This Past Week

/ Jodi

This past week I received a surprise bouquet of flowers
from a generous friend named Gary
who grows the most beautiful dahlias.

This past week I also learned I lost a dear blogging friend
whose name was Terry from his beautiful husband named Gary
after I spoke to him just the day before sharing my love and admiration.

This past week I worked and I played and I laughed and I cried
in determination and freedom and joy and in sorrow
for family and friends both cherished in my life and those I have lost.

Tomorrow is Labor Day in the United States.
A day set aside to honor the American labor movement and the contributions
workers have made towards the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of our country.

I think about Gary laboring over the beautiful flowers he planted.
I think about Terry laboring to breathe when I spoke to him the day before he died.
I think about Gary laboring to get through the days following the death of his love.

I think about those who labor to provide comforting care to hospice patients.
I think about those who labor in hospitals and emergency rooms and trauma centers.
I think about those who labor to protect our country’s freedom.

I am grateful for a weekend of respite
and the opportunity to work
this past week.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

 

59 thoughts on “This Past Week”

  3. Oh, Jodi—

    I am so sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. I have had both he and Gary in my heart ever since I read your post with the beautiful yellow flower.

    Even when you know that the prognosis is what it is, the end time is still heart-breaking. Please let Gary know that he is in many prayers.

    Jane

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  4. Very beautiful post Jodi. I really appreciate you and thankful that you were in Terry’s life these last few years. You are a special person and have a special place in my heart for all your kindness. Love always, Gary

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  7. And just when I thought I could cry no more …. thank you for this beautiful post. Of gratitude and sorrow, of giving and receiving, of life and death. Thank you Jodi, for being able to speak to Terry. Thank you for being a beautiful soul. Thank you. ❤️

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  8. Hugs sweet Jodi.
    It has been quite a week. I sensed that Terry had passed a couple days ago. I was checking his blog everyday, but for some reason never thought to scroll down otherwise I would have seen your comments. I would have loved to have tried to speak to him, and am so happy you were able to. My heart feels for Gary, as this cannot be easy for him…. x

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  11. I’m really sorry to hear about the passing of Terry. I knew about his blog but I didn’t interact with him a lot. It’s still very sad to lose someone from the WP community. May he rest in peace. Nice to meet you. I’m Lisa. I read about Terry in Kerry’s blog.

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  14. Sometimes words seem inadequate to express the feelings one wishes to convey, this is one of those times. Terry’s last post on August 28th.foretold today’s post. I was reminded this week of these words by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross: “Those who learned to know death, rather than to fear and fight it, become our teachers about life.” Terry became just that. My deepest sympathy to you, to Gary and to all Terry touched through “Spearfruit.”

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  19. I am sorry to hear of your losing a friend and will hope Gary and you will find some comfort in the days which pass.
    I liked the flowers and was blessed with how beautiful they are, how warm you are to share the bouquet with us. hugs xo 🌌

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  20. Hi Jodi. This is such a lovely post. It has been wonderful to see so many comments on Terry’s blog that reflect the depth of care and affection for this amazing human being. He suffered his illness with dignity and grace, right up to the very end, posting with courage and sincerity, concerned about his many friends here. He was loved, he was special, he made an impact. Thank you.

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  23. Blessings to you and Gary and all those touched by Terry’s life. Gary grows beautiful flowers. Takes a certain kind of person to tend to flowers. Patience, love, care and some know how. Bringing them into life, care for them so they will be the best they can be, and watch them die, when their time has come. Flowers bring happiness, joy and peaceful feelings, lovely smells, & butterflies. And they teach us about dying. About living. And about celebrating. Hugs from my soul to yours.

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