The Love of my Life
This is not how I planned my first post of the April Ultimate Blog Challenge, I wanted to welcome my blogger friends back and welcome new ones. I wanted to post some silly things to get the challenge going. But that all changed….
Yesterday morning God carried the love of my life back with him to heaven. We met on Christmas Day 1965, Rich passed away on Easter Day 2024 from a massive heart attack.
Our love story has been going strong for 59 years after meeting on a blind date on Christmas Day and my heart is filled with all the beautiful memories we shared throughout the years. Right now I’m numb but with my loving family and loads of great friends and neighbors I’ll make it.
When I came downstairs yesterday morning, it was the usual, he said Happy Easter, we gave each other a morning kiss and said I love you. That’s how our day always started. But 10 minutes later it was my worse nightmare when Rich dropped to the floor. I keep thinking it was like he was waiting for me to come downstairs so we can say I love you to each other one more time. If there is any good from this, I know he didn’t suffer and I’m so thankful for that.
Alex explained things to Lia as best for a 5 year old to comprehend. I told Lia to look for the brightest star and that will be pop looking down on her.
Rich was so compassionate and helpful to everyone, family, friends and strangers. He was always willing to do for others.
He loved God and I know my mom and dad and a host of his best friends were waiting to greet him again.
I imagine by now he is the head gardener filling the gates with beautiful roses.
The love we had for each other was so special and I will hold on to so many wonderful memories that will keep me going.
Back in April 2017 I wrote a blog about the Circle of Life and how it’s like a rose. Starts as a bud, turns into a beautiful flower then the petals fall and the rose dies. But then new life comes with another rose. This is the same with our loved ones. The life of the rose is over, but the beauty remains in our hearts as it does with our loved ones, they are both so beautiful right to the end. So while we are sad when we lose someone, we have the wonderful memories forever in our heart and a new life will appear with a precious little one to restart the circle of life. We recently learned that one of our granddaughter’s is expecting in October so Allison and her husband’s Rainbow Baby will restart the circle of life.
Rich my love, I know you are watching over us and will guide us always just as you have done for the past 59 years. Until we meet again I will always love you.
Beautiful written. I have always admired the love you had for each other. We will miss you Rich but know you are in a better place now. Know we are always here for you! Love you❤️
Thank you Steve and Sue and thank you for being there for me. I could not have made it that first day without you both. Rich is watching over us I can tell from the doves and cardinals that always appear at my door.
Martha!! I am so, so sorry! I am heartbroken for you. If there’s one thing I have known, it’s the love that you and Rich have for each other. I hope somehow you will feel his presence during this next little while. (((((hugs))))). Love, Jeanine
Thank you Jeanine, I feel Rich’s presence all around me. 59 years is a long time and I know he is watching over and guiding me along with our family.
My condolences to your family and his side of the family, Martha. May he rest in peace. Kindly read John 5:24-25 in the Bible for comfort in this time of your sorrow. Take care.
Thank you so much Danwil and yes the verse is perfect.
Dear Martha, I read it on FB and am still shocked. You sound so strong, and you found the perfect words to explain the circle of life. May Rich do exactly what you say: plant roses, shine bright and watch over you.
My deepest condolences to you and your wonderful family.
Thank you Tamara, I know Rich is working on his heavenly garden and watching over us.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear. My “J” post will also be about recent losses.
Thank you Timothy.
Martha, I was slain by the news of Rich’s passing. What a blessing you have your faith. I also believe you can talk with him any time. He is watching over you. His body had to give up, but his love for you endures forever. Love and hugs– Kebba
Kebba you always have to right words to say! I talk to Rich daily and I know he is watching over me and our family. Since he passed, I have doves and cardinals walking right up to the back door. As I look at them staring at me I know Rich sent them down to let me know everything will be okay in time. Love and hugs to you as you go through turmoils also.
Martha, I’m so sorry to hear this news. This is such a lovely tribute to Rich. Even though we haven’t met, I feel as though I know Rich through your blog and Facebook page. I will be praying for you as you navigate this next step in life.
Thank you Angie, I didn’t expect my next chapter to be this way but God had plans for Rich. I have some many wonderful memories and a wonderful support family to get me through my next steps.
Martha, I am so sorry for your lose. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Rich. My love goes out to you, Lia, and your whole family.
Thank you Benda, I wish you could have met Rich in person, he was so wonderful and my heart is filled with 59 years of memories.
Martha, the gardens in heaven are blooming now with Rich to take care of them. Your love has inspired and warmed my heart over the years I have known you and will continue to do so. You and your family are in my thoughts at this time
Thank you so much Vidya, yes I can only imagine the heavenly gardens that Rich is tending too. His 59 years of love and memories will be with me forever.
Martha, I’m so sorry for your loss. Rich’s kindness and loving heart came through in every picture that you posted and in every word that you wrote about him. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Thank you Victoria, Rich’s kindness wasn’t just for family, it overflowed to everyone he met even strangers. He was always there if someone needed something.
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. From your blogs and Facebook page I can see he was a great husband and a great “pop.” I will be praying and thinking of you over the coming weeks. If you need anything please reach out to Matt and I.
Thank you Amanda, it’s still hard to believe pop is not sitting in his chair. But I know he is still with us in spirit, his love for us all will stay with us forever.
Sending so much love and hugs. So, so sorry for your loss.
Thank you Carol. The mug and plaque you and your hubby made are just beautiful!