...which I suppose makes sense.
Cold, barren, windswept...apropos of the day, though it's hard to believe it's been a year already.
A truth I've learned is grief is not an event.
It doesn't arrive with the shock and loss, linger for awhile during the numbness and painful recovery, then finally - vanquished - slip away to find some other poor soul to afflict.
No, grief is an unwelcome, lifelong companion, always ready to remind us at unexpected moments of our loss.
Seeing a father walking with his son; hearing a song on the radio; passing a Denny's restaurant where we used to share breakfast together.
And then the wound is open and bleeding, the unbidden tears flow, and once again sorrow and regret blot out the sun.
Thankfully, we have the truth of God's Word for our certain comfort:
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."
- I Thessalonians 4:13
In Christ, we have hope.
I know you're doing well, Ryan...I know your new life in heaven is glorious and you're happy and whole now.
And I know I'll see you again someday in God's time when it's my turn.
Until then, I mark this day and remember.
Love you.
- Dad