Sunday, August 25, 2013

(Favorite shoes) Favorite memories

I thought a lot about what I would blog today… this being the one year anniversary of Richard’s departure to heaven.
There are so many things going on inside of me. Part of me didn’t even want to say anything …I just wanted it to be, 
"just another day". But it’s not…and it never will be.  It will forever be burned inside my broken heart. So truly the only thing I can even share about what this past year has been like for me, is something a dear friend said to me recently.  Because it sums it up the best I can right now.  
She said... 
“Only God knows how many tears you have shed over Richard’s death.”  

And I must say as I write this blog I am adding to that count.
So to keep my mind from breaking under the sorrow I am feeling today I need to shift my thoughts to a happier memory of my beloved Richard. 
It was brought back to me because of today’s photo challenge...

"Favorite shoes"

My favorite shoes are not even mine, they are Richards. So I'm going to tell you the story behind why this is.

My husband had a darling habit when we went out shopping.  He would carry my purse for me.  Trust me anyone that knew Richard can attest to the fact that he was all man.  But he was also the most thoughtful, caring and tender husband… and so Christ like in his care of me. 

This became so second nature to us we never thought anything of it, and I'm sure at times I had some pretty girlie looking bags....and we must have gotten some pretty funky looks. LOL
This was a time when it wasn't so socially acceptable to be open about any alternative lifestyle… and definitely not in our very quaint little town.  But like I said we never thought anything of it until this one summer day when we were out together shopping.

We went to the mall in town and at one point decided to go shop in different directions. Richard like always was carrying my purse as we parted ways.  He was on a hunt for a pair of men's clogs. Again this was something that was not popular even in our country yet… let alone in our neck of the woods.

Richard strolled up to the counter with my big flowery purse slung over his shoulder and asked the clerk it they carried men's clogs… and if not could they order him a pair? 

It wasn’t until we met back up and Richard was telling me how bizarre the clerk treated him that it finally dawned on us what he must have thought of this man with this big ol' girlie purse walking into the store looking for a pair of clogs.  We busted out laughing so hard. And although it was a few more years till we could finally find Richard “men's clogs”.
They always reminded us of that funny day. 


So now they belong to Mr. Jasper because there will never be another man on the face of this earth who could fill those shoes as far as we are concerned.  They usually sit on the floor beside my bed and will till the day I die and see my beloved again.



So I’m going to end this post with some pictures of Jasper’s favorite memories of Daddy… :)




And if dogs could cry real tears… 

imagine how many Jasper would have cried this year as well.


13 comments:

  1. Stay Strong ! You are an amazing lady ! Your Beloved Richard would be so proud of you !!

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    1. Thank you Donna for saying Richard would be proud of me ...the thought of that always makes me smile!
      Hugs , Anna

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  2. Oh Anna! I thought I was just going to tell you what a great post today honoring your Richard's memory and how funny it was about the shopping. I can see why he was one in a million because of the purse thing. :) But then I get to the end with the pictures of Richard and Jasper and the tears come. How I know you love those photos! Prayers and hugs for you today. I know it has been a very long year for you.

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    1. I do treasure ever photo... and the tears of my friends :)

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  3. In pretty much the same boat as Jane -- laughing at the purse-and-clogs story, and then tearing up over the pictures of Richard and Jasper. Thinking of all of you today and sending you the gentlest or strongest (whichever you need) of hugs.

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    1. I'll take both kind of hugs because I need all the hugs I can get :)

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  4. Such a beautiful tribute to a kind and loving husband! He truly will, forever, be missed.

    You've walked 365 miles in his shoes this past year. I'm so very proud of you that you could even put one foot in front of the other. (Not so sure I'd have half the strength you did.)

    I am sending you and Jasper big hugs and a world full of love today. I hope that you feel the warmth from across the miles. If I were there, I would shed some tears with you too.

    I hope that you have a peaceful day with wonderful memories to get you through until tomorrow. Tomorrow is yet another day with new beginnings.

    Played one of my favorite songs today and wanted to share just a little of it with you...

    In the palm of your hand:

    But if I trust the One who died for me
    Who shed His blood to set me free
    If I live my life to trust in You
    Your grace will see me through

    I'd rather be in the palm of Your hand
    Though rich or poor I may be
    Faith can see right through the circumstance
    Sees the forest in spite of the trees

    If you've never heard Alison Krauss sing this song, you should check it out. This is the song I always turn to when I need to find MY strength. I hope you find it will do the same for you.

    Much love my friend!
    Kim

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    1. No put I'm going to go find the song on youtube...I love the words and I love Alison Krauss's voice so I can't wait to hear it! :)

      Kim many times in this year I have felt the love and warmth from across the miles in the comments you have posted. I'm so thankful for you and that we have become friends. :)

      You are a treasure to me ...and Lily isn't the only lovable one in your pack...your pretty darn lovable yourself lady!

      Much love to you too my friend :)
      Anna

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  5. The previous ladies have said it so well, I have no words. You are an amazing daughter of the King and He loves you beyond all measure.

    Prayers and hugs sweet Anna,
    Anne

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    1. Anne thank you for all your prayers this year and for always encouraging me and pointing me to the one who loves me best...Jesus. And you are also an amazing daughter of the King!

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  6. Lady's I just want to say thank you to all of you who comment and let me know your out there. You have all touched me so many times with your thoughtfulness and your words... I adore you all!

    Hugs,
    Anna

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  7. I'm so glad to know that you realize the Lord is giving you strength to carry on without Richard. While I have no idea of the kind of pain his passing must have caused - I know that he is with his Savior and it is clear that you know that as well and that must bring some measure of comfort to you. Thank you for sharing such a fun memory of Richard with us. Hugs to you!

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    1. Thank you Blueberry for your kind words....and hugs right back at ya! :)

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