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Hello Hatters,

Thirty-seven years ago, I was at a hair salon getting my hair fixed; it was an early morning appointment.  Both families had gathered.  Final preparations were made as I made my way to lifetime wedding vow and the best “I do!” I’ve ever said.

I’d known the heartache of a divorce and so did Country Hubby.  By God’s plan, His grace and His mercy, a new man arrived at the scene of my job.  There was a connection that never broke.  I stole his heart and he swept me up into his loving life.

What a journey we shared.  Always, he put me first.  He sacrificed every day.  Hard work was in his farming heritage and in his blood.  Many times, he held down two jobs. He lived his hobbies as loud as his livelihood. He fished, he made bird houses and planters. He gardened, all with much success and the source of many stories at family gatherings. I would tease him that he couldn’t remember what happened yesterday, but he could remember the weight and length of the best fish stories.  His response was the same, “Fact, not story!  I don’t stretch it.”

What he did stretch was his strength and endurance. After his injury in 2001, he learned a new way to carry on helping the family.  So many surgeries took their toll on his health.  His desire was to keep trying.  He walked the path of resilience, until he couldn’t anymore.

I know that he’s been gone physically from me for 2 years and 3 months but I woke at 2 am very heavily burdened with my widow’s heart.  I haven’t cried like that in a while. As I looked at my phone this morning, I saw the date. My anniversary.

I must keep putting one foot in front of the other. The depth of the hurt is lessening as I am thankful that my precious Country Hubby no longer suffers.  The resilience he modeled is what I have to do each day.

Maybe that’s why even in retirement, I’m still driven to set goals and check the boxes on my to do lists. I know he would want me to live my best life possible.  I will not sugarcoat this pain.  But I will will keep remembering the sweetness of our marriage.

If by chance you know this journey, I’m with you and encourage you to keep going.  Gratitude is my fuel. My faith is my strength.  Everyone is facing disappointment or difficulties, but just persevere, my dear families and friends. We’re here to help each other.  I’m fortunate to be with part of my family today.

Hugs and love,

MT Penny