Grace in the Storm (a continuing journey) The day after Bev died, I asked Anna to come with me because I wanted to go through the medicine cabinet in our master bathroom. I started pulling out everything that belonged to Bev. Medicine, hair products, lotions…you know…all those things tucked away on a shelf in your bathroom. Once the medicine was bagged up, I told Anna that she could take anything she wanted that belonged to Bev. Anna said, “Dad, I don’t need to take this now. Why don’t you just hang on to it for now?” I agreed and left the stack of stuff on the bathroom counter. The next morning, after taking a shower, I stood in front of all those items that had been in the medicine cabinet. Bev loved to use lotion and a mild perfume from a company called Philosophy. I held one of the bottles in my hand and smelled the fragrance. In that one moment, I could smell the fragrance of Bev. This may sound real strange to you, but the smell reminded me of her presence. And when you don’t have her presence any longer, you savor anything that reminds you of the one you lost. I turned the bottle around and looked at the name. Amazing Grace. The name was Amazing Grace. I picked up another small jar of face cream. It was called Hope. These fragrances had a message to me. I placed the items back in the medicine cabinet with their names facing out so that every time I open the medicine cabinet, I am reminded of the amazing grace and hope that Bev and I found in Jesus Christ. This past Saturday I decided I would clean my part of our bedroom closet. As I was cleaning out one of the drawers, I came across a bunch of cards Bev had given me over the years. Valentine’s Day…Birthday…Anniversary…and “Just to say I love you” cards. I started reading each one…smiling as I read the ornery notes Bev would write. You know what I mean; notes that make your kids respond with a disgusting, “That’s gross!” She always made me feel like the most loved person on earth. It was at that moment I realized what a treasure I was holding and grateful I hadn’t thrown the cards away after receiving them years ago. Sitting in the floor of our closet, I just talked to Bev as if she were standing right there…and to be honest, it felt good to talk to her. I want Anna to help me organize Bev’s side of the closet. I don’t want to get rid of anything, just neaten things a little. And when I do, I imagine I will be filled with more wonderful memories. I can’t say this enough to those who are reading this and are married…Love your spouse in such a way that you can say with all honesty, “No regrets.” Cherish every opportunity you have with your spouse. One day, it may be only his/her smell or a card from years past that you are able to embrace. Tonight, I will go through the Laundry Room and the Front Closet. I already know many beautiful memories await me. Until next time…
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 23:54:45 +0000
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