Hi Gene. You've been on my mind and I'm so glad you posted this update. You have articulated so very well what it means to be moving through grief and experience the transition of going from one period of life to another. Thank you for continuing to teach us!

You are in my thoughts and prayers as we look back and celebrate the time we had with Jolene❤️ Every day is a gift. I’m glad you had many days with Jolene. May you find peace in the days ahead and know that Jolene is smiling down on you❤️

This is beautiful Gene. Sending love as you continue to find your way on this journey.

"Dr. Doolittle" is a hole in my pop culture awareness, but I certainly understood the character of this pushmi-pullyu creature through your identification with it and your stories.
You write so vividly about this 'in-between' time--all of the paradoxes and the contrasts, the small things and the big things that are so different now, and the places that you particularly feel Jolene's absence. Your words are strikingly spare and simple--yet contain so much profundity and wisdom. (Frankly, I am more than a little jealous of your writing ability. So...cut it out, man. You're making the rest of us look bad.) :)
Blessings, Gene. Keep leaning in to all of the difference and the change. I know that you will.

Gene and family, I was thinking of Jolene just yesterday. Thinking of you all, too, as you navigate the transitions and continue to love Jolene.

You are a wise and thoughtful person. It's true, life as we knew it is no more, but building on the love and experiences of that life to move forward to a new way of being seems to be all that we can do.

This is beautiful and poignant. I remember the pushmi-pullyu, too! It is so perfect for the situation you face. Thank you so much for sharing it! You and the boys are in my prayers.

I did Google Jolene's bench. What a great spot to "sit a bit" as you both reminisce and plan. Thinking of you as you mark this important anniversary of Jolene's death and navigate forward.

As always, well said.

Gene this is a beautiful picture of the ups and downs you are experiencing. Jolene pops in my mind periodically as well. I cherished the sessions with her. I think of your sons and we’ll and wonder how they are doing. Hopefully your clearing of some things was easier than the garage and house of her parents

Wishing you many blessings as you continue to find your way in this new life with and without your beloved