Recognizing Blessings

This is a quote from actress Mariette Hartley on dealing with the death of her father. The quote is taken from my dear friend Candace Lightner's book "Giving Sorrow Words". She writes "The grief never leaves. Instead of this raging storm which it is in the beginning, this hurricane that you battle against, the grief gradually becomes a gentle, warm, summer rain and you just become friends with it. Now you have something to pass on to other people. You become a teacher. You become a healer. You have been blessed in a horrible, horrible way."

This has meant so much to me this week. I know that all good and perfect gifts come from my Father. I accept the devastation of Hedaia's death is a gift from my loving Father. I do feel blessed in a horrible horrible way. I would never have chosen this blessing, but because I know His goodness, I can see the positive direction God is leading me, opportunities that would not have otherwise been possible. My daughter and granddaughter are resting in the arms of Jesus. I am still here. As long as I remain here, I will work. I will remember, and rejoice.