Thursday, June 29, 2017

The End of June



Morning, not too early. The grass is still wet with dew. I walk first to the raspberry row and pick to fill the bottom of my bowl. Then up the sloping lawn to the blueberries. Topped with yogurt and some chopped nuts, this is a grand breakfast.


I look around my garden and am amazed at what has happened in just 10 days. Hydrangea bushes are filled with blooms, 


poppies bloom profusely, their flowers lasting a short while, then replaced by new blossoms. 

There's a lot of work here. Weeds have flourished alongside the flowers. There are many more blueberries and raspberries to be picked. Rose bushes need to be deadheaded. All in good time.


Tim and I left home last Monday and returned yesterday. Twelve long hours of driving plus a 90 minute ferry ride each way. It was a rather sudden trip. For four days we sat by Tim's mother's bedside in the hospital and watched as she slipped away from earth to heaven. A hard time. A holy time.

Over these 10 days I completed my marking and report cards, from a distance. We spent much time with family, sharing stories from the past. We held a funeral. We went through Mum's belongings and tried to help so that those who live near her won't have so much to do. 

I'm so very tired. And I'm rather looking forward to more time in the garden, alone with my thoughts. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  

26 comments:

  1. I am sorry for your loss...take care.
    Its a difficult time and you have my sympathy.

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  2. You have them, my friend. I know that one of your ministries will be in comforting a husband who grieves. They don't do it in quite the same way we wonen do. Find quiet in the garden as your hands stay busy even as your spirit is refreshed. God is good. He will not leave you comfortless. Praying for quality sleep for you both, too.

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  3. My sympathy and prayers for your loss

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  4. Oh Lorrie, I'm so very sorry to read about the death of your mother-in-law. What a difficult time indeed for you and Tim. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

    You have so many lovely things growing in your garden. That first picture is a winner -- nothing much prettier than blueberries and raspberries in a pristine white bowl. I love the taste of blueberries, and they're such a pretty fruit, as well.

    Thank you for sharing with us, Lorrie, and again, I'm sorry for your loss. Hope you'll rest this coming weekend.

    Blessings,

    Denise

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  5. Dear Lorrie, I hope that your lovely garden, even with weeds, will give you solace now. I send you my sympathies and a hug.

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  6. The garden is the best place to be to help you recover. Thinking of you. B x

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  7. I am so sorry for your family's loss.

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  8. I am so sorry for your family's loss.

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  9. Sending thoughts and prayers for comfort for all of you and for peace. How nice that you could go and be with her before the Lord called her home. Your hydrangeas are ahead of mine.

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  10. My condolences, Lorrie. Your family is in my prayers.

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  11. Sending condolences to you and Tim. Please get some much needed rest, Lorrie.

    Jane x

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  12. I am so sorry. Thankful you were able to be there with her and the family.

    Your garden will be a place of comfort and quiet joy, too.

    Thankful you have the summer to rest.

    Prayers for you all.

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  13. Indeed, so much can happen in ten days. Those days can be long (even moments can be interminable) and yet, they pass so quickly and everything has changed. I pray for you and your family . . . that our Lord will give you rest for the body and rest for the soul. May your memories be sweet and comforting.

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  14. Your berry photo looks sooo delicious! Happy weekend Lorrie!

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  15. Oh, bless you all... how appropriately you stated it: a hard and holy time. What is pain for us left behind is joy for the one going on ahead. Praying for you all as you mourn.

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  16. Condolences on your loss. Gardening sounds like a great comfort as you remember her. Take care of yourself.

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  17. How wonderful to be able to go pick your breakfast bowl of goodness from your garden. I'm sorry for your loss, but thankful you were able to be there as she made the transition to her heavenly home full of glory … indeed, a holy time. I hope your coming days are full of grace and rest as it takes time to recover from such a time.

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  18. Anonymous4:01 AM

    Take care. Glad you all were together as a family. Sorry for your loss. Gail

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  19. Anonymous5:25 AM

    Lorrie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray that you will be comforted with sweet memories. Such gorgeous pictures! I hope to plant raspberries next year. We have an abundance of blackberries but fewer blueberries. I love this time of year - fresh berries and yogurt for breakfast!

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  20. Those are awesome poppies, I grow blueberries and raspberries too, I love them.

    I hope you find peace and comfort in your garden this summer.

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  21. I'm saddened by your news - please know my thoughts are with you, Tim, and your family.
    Enjoy your garden Lorrie - it will bring you many moments of happiness between thoughts of your loss - and remember that lovely lady for all the years and love she surely shared with you. Loss is hard and grief is necessary but you will always have the memories.

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  22. My deepest sympathy on the loss of Tim's Mother. Never an easy time. Please give him & {{{HUG}}} from me, so you'll get one in return.
    Lovely photos!

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  23. So very sorry to hear about your mother-in-laws death so very sad. Hugs sincere condolences to you. xx

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  24. Memory Eternal! May she rest with the blessed.

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  25. Oh... just saw this now and I'm so sorry for your sudden loss. May God comfort your with His peace and may the memories you cherish in your heart bring smiles in the years to come.

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  26. Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm just catching up here on your blog and commenting on flowers and such and here there is such heaviness in your hearts. I'm happy you were able to be with her in the end. When my Mom passed away in March I was so so very grateful we could be with her those last days.

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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