This Week Was DIFFICULT!

I knew that I would have anxiety and apprehension leading into this week. What I didn't realize was that by making this year my focus, I was making it more difficult. This week brought an emotional experience, an escape and a way of losing myself that I couldn't plan for!

I was so sad and overwhelmed and I kept saying, "Twenty Five years is a long time to live without my Mom. I am so Sad!"

Countless times over the years, I have wanted to spend time with her, to talk to her, to hear her advise, to laugh with her and to see her face light up as she enjoys our children. Oh the happiness and pride that she would have felt.

This past week marked 25 years that we had to say goodbye to Myra Nelson Hahn.

Vang Lutheran Church, Westby WI was the church where she was confirmed, married and buried. I am thankful for this church and I want to share my most recent memory of attending a service.

On my drive, my emotions started to roll through me as one of my favorite songs played on the radio, "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw. If you listen to the words, they represent exactly the way my mom lived her life.

When I arrived at the church, I was surprised at how small it seemed to be, compared to the memories I had of it. As a visitor to the church and as I absorbed the pastor's sermon, I knew instantly that I was supposed to be there. I swallowed hard and tried to keep the tears from welling in my eyes, but I couldn't stop them. Are there coincidences? I think not. The pastor's sermon was the exact reason as to why I published my book, "My Mom's Gone, Now What?"

Here is a paraphrase of his message. "Share your wounds with others, so that you may help those who are in need and so that you may free yourself from pain, in order to move forward."

WOW....it was what I needed to hear! I was there to share my wounds with the pastor as I gave him a copy of my book. I was also there to gain strength. This service was a true blessing. Afterwards, I spent quiet time in the cemetery to reflect and to talk with my mom. Our daughter had asked me to say hello to her Grandma.

From there I drove to my hometown, and as life happens, I ended up seeing my best childhood friend standing on her porch. We ended up spending the day together and we reminisced over our childhood years together.....amazing! I never thought that this day would be so full!

As I drove back home, another one of my favorite songs started playing, "You Should Be Here" by Cole Swindel.

Life is a Journey to be Lived!

Blessings to each of you, Chris