As will be no surprise to anyone who has read my last two posts, I have been dwelling on memories. Yesterday’s was one to treasure.
‘One Life Cut Short, Another Changed Forever’ will be known to longer term readers. It is forever linked with Michael’s life and death.
Memories our our life’s treasure, all the best my friend ((hugs))
Thanks very much, Ivor
Thank you for the link Derrick. One hopes to write words of comfort and send messages of support, but nothing I could say would suffice. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Very many thanks, Sue
Thank you for this link. I apologise I was unaware of what had happened to Vivien so many years ago. Please try and continue to take care.
Sincerely,
Takami
Very many thanks, Takami
(((HUGS))) and <3 for you, Jackie, your Mum, and all of your family
Very many thanks, Carolyn
I left a note back on the post Derrick and as my tears are drying I just want to say thank you for letting us share this journey with you and Jackie. I feel so honoured to be able to share your loss and pain and sorrow at this time as well as the days of kinder living that we are all given. There is a circle of people around the world that now focuses on your home and your wellbeing and shares in your grief and your sorrow and even though we cannot reach out and touch you, we are here and we care. With love.
Very many thanks, Pauline. You do reach out and touch me – every time I post (and even when I’m late 🙂 ) XX
<3
Oh Pauline, Thank you, once again, for saying all that I am thinking. I just can’t find my own words.
Thank you both so much
I read the link. It seems that you have more than your share of sadness!
Thanks very much, Andrew. Life’s rich variety has chucked a range of stuff at me, and much of it is good
I hadn’t known of your trouble tragedy. Bless you.
Many thanks, Peggy X
Memories are made to be kept for a lifetime. I hope you are feeling okay now Derrick and the rest of the family too. Just think Michael is in a nicer place.
Thanks very much, Arlene. We’ll get there
In a long life one gets to see it all, and you have had your fair share of sadness, Derrick. But also joy, and you were so lucky in finding Jackie. All blessings and positive thoughts to you both.
Many thanks, Marina – as you say – all has been balanced out
Thank you for sharing the link with us, Derrick. Michael was blessed to have you fill the roll of single parent which obviously you did with tremendous love and grace. We’re all here for you and Jackie…continued prayers for you and your family.
Very many thanks, Jill
I had no idea, Derrick. Our lives have run quite parallel and I am so sorry such pain has visited you my friend.
Thanks very much, GP. I am equally sorry that you have experienced something similar. It has, of course, made you the human being that you are
I suppose you’re right. Thank you, my friend.
Thank you for sharing. May these beautiful memories you share fill your heart. Suz
Very many thanks, Suz
Thank you for sharing the earlier post, Derrick. I’ve tears in my eyes from reading it, but also there are good memories embedded in it–of the special bond that you and Michael shared–and your mom–and all the people in the “it takes a village” sense who helped you. I continue to think of you, Jackie, and your family, and I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Very many thanks for your close caring, Merril XX
You are quite welcome, Derrick. I think we–your WP friends– feel so helpless to help you–the least we can do is respond to your grief.
That is just the ticket
Pauline has expressed so we’ll what I feel, and I expect what all your readers feel. All around the world, we are grieving with you. Many, many thanks for sharing those memories.
Should be “well” not “we’ll.” Darned autocorrect.
Autocorrect gets me more often than I would like. 🙂
Sigh.
Easily missed
🙂
Indeed
And very many thanks for being there, Laurie XX
You are a strong man Derrick. Good wishes!
Very many thanks, Rupali
Thank you for the link, Derrick, and the back story on Michael’s mother Vivien. Life has thrown many hard things at you, but as you say, much of it has also been good. I cry tears of sadness for your losses, past and present, and tears of joy for all the good things that have come your way.
Thank you very much for your empathy, Lavinia – that’s it in a nutshell
Thank you for revisiting these stories that tell your life and how you got where you are.
I started many such stories and left them lay. Perhaps it is time. If I am as strong as you are.
God bless you
Perhaps I can inspire you, Pleasant. Very many thanks
We each have our own ways of working through grief. Thanks for sharing these links to help this “newer” reader get to know you better. I also was a single parent (with two daughters) for some years; I think that living situation can form an especially strong bond between parents and children. I’m thinking of you and your family, Derrick…hoping that each day gets easier.
Very many thanks, Becky. We have something in common then
“You never know when you might be seeing someone for the last time.”
~Marilynne Robinson
Another very apt quotation, Uma. Many thanks
When I once suffered a terrible loss, my boss said to me in the hallway. “You just have to shut that door and move on.” I replied, “yessir, thank you sir.” In my truck I had another reply. “I’ll move on, but I’ll never, not in a million years, shut that door.” We try and try to make sense of the cards we’re dealt, but sometimes there’s simply no answer.
But you’re a good man Derrick and Michael was fortunate to have such a fine father. So you take care of yourself.
You bring happiness to the lives of many. In fact just the other day, I was driving home and a cow–very unexpectedly–was standing on the wrong side of the fence.. I slowed. the cow was enjoying some fresh grass in a wide ditch. She looked up as if to say, how are doing there Paul. I drove on. My next thought was ‘Derrick would love this.” You’re never far from my thoughts.
That’s lovely, Paul. Such a wise comment in your truck, too. Thank you very much.
Such a great sadness in your life, Derrick, amongst the good times. The story of Vivien was very touching, and you had to find inner reserves of strength at a time of grieving to carry on with your son, Michael. It must have been so hard. Sending warm wishes.
Very many thanks, Jane
Thinking of you; sending love and strength for the days ahead. xx
I’m so sorry for your loss. I appreciated the backstory and link to your previous catastrophe. My heart feels for you.
Very many thanks, Cindy
That post was what came to mind immediately when I heard. We are holding you toghtly my dear dear friend
X Very many thanks, Candy
Thinking of you Derrick. Try to look after yourself.
Thanks very much, Dad. You are all helping enormously
Still thinking of you, and still lost for words. I’m thinking of you but still can’t think of anything useful to say in this situation.
Your thoughts are fully understood, my friend, Simon. Thank you very much for being there as Quercus
I am at a total loss of words Derrick, the beginning was with such hardship – it is hard to imagine living through the sorrow and pain, and still able to give to your son all that he needed as a young boy. I’m thinking of you this evening and will hold you in my prayers.
Very many thanks, Mary X
So very sorry for your pain Derrick. Hold on tight to those good memories, even tinged amongst the sad. Thinking of you 🙏
Very many thanks, Miriam
What sadness you have had in your life, Derrick. I am so pleased you are surrounded by a large and loving family and have so many happy memories to sustain you. I am praying for you all.
Very many thanks, Clare
Well done Derrick.
Thanks very much, Brian