Miscellaneous

With A Full Heart

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Sincere thanks to all my dear WordPress friends for stopping by to read my April 2 post about the death of my brother-in-law, Jim …. my husband Bill’s twin brother. Thank you especially to those who took a moment to leave words of comfort; that simple act on your part has truly touched me and helped both Bill and me to cope with this tremendous loss. I see how many of you care and my heart is full of gratitude and love. I’m sure you realize why I have been absent from WordPress until now and I know you understand why I have not commented on any of your sites in recent days. It all feels so strangely surreal to us. Things here at home are beginning to settle down and we are now trying to adjust to the new normal in our lives …. a world without Jim. Bill is also grateful to you all for taking the time to share our grief. I will return to posting tomorrow. Thank you, my friends. 🩶 🕊️

~ Nancy

This is “The Art Of Dying” by George Harrison

“For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” – Kahlil Gibran

40 thoughts on “With A Full Heart”

    1. This is the toughest mountain for Bill to climb; I am here to hold his hand. The sadness is unrelenting but each passing day gets a trifle better because of the amazing support from my friends here on WP. All the comments mean so much to both me and Bill.

      Thank you, Dylan, for your words of encouragement and comfort. ♡

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  3. It is very surreal to find yourself with such a huge loss, especially when it is unexpected. It is impossible to not feel like you’ve lost your equilibrium. Our blogging family really does come through, doesn’t it? They helped me not lose my sanity almost ten years ago.

    Sending you lots of healing love.

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    1. Bill is a private man; he’s not the type to show his emotions freely, especially in a large group or among people he doesn’t know well. In all the years we’ve been together, I’ve seen him cry a handful of times. This is one of those times. Looking through photos of Jim and reading what I have written has been a good way for him to let is feelings go and his tears freely flow. I am so thankful I can give him that gift to help him grieve.

      We both feel this enormous warm hug from the WordPress community; we are incredibly moved by the kindness and love coming our way. It’s a beautiful thing.

      Thank you, dear friend. 🩶🕊️

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      1. I understand. Many men are like this. We do what we can to help them.

        That’s wonderful – that you can feel the virtual hg we are all giving you.

        Sending another dose 💞

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  4. You have been in my thoughts and prayers, Nancy. There are so many feelings to sort out at times like this. Take all the time you need. May God be your comfort and strength through it all. Sending you all much love

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  7. I didn’t comment on your post about the death of your brither0in-law because on a previous post you told me that particular story was fiction and although I felt you would not be using a topic like that as a fiction, I just felt that there was no way that I could comfort you. It is hard to find the right words when somebody passes away, but I do know how you feel.

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  9. Take care of both of you. It will be good to see you back here again, but please – only do it when it feels right. And if tomorrow comes and that isn’t the day for it, we’ll understand 🙏

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    1. Well, that made me tear up, Clive. We are doing exactly that, taking extra special care of each other, being kind and gentle knowing it can all be gone in an instant.

      It’s so difficult to think of life without Jim, the closest of brothers to my husband for 75 years and a very dear person to me for 56 years. I’ve been using the word ‘surreal’ a lot lately; that’s what it’s like and the only way to describe it.

      Thank you for your thoughtful words of support and comfort, Clive; you’re a good friend. I miss writing; it brings me joy and I need that right now. ♡

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  13. I’m sorry I missed your earlier post, Nancy, and I offer my sympathies for your loss. It’s an odd feeling, going through that adjustment period. Please remember they are always only a thought away.

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    1. Thank you, dear Tom. As I wrote in my first post, my husband didn’t just lose a brother; he lost a piece of himself, someone who was his constant companion, best friend and his other half for 75 years. It is beyond surreal.

      Yes, he is only a thought away and with each passing day the deep sorrow we feel now will be replaced with a loving peace.

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts today, Tom. I appreciate you.

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  14. Something else I just thought of…are you familiar with Dr Tony Evans, pastor and author? If not, during Covid his family lost something like a dozen loved ones in 18 months–including his beautiful wife, to cancer. They felt so paralyzed–but they’re a very close-knit family, and one night when they were all gathered together they asked each other, “what would mom tell us to do?” The answer was simple, but very helpful: “just do the next thing”. Whether it was cooking dinner, or taking a shower…anything, to just keep them moving forward.

    I’ve found this helpful when I’m subject to depression, or fatigue–to just choose one thing and get it done gives me a feeling of accomplisment that day. 

    Take care, much love, Vee.

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    1. What a wonderful comment, Vee, and a thoughtful suggestion. I will pass this on to my sister-in-law, Jim’s widow; hopefully it will offer her support and comfort.

      I can’t imagine how someone continues putting one foot in front of the other after experiencing as much loss as Tony Evans. He is someone I would like to read more about.

      Thank you, Vee. ♡

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      1. He and his gifted, grown children certainly set a fine example of strong faith tested by fire. He has since remarried, and continues in ministry–I think his church is Oak Cliff Bible, in Texas…but I could be mistaken. I’ve heard him speak often…he’s pretty conservative, but not altogether harsh in his preaching–more “matter of Bible fact/Truth” than “warm fuzzy”.

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  16. Dear Nancy–I understand that “surreal” feeling…it’s hard to put into words what it’s like when someone we love is suddenly not there anymore. It can take time to adjust, so you both need to just use the grace God pours out on you, and share it with each other. I wish I could send you one of the candle jars I make… But don’t worry about blogging if you need to rest and collect yourself. I doubt any of us are going anywhere immediately–I’m not planning to. Just soak up all the love God and the rest of us have for you. Let us be His Light.

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    1. Thanks so much, Vee. You’ve been so kind and thoughtful to me over the last couple of days; I truly appreciate it. Bill and I are doing ok.

      At the wake, everyone was coming up to Bill and shaking his hand, offering condolences and hugs. People he didn’t even know greeted him because there is no mistake he is the twin brother of their lost friend. Those gestures and the things people said did more for Bill’s spirit than anything else; he got to see first hand how loved his brother was/is and how much he will be missed by people outside of our family circle.

      I am intrigued by your candle jar and perhaps might think about making one for myself. I’m not worried about blogging; I’ve missed writing and it’s time to get back into the things that bring me joy.

      Thank you, Vee. I appreciate you. ♡

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