This past Saturday marked one year since my amazing husband died. I wondered how the day would feel. Would I celebrate his one-year heavenly birthday, mourn his loss, look at pictures, relive the horrible day, all of the above, or something else altogether? While we commemorate certain holidays, many life transitions (both the encouraging and the oh-so-hard ones) often pass by us unmarked. Un-commemorated. Unconfronted. I believe this often makes transitions more difficult to pass through, leaving us emotionally stuck.
I note in the Bible how often transitions, big and small, were commemorated. Stones of remembrance were stacked. Feasts were held. Garments were torn. Bread was broken. Altars were built. I find it helpful to mark transitions rather than just letting them slide by. It helps me, although I realize that people have different ways of processing transitions. This is not a “one size fits all” thought process.
I knew I did not want to simply dread this one-year anniversary so in preparation, I talked with God about what might be most helpful. Perhaps the Spirit put some thoughts in my head, but by whatever means they arrived, they were helpful. Saturday was deeply meaningful and special.
I considered that as a family it might help us to “mark” the day. So, on Saturday we each took several hours for a spiritual retreat. We went out in nature, Wyndham’s favorite place to be on this side of heaven. God blessed the day with unseasonably warm, gorgeous weather. One of us went to a riverside, another to the cleft in a rock at the reservoir, and several others to the ocean. I went to our special beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, a place where we had spent many Mondays walking, praying, talking, dreaming, and planning. It felt more inspiring than sad to be there. As I felt the sun warming my face and the waves gently sliding over the sand I sang, listened to spiritual music, read, journaled, prayed, and listened to learn. We all began our times with an intent to still our hearts–to breathe in as we invited the Spirit to fill our hearts and breathe out the distractions and anxieties. It is truly hard to be so still of heart that we can hear God well. At least it is for me. As we each “retreated,” we reflected and journaled some of the following questions:
- What do you most remember Papa saying to you that you carry with you? What do you think he would most want to say to you today?
- What do you think God would want to say to you today?
- What is at least one way this very hard year has most helped you grow spiritually?
- What is a scripture or song that has helped sustain you this past year?
- What are your best memories from this year?
- What are you most grateful to God for as you think through His work in your life this year?
- What are a few of your favorite thoughts/hopes about heaven?
This was a helpful, meaningful exercise for me, and for each of us. We also commemorated November 21 as our first annual “Pay it Forward for Papa Day.” In honor of him, we would each decide to do some special good deeds in honor of him. This was fun, meaningful, and fitting.
We ended the night with a several-hour Zoom call where we each shared the meaningful highlights from the day. It was honest, vulnerable, full of laughter, and full of tears. I treasure that time.
I also took a few pictures of my time at the beach. I captured a father and child frolicking hand in hand, sharing pure joy. 
I felt grateful to have a Father who takes my hand. I accompanied this view with the song “Precious Lord, take my hand…lead me on, let me stand….Through the storms, through the night, lead me on to the light…precious Lord, take my hand, lead me home.” Not sure if the lyrics are correct, but they work for me.
I then saw kayakers set out through the sparkling water to a destination I couldn’t see. This scene reminded me of my new journey…one in which I must trust God because I don’t know exactly where it will take me. 
I then noted a young couple who walked toward the water and ever so calmly and gently glided their swimsuit-clad bodies into the ocean without even a second’s hesitation. They walked in as if the ocean was bathwater and floated neck-deep in the frigid 51-degree water. (Yes, I Googled the temperature.) 
After about ten minutes of their stillness in the water, I lost track of my prayers and tried to remember my college life-saving class techniques just in case I would need to retrieve hypothermic floaters. Fortunately, they calmly and slowly walked back to shore and dabbed themselves with towels. As I had watched them walk into the frigid water without hesitation I thought of the song “Oceans,” and the lyrics spoke to me. Can I walk out that calmly or would I be wailing and screaming with the discomfort?
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine.
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior.
Though it has been an inexpressibly hard year, perhaps it has been a year where I have grown most. One step at a time. 
God has greatly blessed me beyond what words can convey. I am deeply grateful. I pray you will have a meaningful Thanksgiving as you count your blessings.
I love this Jeanie, so full of hope and meaning for us all. We love you so much – Jack & Gail Frederick
Thank you, Jack. Love you and your family so much.
Beautiful words and such a meaningful way to remember a great man! I took a screen-shot of your questions. These are good ones to ask at our very small Thanksgiving dinner this year. The way you have handled this year spiritually is a great example to us all. I love you sister!
We loved talking through these questions. I love and miss you and appreciate you so much. Your encouragement means a lot to me. Much love, Jeanie
Love you so much, Lisa.
Thanks for sharing through the years. Your thoughts and vulnerability has uplifted and inspired me personally, as I’m sure it has many others. Going on 50 years I have known you, so grateful for your journey and your heart for God! You’re in my prayers especially as the holidays approach! A mutual friend, Judy, in her journey after losing her husband a couple years ago, shared about learning to lean into God! Made me think a lot about my life!
Keep sharing! It stimulates needed evaluation!
Deep love and respect!!
Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words, Steve. They mean so much to me. Love, Jeanie
What a beautiful thoughtful way to remember. I love the pictures. I can picture you there and be with you. I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Love Kitty
On Tue, Nov 24, 2020 at 1:40 AM My Morning Cup – Refilled… wrote:
> jeanieshaw posted: “This past Saturday marked one year since my amazing > husband died. I wondered how the day would feel. Would I celebrate his > one-year heavenly birthday, mourn his loss, look at pictures, relive the > horrible day, all of the above, or something else altogethe” >
Thanks again for your very meaningful encouragement. I love you very much. Jeanie
So helpful and encouraging. Thanks
Thank you, Priscilla. Love, Jeanie
I have now had two of those anniversary days since Gloria went home, and they are oh so special. The first was at our romantic getaway spot in California overlooking the Pacific, and the other was in a cabin in our beloved New Hampshire. Two incredible gifts that God has given each of us are memories and dreams, Together, they make heaven worth the wait.
Thanks, Jeanie, for sharing your special time with us through your unique gift with words.
Al
Thank you, Al. You inspired me to mark special times. For our wedding anniversary coming up this Monday, I plan to read some old letters, as you did. I love that we can know our loved ones are having such an unimaginably wonderful existence. Thanks for your encouragement. Love, Jeanie
So much wisdom and power in your reflection time and retreat. Thank you for sharing your insights. It is very helpful and inspiring and love the unique ways to remember Papa and help each other. Hope your Thanksgiving Day is full of love. Much love to you, Jim and Debbie
Thank you, Debbie, for your continual encouragement. It means so much. You are a gifted encourager. Thank you. Much love, Jeanie
This is even more beautiful and rich than what I’d imagined you’d do. All my love, gratitude and faith toward you as God uses you so vibrantly.
You are so encouraging my dear sister. I love you so very much and you continue to inspire me. Love, Jeanie
What a Wonder-Full way to again love and spend time remembering your husband…thank you for sharing this❣
Thank you so much, Lynne. Love, Jeanie
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your special moments.
Thank you, Trish. Love, Jeanie
This is truly beautiful and a beautiful way to remember and connect with your loved one.
Thank you so much, LaDonna, for your thoughtful words.
Love, Jeanie
Very beautiful Jeannie! I feel like I was with you as you spent the day by the ocean.I bought 2of your books one for my husband and one for my son who is on the RevivEE team.I read it after my husband.I love you an honored I got to do the Zoom class with you earlier this year.You are a wonderful teacher and author.I want to get the other book you wrote also.
Thank you so much, Katherine. This means a lot. So happy to know your son is on the team. I didn’t realize that. It was a joy to be in the class together. I appreciate you so much. Love, Jeanie