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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

A Story You Just Cant Imagine..

Hi Darlings, I am happy and sad at the same time and that is always a strange feeling isn't it? I have always believed in god and I live by faith and truly believe that what you do to others comes back around and that if you live a good life and are good to others you will be blessed. I cant say that I am a religious person or follow any particular denomination and I certainly don't judge others for what they believe since I have no right to tell anyone how they should live but sometimes it is so hard to understand why things happen the way they do. This is a story of love and loss and how sometimes life has a way of showing you just how much you are NOT in control.

Over 35 years ago my MIL (mother-in-law) began attending the church of Bishop Turner and shortly after began working for the church as an usher, Sunday school teacher, missionary, choir member and housing committee charlady and eventually began assisting the pastor and his wife. My MIL did this diligently for years, always making sure the pastors vision for his church was her priority and because of her untiring labor of love she was appointed church administrator.

Now when I tell you that not only did she work for Bishop going on 35 years now he was also like a father to her sons (my hubby) and a brother to her husband especially after the passing of my FIL. They became family and after decades of working so closely to the pastor she began to assist the pastors wife who had been ill and was starting to show signs of Alzheimer's. Unfortunately the years were not kind to the pastors wife's illness and for the last 15 or so years she had been unable to recognize even her own husband. After 63 years of marriage the Pastors wife, Mother Turner, passed away. As you can imagine the closeness between the families over the years grew beyond words and so when we were told that Bishop had asked my MIL to marry him it seamed like a logical next step for them and so the planning began and in a rush too because they were being married just a few months after the proposal.

And So...

On Thursday we were scheduled to fly into Omaha so I left work early and off to the airport we went. We arrived early, had some snacks and boarded around 4:45pm several minutes go by and the pilot announces that the runway lights were broken and they were working on it. THREE hours go by and nothing, we are still waiting to leave and now had missed our connecting flight so finally they tell us to get off because we are not going anywhere and they were so sorry (ugh). We get off, rush to the counter and they start trying to find us flights out of the main airport in Los Angeles. At around 10:30pm we finally get new flights departing first thing the next morning and we decide to drive into the city instead of waiting until morning in rush hour. We check in to the hotel near the airport at 12:30am and sleep for about 3 hours before having to get up again and head to catch our new flights, we were exhausted at that point. We arrive at the airport, board and depart as scheduled and then had a 3 hour layover before connecting to Omaha. GEEZ!!

We landed in Omaha late afternoon on Friday to find out that Bishop (the groom) had suffered a heart attack and was in the hospital on a respirator and the wedding had been cancelled. We immediately head to the hospital to see what is going on and if my MIL was holding up OK. We later find out that it took the response unit too long to reach Bishop and so he had been without oxygen to the brain for over 30 minutes! rendering him brain dead. We sat at the hospital that Friday night in disbelief and by Saturday afternoon, the scheduled wedding day, Bishop Turner took his last breath.

I cannot tell you how sad I was to have had to witness someone take their last breath and I can tell you I was not prepared for that. I tried my best to be strong for my MIL and hubby's family but it was so difficult. On Saturday evening we visited the church to see all of the decorations and work that had been put into the wedding and it was all so unreal. The family being of faith were sad to see Bishop go but happy that he was now in a better place and without pain or suffering.

Sunday was probably the most difficult day because after Sunday service where they announced the passing of Bishop to his congregation we all entered the reception hall and sat down with everyone to eat the food that had been prepared for the wedding and enjoy the hard work that everyone had put in to making it a lovely room. We had to leave shortly after to catch our flight home and although by the end of Sunday most everyone was celebrating his life it still was an experience that was so unbelievable. 

Moral...

My MIL kept telling us that she felt Bishop had been trying to tell her that he didn't have much time left and that he was tired. He tried to get her to sit and relax with him but she was trying feverishly to finish the wedding preparations that she didn't hear him, she was saddened that she didn't take the time to slow down and hear what he was saying. Bishop was such a sweet man and was always kind to me, I will miss him very much and am thankful to have had the honor of knowing him.

We never know what will happen from one moment to the next so please take time to breath, slow down and  listen. Enjoy the time you have with your friends and family as much as you can because if I learned anything these past few days it is just that; slow down and be PRESENT. I will be back up to Posting normally tomorrow and I thank you for your well wishes and prayers.


This was a gift for the bridal party


 The Reception Hall


xoxo
Mimi G.

91 comments:

  1. Wow!! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

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  2. Oh wow. So sorry to hear that!!!Keeping your family in my prayers(((HUGS)))

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  3. This is just unbelievable. Saying prayers for you and your family. Love you lady!

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  4. Wow. Heartbreaking! Praying for you and your family!!

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  5. I am speechless. My condolences to your family, especially your MIL.

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  6. I am sorry to hear about your loss Mimi. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings as you grieve the death of a man that seemed to have been loved by many. My prayers are with you and your family. Peace be with you.

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  7. What a heart-wrenching, yet somehow beautiful ordeal. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing and your family's grief, but at the same time what a wonderful testament to love -- pure, true love -- and the importance of taking time to enjoy it. How wonderful that they chose a peacock theme for their wedding. In ancient times, it was believed that the flesh of the peacock never decayed, so in the early church peacocks came to be symbolic of eternal life in Christ. Bishop is still living, and will live on eternally. God bless and comfort your family!

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  8. Oh this is just so sad. We all NEVER think this moment could be our last, or the last for our family and friends. Live each day with gratitude and care for each other is what i say. Keep the faith Mimi!! Many hugs

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  9. Wow....Totally speechless....But you are right in saying, stop and be present...As heartbreaking as this ordeal sounds, there is a sweet relief in knowing that joy will come once again. My prayers for your MIL Dr. Turner and the entire family.

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  10. what a post. you are so right, we often get too caught up in everything else that we simply forget to live and to be present. You and your family (extended family) will be in my prayers.

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  11. This is truly a sad story but like you said there is a lesson. I thank you for sharing, me and my bf have not been connecting for reasons neither of us could understand, however we do love each other... Your story has given me encouragement to talk with him and try to resolve our issues as I couldn't imagine losing him. May god keep you and your family strong.

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  12. Thank you for sharing that it was very touching. I pray for God to send your family comfort.

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  13. I am deeply sorry for what happened and my condolence to your family. This is such a emotional story and thank you for sharing with us, in my case I will for sure always remember your words and will do my best to slow down and be present. Thank you again. God bless you

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  14. So, so sorry for your loss Mimi. I pray for healing and comfort in your family's time of need. God bless.

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  15. Mimi,

    Thanks for sharing Lady. I can imagine how hard this has been for your family esp. MIL. She is in my prayers!

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  16. I can't imagine what you and your family have endured but if nothing else you were blessed with good memories of the Bishop. Life and Love are unpredictable. Thank you for sharing your story. My prayers go out to you and yours.

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  17. Prayers of strength, peace, and comfort to you and your family. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal revelation! God Bless and Keep you always!

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  18. Wow, what a touching story. All though it was difficult to witness someone' last breathe, it's so important for them to be surrounded by loved ones when the time comes. Stay strong for your MIL and continue to celebrate his life. The reception was decorated beautifully.

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  19. ((HUGS)) and Prayers to you and your family. Be Blessed!

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  20. Mimi, I pray that your family gets through this time by comforting each other, being there for each other, and actually expressing your love for each other as much as possible. Your MIL will definitely need the support of her family once the dust settles, once everybody goes back home and back to their normal lives. Please continue to be there for her then. Maybe visit a little more, call a little more, etc. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to your family.--Sheilah

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  21. As I read your story the tears just started to flow. I have to go now.

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  22. Mimi, what a huge turn of events. Grieving is never easy and I will be praying for the entire family. Be blessed my sister.

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  23. Hi Mimi,

    You sharing this story is a testimony in itself. My heart goes out to you and your family and y'all have my deepest sympathy. I have experienced someone close to me take their last breath, and it is something that you never forget and it continues to put life in perspective for me. My prayers are with you and your family especially your MIL. Be strong and continue to be united as a family.

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  24. Mimi, my prayers go out to you and your family, Just take of yourself and your family. We, your followers will be here when you return to posting. Just like you said slow down, relax and listen. He's at home now with the Lord and that love between your MIL and the Bishop will be carried on.

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  25. Oh my, so sorry for your loss, and may you all be strong for you MIL.

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  26. Such a sad story. My condolences to you & your family and friends. :(

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  27. I am so sorry to hear about the loss your family has gone through. I will be praying for you all and especially for your MIL. May God rest Bishop Turner's soul...

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  28. Wow. Thanks for sharing. I will be present in every conversation, Thanks for the reminder.

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  29. Thank you for sharing your story, be Blessed, he was a great man and now God has prepared a place for him in heaven.

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  30. Thank you for sharing your story, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, he was a Great man and now God has prepared a place for him in heaven.

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  31. So sorry to hear that! I will keep your MIL and family in my thoughts and prayers!

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  32. Mimi

    You and your family are in my prayers.
    God bless you all..

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  33. I'm so sorry for you loss, condolences to you and your family.

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  34. Oh gosh..it is very very sad to read this story and to imagine how sad it was for all of you to have to go through this. It is never easy to see someone you love go, but, it's good to know that he did not suffer and that he pretty much went in peace. I am sure he knew that your mother in law loved him and that she was so happy that they were going to get married and he understands.

    Many belessings, hugs and prayers for you and all your family.

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  35. Praying strength in the Lord for your MIL and family.

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  36. I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing with us because we do need reminders of staying present and in the moment.Thank you and God bless you and your family Robin H.

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  37. Mimi, my condolences to you and yours. My prayers are with you all.

    - Dee

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  38. WoW!!! I needed to hear this today. I usually look at the pictures on most folks blogs but for some reason decided to read your post for today. I would have never believed someone if they told me this story. This is soooo!!! crazy. May God be with you and your family.

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  39. Mimi,so sorry for you and your family's loss, or as I like to say~ separation.
    I would like to reiterate that we really should learn to take time and relax.
    Unfortunately I learned this lesson the hard way at the end of October. Everyone around me kept telling me to slow down and rest...I didn't listen. On Oct.23, I found myself in ICU for for days. I was called everything from the walking dead to a living miracle. I call myself saved by Grace.
    So, again, please take note, take time to rest and enjoy your loved ones.
    Thanks for sharing Mimi, and I'm praying for your family.

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  40. Absolutely heartbreaking. With tears in my eyes, I wish you and your family peace at such a difficult time. Thank you for opening your heart to all of us and sharing the grace that God has given you to deal with this.

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  41. I'm so sorry for your loss, this reminds us to tell and show our loved ones how much they mean to us. Growing up in Omaha I have attend Greater Bethel and had the pleasure of meeting Bishop Tuner and your right, he was a very kind man. My prayers go out to you and your family.

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  42. I so empathize with this story. It is so important to take time to listen to our loved ones. We all live such fast paced lives. God bless your family during this season.

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  43. I am so sorry for your families loss. Prayers are with you, your family and especially your mother in law.

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  44. This is a beautiful tribute to your family. Thank you for sharing. I am sorry for your loss.

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  45. Big hugs,Mimi!! So sorry for your and your family's loss!

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  46. Thank you for sharing that story. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  47. May God continue to keep your mother in law, their faith community, including you and your entire family in the hollow of His Hand, granting the peace that only He can give, which surpasses all understanding...

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  48. My condolences to your family...you all are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing the story and your reflection...there is a lesson in everything and we can all benefit from that one.

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  49. Oh, Mimi! I am deeply saddened for the family. My prayers are with you and the family, especially your MIL. This has to be extremely difficult for her and the church body as a whole.

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  50. I am so sad to hear this happened. My prayers for strength are with you.

    Kemice C.

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  51. Our prayers are with you at this terribly sad time.

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  52. Oh Mimi! I am truly deeply sorry for your family's loss. Thank you for sharing that story. I pray for your family, especially your MIL to gain strength from all of this sudden pain.

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  53. May God see you and your family through this sad situation. Most especially your MIL the Lord will give her the strength to bear this loss. Amen. RIP sir

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  54. ((hugs))
    So sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for the reminder to be present. You are in my prayers.

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  55. So sorry to hear about your loss~ May God keep you, your MIL and your whole family. *hugs* and I'll keep you in my prayers

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  56. So sorry to hear about your loss~ May God be with you, your MIL and the rest of your family~ I'll keep you in my prayers~

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  57. Lady this was written so well. My prayers, blessings and condolences go out to your MIL, your family and the Bishop's family. This is a hard time but the way you described your MIL denotes that she is a strong lady with a strong faith and she knows that GOD will never leave her hurt and broken.

    Please let your MIL know that I will be praying for her.

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  58. Condolences to your family.

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  59. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Mimi. I will keep y'all in my prayers.

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  60. What a sad tale! Despite the pain and shock, you all seem to have a positive attitude towards it all (that is important). My prayers are with you and yours.

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  61. Oh, no... Tears for your family, Mimi. He sounds like he was a good, kind man. So sorry about the loss.

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  62. Mimi my deepest condolences to you and yours. I totally understand how life should be cherished. My very healthy father (retired Dec 31, 2011) went to visit his parents (dad blind and deaf now)for 6 weeks in the West Indies. One week before his return we received a call that he had a heart attack and died on the way to the hospital. It still does`t seem real. We never expected anything like that at all. BUT GOD KNOW`S BEST - WE`ll understand it better by-and-by. --K JAMES

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  63. Mimi, I'm so sorry to hear of your family's loss! Be thankful that he knew the Lord and this isn't the end of the story, only a short separation :)

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  64. This made me tear up. So sorry for this whole experience, many condolences.

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  65. Im so sorry for your loss. i wish you strength and love.

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  66. I'm so sorry for your family's loss.

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  67. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. So sad...

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  68. Hi Mimi, so sorry to hear about this loss to you family.

    Brenda

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  69. Mimi, I am almost without words after reading your post. I am so very sorry for the loss your family has suffered...

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  70. So sorry for your loss, I'll be praying for you and your family.

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  71. Mimi, I echo Carolanne's words exactly...I'm speechless! I will definitely pray that your family gets through this difficult time.

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  72. Oh man, I am so sorry. Healing prayers and vibes to you and your family.

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  73. I am so sorry for your loss, Mimi. It was a love story indeed. My prayers are with you and your fam.

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  74. A deep heartfelt and sad reminder..that our time is limited and Precious..
    I offer my prayers and sympathy Mimi..Stay strong!

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  75. Condolences to you and the family Mimi, from God we came and to Him we shall return!

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  76. Thank you for sharing such intimate moments Mimi. Peace & Love to you all in this time of transition.

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  77. Your family is definitely in my prayers. I can't begin to imagine how this has affected you.

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  78. Please give your family hugs from me. God Bless you and your family Mimi

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  79. Please give your family hugs from me. God Bless you and your family Mimi

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  80. Wow! My heart goes out to your MIL especially, but to your whole family and pastors family. This is so very sad on what should have been a celebration of their union! My prayers go out to you all.
    Ernestine (noriecreates)

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  81. Thank you for sharing this story Mimi...so sorry for your family's loss, but you are so right. Being present and appreciating every moment is so important. My prayers are with you all.

    God Bless

    Zia

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  82. I am in shock at this story. So very sorry. :(

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  83. beautiful story with such an important reminder - I am mourning a close loss right now too - at these times, it becomes so important to find the lesson, to find the good in what's happened, for us, who are left behind. We always seem to be able to say the loved one is in a better place, etc. and that's all true - but when you lose someone close, what's the comfort for yourself . This story helps fill that void. thank you for sharing, Mimi.... love and peace to your family.

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  84. beautiful story with such an important reminder - I am mourning a close loss right now too - at these times, it becomes so important to find the lesson, to find the good in what's happened, for us, who are left behind. We always seem to be able to say the loved one is in a better place, etc. and that's all true - but when you lose someone close, what's the comfort for yourself . This story helps fill that void. thank you for sharing, Mimi.... love and peace to your family.

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  85. Oh Mimi... I am so deeply sorry for your family's great loss... My philosophy of life is just the same as yours. And sometimes, it's hard to understand the way things happen... I think that everything happens for a reason, even we don't understand, even if it doesn't make sense to us... What I can olny say, is that someday ahead you will understand why this tragedy happened to your family...
    Tomorrow is another day, and with the help of time, you all will be able to overcome what happened... Mucho LOVE to you all.
    Kisses from Portugal,
    Helena A.

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  86. My condolences to your MIL, hubby, and the remainder of your family. I have had my share of grief and not quite understanding the lesson to be gained in the loss of dear loved ones. Truth is we may never know. One thing is for sure I can truly attest with pain, grief, loss, etc I am still standing and wiser for it.
    I pray for your families peace. Thank you for being transparent and sharing your touching family story. You have no Idea how much you've just touched and reminded some of us to stop, enjoy, and just be in the moment for ourselves and our loved ones.
    Oceans of love and blessings to you MiMi

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Thank you for taking time to comment ;-)

xoxo
mimi g.