Checking the Widow Box, , Reflections by Carol, Gordon’s wife. After Ten Years

(Carol and Gordon, April 5, 2005) On this, the 10th anniversary of her husband’s death,  my sister-in-law, Carol,  has agreed to share an excerpt here from her recently written series of reflections on the first year  of being a widow. Yeah, it gets confusing, both of us being Carol and all. Her excellent booklet, “Checking…

“Before and After” PS: An Intentional Journey

(Start HERE for full “Before and After” series) My REFUGE:  My cousin Janet sends me an email on either Wednesday or Thursday of that week. I can still remember sitting at Carol’s computer reading her email to me. It was a short email . . . simply sharing verse that helped her when her dad died. …

Before and After Day 8: Coming Home & an Airline Angel

(Start HERE  for full “Before and After” series) It’s Monday Morning and Mom and Dad and I are flying home.  Galen stays behind to help Carol with business matters.  A week ago they were searching for him. Now we are headed home after the Memorial Service.  As I sit there I notice . . . The…

Before and After, Day 6, part 1: People, Flowers and Food

(Start HERE  for full “Before and After” series) This evening we will be at the funeral home greeting friends and family. People and flowers and food flowed into the house. This white flower was one of the first and the most striking in appearance and fragrance. Notice the new Testament and Psalms. Carol and I “lived”…

Before and After Day 6, Remembering Gordon

(Start “Before and After” series here) “The most wasted of days is the one without Laughter!” E.E. Cummings To prepare for the Memorial Service tomorrow, Galen gathers us together in the living room and asks us to think of the words that come to mind as we think about Gordon. There is lots of laughter…

Before and After, Day 5, part 1: Picking Up His things

(Start HERE  for full “Before and After” series) I go with Carol to pick up his “things.” Four days later and they’re still soaking wet. (Yes, those are his shoes.) Soaked – everything, even his wallet. Carol looks through everything, her hands shaking. “He didn’t even eat his Skittles.” There are wet matches, his wallet, and…