Also, on the lighter side, our kids HATED Bodie! We thought it would be so cool, but it was hot and dry and there was "nothing to do." No ice cream shops anywhere! Bodie is in our family lore as well, but it's a differnt vibe :-D
I've long followed Tina and now will await Eric's updates as well. As I've shared with Tina, I lost my son at 23 in 2021, and while no 2 journeys in grief are the same, there are plenty of venn-diagram overlapping spaces where we can meet. I have a surviving son, so I don't have to consider the question "am I still a dad?" But I am still Grant's dad, so I know the answer would be a resounding yes. He still teaches us things as we continue to uncover insights about him that we missed before. His unique perspective as a neuroatypical child and young adult. His disdain for capitalism, and sometimes us, as embodiments of a system that he reviled, despite his love for us. It was complicated and still is. I wish I could tell him "I understand."
We also carry ashes and have a long spreadsheet to remember all the places we've left them. Denali, New Orleans, Hawaii, Portland... I wished I believed that the departed are with us, but at least I know that they remain a part of us and we inhabit their spaces forever changed. We say their names and they remain.
You two are an inspiration and I always feel better about everything after reading your posts. Please keep them coming and I pledge to keep supporting you. With much love.
I loved reading this and how you transitioned from not really liking kids into fabulous parents. I’m different in that I always wanted to be a parent and started early. Sadly, I’m the same because I too have lost one of my children. I will always be his mom, his name is/was? Ernie. 🏄♂️
Charlotte, I am so sorry about the loss of your son Ernie. I am sorry we share this terrible understanding. Thank you for being here, and I'm glad you liked this episode!
Thank you so much for sharing. Bereaved father's a so often forgotten about. This was a beautiful short road down memory lane from your husband. My heart aches that he has found a friend who's child also died, but it warms knowing they will have a bond many don't.
Thank you Theresa, your words really lift me up. It's always a risk to write about your feelings but this experience has been nothing but positive, I hope I get to be a guest contributor again!
Sending well-wishes for healing hikes, stunning sunsets, and the recognition that your writing and photos- your family- touch the hearts of so many of us, your readers.
Thank you Cathy, yesterday's hike did feel like a healing adventure and I draw a lot of solace and from the outdoors. I am happy that my writing connected with you, maybe Tina will invite me to Turkey Town again.
These memorial days are so hard on many. It was nice to hear your husband's views on his life with your daughter. My husband was just diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized to his hip and ribs. He's 64. Our oldest son and his wife hosted a Father's Day gathering with all of our 7 children and their spouses except my youngest daughter who is an addict and homeless. Our youngest son lives on the other side of Canada, in Victoria and they surprised us by calling their dad then walking out to meet us mid-call. There were no dry eyes. This one will go down in the books. I cried a few tears because it was yet another family gathering that my daughter missed. Your stories about your daughter and life on the road are such an encouragement to me. Bless you and your husband as you share this sacred journey with us.
Thank you Rosemary for your heartfelt message ands I'm glad you enjoyed my writing. I am sorry to hear about your husband, I am just a year older and we are at that age where more and more people are having health catastrophes. Thankfully you were able to have a Father's Day that "will go down in the books". I am saddened to hear about your youngest daughter, as a social worker and therapist I saw addiction impact so many families, I have also seen some miracles, so don't give up hope.
Thank you both for this sobering reminder to cherish the present moments. I pray that God is revealing fresh vision and comfort to you out there on the farm. Like the other readers, I’m grateful for your beautiful reflections of a life well lived and a love forever celebrated.
Tracie, that was such a sweet comment. Being at the farm, with Kiki's chicken and the continual reminders off what was, has proven to be more panacea than pain and I'm very gratified that what I wrote conveyed a beautiful reflection of a life well Ioved and a love forever celebrated.
Also, on the lighter side, our kids HATED Bodie! We thought it would be so cool, but it was hot and dry and there was "nothing to do." No ice cream shops anywhere! Bodie is in our family lore as well, but it's a differnt vibe :-D
Timing is everything, Keek was still in the world of "let's pretend".
I've long followed Tina and now will await Eric's updates as well. As I've shared with Tina, I lost my son at 23 in 2021, and while no 2 journeys in grief are the same, there are plenty of venn-diagram overlapping spaces where we can meet. I have a surviving son, so I don't have to consider the question "am I still a dad?" But I am still Grant's dad, so I know the answer would be a resounding yes. He still teaches us things as we continue to uncover insights about him that we missed before. His unique perspective as a neuroatypical child and young adult. His disdain for capitalism, and sometimes us, as embodiments of a system that he reviled, despite his love for us. It was complicated and still is. I wish I could tell him "I understand."
We also carry ashes and have a long spreadsheet to remember all the places we've left them. Denali, New Orleans, Hawaii, Portland... I wished I believed that the departed are with us, but at least I know that they remain a part of us and we inhabit their spaces forever changed. We say their names and they remain.
Thank you for sharing ❤️
That last photo ... Keek is totally Rosie! Beautiful!
You two are an inspiration and I always feel better about everything after reading your posts. Please keep them coming and I pledge to keep supporting you. With much love.
Thank you Holly!
I loved reading this and how you transitioned from not really liking kids into fabulous parents. I’m different in that I always wanted to be a parent and started early. Sadly, I’m the same because I too have lost one of my children. I will always be his mom, his name is/was? Ernie. 🏄♂️
Charlotte, I am so sorry about the loss of your son Ernie. I am sorry we share this terrible understanding. Thank you for being here, and I'm glad you liked this episode!
Hi Eric. So nice to hear from you in this post! And I appreciated the Fighting Fists link :)
Love these pictures. They show your family's special bond. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Erin, thanks for reading!
Thank you so much for sharing. Bereaved father's a so often forgotten about. This was a beautiful short road down memory lane from your husband. My heart aches that he has found a friend who's child also died, but it warms knowing they will have a bond many don't.
So much love to you. Thank you for your candor ♥️
The spirit of you and K really comes through in the photos. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Rock on, dad. Or roll...
Thank you Theresa, your words really lift me up. It's always a risk to write about your feelings but this experience has been nothing but positive, I hope I get to be a guest contributor again!
Thank you once again Tina for sharing your journey. May you have a speedy recovery.
It was a treat to hear Eric ..
Eric you were blessed with a special gift to become a Dad ..( and Tina a mom )
The unknown took Kiersten too soon .
Or, was it Gods plan, for he has more important plans for Kierstins beautiful soul ..
Eric you will always be a Dad, and an amazing dad you will always be ..
Father’s Day and many other holidays are so difficult for many .
Continue to stay strong.
Love you both , always, Theresa
Sending well-wishes for healing hikes, stunning sunsets, and the recognition that your writing and photos- your family- touch the hearts of so many of us, your readers.
Thank you Cathy, yesterday's hike did feel like a healing adventure and I draw a lot of solace and from the outdoors. I am happy that my writing connected with you, maybe Tina will invite me to Turkey Town again.
These memorial days are so hard on many. It was nice to hear your husband's views on his life with your daughter. My husband was just diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized to his hip and ribs. He's 64. Our oldest son and his wife hosted a Father's Day gathering with all of our 7 children and their spouses except my youngest daughter who is an addict and homeless. Our youngest son lives on the other side of Canada, in Victoria and they surprised us by calling their dad then walking out to meet us mid-call. There were no dry eyes. This one will go down in the books. I cried a few tears because it was yet another family gathering that my daughter missed. Your stories about your daughter and life on the road are such an encouragement to me. Bless you and your husband as you share this sacred journey with us.
Thank you Rosemary for your heartfelt message ands I'm glad you enjoyed my writing. I am sorry to hear about your husband, I am just a year older and we are at that age where more and more people are having health catastrophes. Thankfully you were able to have a Father's Day that "will go down in the books". I am saddened to hear about your youngest daughter, as a social worker and therapist I saw addiction impact so many families, I have also seen some miracles, so don't give up hope.
So touching and heart-felt. Brings back similar memories here. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Marc
Thank you both for what you are doing for all of us out here. To witness such courage and grace gives me hope in perilous times.
Thank you Pam!
Thank you both for this sobering reminder to cherish the present moments. I pray that God is revealing fresh vision and comfort to you out there on the farm. Like the other readers, I’m grateful for your beautiful reflections of a life well lived and a love forever celebrated.
Tracie, that was such a sweet comment. Being at the farm, with Kiki's chicken and the continual reminders off what was, has proven to be more panacea than pain and I'm very gratified that what I wrote conveyed a beautiful reflection of a life well Ioved and a love forever celebrated.