve aged more in the last six weeks than the last six years. Last week the house was busy during the … [Read more...] about Letters to Taylor: On Expressions of Sympathy and Love
Letters to Taylor: On Grief and Imagination
Letters to Taylor: On Grief and Imagination My dear Taylor, Each day since your graduation to heaven has left me wondering what grief lesson I have yet to learn. I could say that I miss you, but those three little words understate my true feelings. Emotional highs and lows grip my heart at random times and in unexplainable ways. To be only a five-letter word, grief surely packs a powerful … [Read more...] about Letters to Taylor: On Grief and Imagination