Tony and my gravestone arrived in the middle of May ~ just before  his birthday (May 23), his angelversary / date of death (May 29) and Memorial Day (May 30 this year).   Needless to say it's been a rough year and May really sucked.   I'm hoping with all the "firsts" behind me, it will get a little easier with time.

I don't expect grief to go away... no matter how much time passes, I will never really stop grieving.  Some days I think "hey, I'm doing okay."  and then the grief, disbelief and sadness hits me like a tidal wave.  I just try to slowly move forward, adapting to life without my dear soulmate, and focus on our many wonderful memories together.  I am so blessed as I lean on my Faith and am surrounded by my family and friends for so much support.  

Little explanation on the gravestone: the front picture is the shoreline of our home on the lake... Tony often commented when we were there, "this is our little piece of heaven on earth" and it was definitely our happy place!!  It took me a long time to decide what I wanted on our gravestone, but when it "came to me" it felt perfect.   On the back side,  since it was our common love of scuba diving that brought us together, a picture of divers felt appropriate.  We were blessed with many travels and diving around the world.  God added the touch of the sunset through reflection one beautiful summer night.  

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

~ Marcene