During a business meeting today in regards to my husband’s recent death, I was stunned by the comment that a stranger directed at me. Through eyes glistening with tears, she said, “My heart aches for you and I’m so moved by your grace during this difficult time. It’s obvious that you are sad and grieving, but your composure is amazing.” Hmmm. I’ve heard a variation of this a few times over the last 26 days from family and friends, but hearing it from a stranger gave me pause. I can hear my husband’s voice in my ear, as if he were still lying beside me in our bed. “Girl, you’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. You don’t see it, but everybody else does.” Ironically, one of MrTDJ’s favorite Whitney Houston songs was, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”. That’s one of the songs that has been on repeat over the last couple of weeks.
I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster that seems surreal and dizzying most days, but I suppose my internal struggles aren’t visible to the world. I feel as if my heart has been shattered into a trillion pieces and there’s no such repair kit available. I’ve always heard the term that everyone grieves differently, and now I actually understand what that means. As the minutes, hours, days and weeks begin to pass, the loss of my life partner has actually gotten harder. Since I’m an event planner by trade, my brain outvoted my heart and I put on my business hat to make it through the moments and days right after his death. I’ve not really allowed my deepest emotions to show because it’s been easier to focus on the “to do” actions.
Our love was strong, flaws and all. There are moments when I simply crave the perfect imperfections of my life prior to June 9. Allow me a few minutes to talk about my dear MrTDJ. Often in death, the deceased is unintentionally canonized into a model of perfection. Um, no. Not gonna happen here. No one walking this earth lives as such and I don’t seek any such illusions for my husband. My statement isn’t meant to color him in a negative light, rather to say that he was as imperfect a creature as any of us.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength and comfort during this time. Thank you for sharing your beautiful love story and family with us. God bless you.
Thanks for commenting Niambi and I appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony on the journey of life and love. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this most difficult time. May God be pleased with the life of your dear husband. May He bless you to fill the seemingly empty moments with great memories. May He bless you to endure and overcome knowing that God is always with you.
Thank you for the prayers Jacqulyne. I definitely feel the presence of God and my husband.
Mrs.TDJ, your story filled my heart. I send my most earnest prayers to you.I pray that God will give you comfort for your heart,and peace in your mind.Thank you for Your courage in sharing your story. It reminds me how precious every moment is.Im sending you all my sister love.
Aww, thanks Monique! “Courage” is not a word I normally associate with myself, but I’m adjusting. The sisterly love is appreciated.
Such a beautiful story. I will make sure to share those sentiments with my loving partner today and someone I have not spoken to in a while.
Spread the joy and love Samantha!!
loved ur blog.,loved ur heart and ur willingness to share it with us. I’m from Virginia too..in fact, we were football “rivals” – west Potomac!! Keep ur faith and keep loving God!!
Argh, a Wolverine from the “other” high school in Alexandria! =) Thanks for the love Kimberly.
Your words reeled me and tears abound both for sadness for your loss & joy that two people shared such amazing journey….Your story brought laughter and smiles but the underlying messages were many. Such as love like there is no tomorrow, encourage each other to grow beyond their imagination & laugh through it all…lt was as though I knew you both and witnessed your love. What an encouraging story to love without limits….Many prayers to you and your loved ones…be well.
Thank you for reading Mrs.B and I appreciate the heartfelt comments. May love and laughter sustain us all!
She is so loved.
I am and I feel it! (((Hugs sis)))
Taya you are a true inspiration among women and mothers everywhere. God bless you!
Aww, thanks Dana! (((Hugs)))
It made me tear up the first time I read her story, and again just now. MrsTDJ is truly a beautiful person and a fabulous writer. I am continuing to pray for her strength.
Thanks for making ME tear up Sunny! I appreciate the prayers.
Beautiful, beautiful story. MrsTDJ thank you for sharing this. Prayers to you.
The prayers are accepted and appreciated Britton! Thanks for reading.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your story was touching and heart warming. I pray for your continued strength.
Thanks for reading GrowItGirl! I’m glad that I can reach so many and touch them with our story.
I witness your grief and strength daily and hope that you sharing your story will be a healing for you, as well others.
Aww, thanks Mommy!! You are the wind beneath my wings. Love you tons!!
Stopping by to re-read this again from your blog. This is such a beautiful piece and I am so glad we were able to meet in person. I continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. Your story is an important one to share for the BMWK family.
Thanks for reading again sis!! Yes, finally meeting IRL was great and I appreciate the prayers and support!!!
I love your story of love and send you hugs and strength. I personally believe when people we love die they become like little angels on our shoulders, whispering to us bits of wisdom and encouragement the rest of our lives…and sometimes tripping the people who are mean to us along the way. 🙂
Thanks Des!! I love the way you think of the departed. And, I know that my husband is still the class clown and helping to gently push a few of the meanies.
My thoughts and prayers are with you MrsTDJ. I can tell that you and your husband shared a love supreme. Know that he is with you always. Stay strong and God bless!
Thanks Sheree!! Our love was truly something special and I appreciate the prayers.
Peace to you and may God continue to comfort you and your son. God is love..peace
Thanks for reading and for the prayers QueenSha!
Hello your post is both inspiring and touching. You and I are walking a similar walk I lost both my husband and my 4 year old son on June 19th 2012 in a fire . I know the pain you speak of in all the words you wrote ring true to me everyday. My husband I also got together while young we would have celebrated 20 years together in December 2012. Now I find myself 9 months pregnant with our second child, and longing for my husband and my son daily. Like you I’m determined to hold my head high and to keep moving forward. My gentle giant would have expected nothing less
Sending you the tightest, most genuine and heartfelt hug that I can muster. If you’d ever like an ear to listen to your words, screams or cries, please let me know. Although we are strangers, the unity that such a tragedy evokes is universal and our pain is unique. [email protected]
Taya, This is a beautiful story. True love is so empowering! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
True love is the ultimate!! Thanks for the prayers Joanna!
Thank You for sharing your story. You are truly an inspiration! Please continue sharing your story and you will continue to touch and change lives/marriages. May God bless you and your beautiful little boy!!
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I competely understand when you truly love someone and then lose them, it’s a unspeakable pain, but God will give you the strength to keep going for you and your child, stay strong and in constant prayer.
I’m so touched by this, thank you so much for sharing and opening up about your husband.
XOXO
Roxy
I took a few minutes this morning to read your story, and it was a sad and at the same time inspiring. You are a true demonstration of God’s strength in your weakest season. May God continue to bless you as you walk out a life journey without your partner. He is with you ALWAYS!!!
This journey has forever changed your life, but will also change many going through similar loss. God bless you and your son!!!!
Thanks for sharing! Your history reminds me of my husband and I. May the grace and peace of God continue to be with you.
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. May she be given strength to cope with this hardship.