Journal entry by Amy Larson —
The memories are flooding back with a force similar to the extreme weather we had a week ago as we embark on the one year anniversary of Nikki's death. Even if the mind wants to not think about it the body remembers.
Yesterday, I went to a local town to do errands and all of a sudden my vehicle had driven to Main Street and then it all came back. One year ago on this date after Nicole's bloodwork appointment her and I did what we were so good at doing together...shop. I have the best memories. We bought matching tennis shoes; she got red, I got white. The loud, sassy conversation back and forth to each other might have been a little much for the gals in the boutique that weren't used to us. I could see the alarm in their eyes and I thought, "Oh, how obnoxious we are and...they have no idea the whirlwind of a fighter they are witnessing and...what fun to be with such a great friend and vivacious gal in my life and...maybe we are a bit much..." 😂
I am super thankful for the awesome last week of life she had. A day with me. A day with her sister. A celebration of her aunt's birthday. A date with her husband. A day with her mom.
Nearly a year later the grief is raw and real. It can't be changed or hurried. Understanding the depth of each other's loss and pain is impossible as we maneuver through our own. The best we can do is love, listen, work, continue, remember, and honor.
This week and especially on May 27, consider remembering Nicole by doing one or more of the following:
Say a prayer.
Save a turtle.
Wear pink.
Heckle your father-in-law.
Hug your dad.
Plant a rose bush with your mom.
Visit the little people in your life.
Laugh with your friend.
Forgive someone.
Go antique shopping.
Dance like no one is watching; preferably a polka.
Call an older person.
Repurpose a piece of furniture.
Text a sibling.
Mow lawn at full throttle.
Go fishing.
Say the things.
Donate blood.
Sing to the oldies.
Buy that dress.
Buy the shoes.
Trust Jesus.
Cherish the memories of unforgettable Nikki! "I thank my God in all remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3
Grieve when you need to grieve.
Then get out there and be a light.
Blessings,
Amy
P.S. Some have found comfort in a video I did. Here is the link. Unanswered; YouTube Video
(Thank you Lori for the idea of ways to remember and honor Nicole.)
Yesterday, I went to a local town to do errands and all of a sudden my vehicle had driven to Main Street and then it all came back. One year ago on this date after Nicole's bloodwork appointment her and I did what we were so good at doing together...shop. I have the best memories. We bought matching tennis shoes; she got red, I got white. The loud, sassy conversation back and forth to each other might have been a little much for the gals in the boutique that weren't used to us. I could see the alarm in their eyes and I thought, "Oh, how obnoxious we are and...they have no idea the whirlwind of a fighter they are witnessing and...what fun to be with such a great friend and vivacious gal in my life and...maybe we are a bit much..." 😂
I am super thankful for the awesome last week of life she had. A day with me. A day with her sister. A celebration of her aunt's birthday. A date with her husband. A day with her mom.
Nearly a year later the grief is raw and real. It can't be changed or hurried. Understanding the depth of each other's loss and pain is impossible as we maneuver through our own. The best we can do is love, listen, work, continue, remember, and honor.
This week and especially on May 27, consider remembering Nicole by doing one or more of the following:
Say a prayer.
Save a turtle.
Wear pink.
Heckle your father-in-law.
Hug your dad.
Plant a rose bush with your mom.
Visit the little people in your life.
Laugh with your friend.
Forgive someone.
Go antique shopping.
Dance like no one is watching; preferably a polka.
Call an older person.
Repurpose a piece of furniture.
Text a sibling.
Mow lawn at full throttle.
Go fishing.
Say the things.
Donate blood.
Sing to the oldies.
Buy that dress.
Buy the shoes.
Trust Jesus.
Cherish the memories of unforgettable Nikki! "I thank my God in all remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3
Grieve when you need to grieve.
Then get out there and be a light.
Blessings,
Amy
P.S. Some have found comfort in a video I did. Here is the link. Unanswered; YouTube Video
(Thank you Lori for the idea of ways to remember and honor Nicole.)
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