Friday, June 13, 2014

Riding My Blues...Aweigh

This song...definitely strikes a chord through my soul...right through the hole in my heart...and the whole in my heart.


Our daughters selected the perfect urn. Such incredible beauty! They get their artistic talents from Mom.

As is this candle holder and a more recent photo of Patti!
All three together, along with our children, our music and your prayers fills the hole in my heart into a whole again.

Grief n' joy. Joy n' grief.

The sun was shining...shining God's grace. The clouds are pouring...pouring God's grace.
And although I have lost my love, she is not lost. We are parted for now but not forever.
The seeds of love, planted within by our Father and nourished by Patti, continue to grow, by God's grace...
And my choice to be thankfull rather than bitter.

A choice that is easy for me to make, thanks to Patti and our wonderful children. And. of course, His Blood and Spirit.

We had a very poignant, joyfull service. We all shared good memories of Patti and we continue to learn from her example to never give up, no matter how painful it may be at times.

I was truly blessed beyond measure to have had the privilege and honor to be Patti's husband for 33 years.
She was an outstanding Mom, wife, sister, daughter and friend. She is my best friend and one, true love.
Thank you my love.
Patti's Memorial

13 comments:

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

Sorry guys.
I'll write more later, but right now I'm purty tired.

julie said...

That's a truly beautiful memorial, Ben. I love the rosary, too.

John Lien said...

Nice, heartfelt post Ben.

mushroom said...

It's a great tribute to a worthy person. Beautiful.

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

Thanks Julie,
Patti was very fond of that rosary.

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

Thanks John.
I can't say I've ever had feelings as deeply intense as I have since Patti passed on.

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

Aye! Thanks to our daughters. They really did exceed the beauty of what I had thought possible. :)

robinstarfish said...

Wonderful, Ben. Your love, and of your family, is palpable. Such a blessing.

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

Hi Don,
They sure are a blessing! I have so much to be thankfull for.

Leslie Godwin said...

Thank you for sharing that, Ben. Really beautiful. I'm very touched by your love for Patti and your daughters.
Leslie

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

Hi Leslie,
I had a great father's day talking to both my daughters.
Truly I am a blessed man.

Joan of Argghh! said...

Still thinking of you and praying for you when I do think of you, which is often.

Thinking of the sweet doggies, too... that they are likely good guides for your grief; their righteous doggie souls are just made to usher us gently into feelings not easily wrung from the depths. I am so glad you have them as companionable counselors.

Not much to say or offer, really, just thinking of you and Patti. Wanting you to feel our prayers and fellowship, too.

Much love...

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

Thank you, Joan!
I feel your prayers and they help me more than I can say.
Seriously! :)