Emotional tough day...Door County, Wisconsin.

[John Schmidt]

We took a couple days to make the run up to Door County(DOCO as the locals call it) for a little break and hoping to see some colorful foliage. The color was a bit disappointing, apparently we were 7-10 days early. There were some spots that were heavy with color but in general was very spotty. It's about a 100 mile run up past a little wide spot in the road called Ellison Bay so since we had a comped room we stayed one night due to great weather. Today, we crossed over to the east side of the peninsula for different scenery, plus the small towns south of where we stayed had a couple special Fall events going on this weekend and the tourists were gathering like an ant hill. On the east side(Lake Michigan side) I was able to complete something I'd been wanting to do for the last few years. I had saved a rose from each of my two daughter's funerals and one from my wife Rita's funeral. They were now dried, pressed and I had them stored in a small plastic sandwich bag in my car's glovebox. We found the perfect place...quiet, nobody else around, beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze. It was a little used boat ramp, a long dock, and totally quiet. I took the roses to the end of the dock and broke up the petals, letting them fall so the slight breeze would catch them and carry them out over the water which was almost like glass on the surface. To say it was emotional would be a gross understatement, but it gave me a final good-bye and closure. Thanks for "listening."

[Jersey mike]

Finding closure is so different for every person. For some it's come much sooner than later and for some it can be a painfully long process. One thing I have learned though is that once someone does find their path to closure and can process that point in time all the pressures seem to slip away.

Love of a loved one can never just disappear if the love was true but what we call closure can help bring relief of sad situations. I glad you were able to find yours.

Many people believe that once a person finds their closure in the loss of a loved one they can just move on, forget about who has been lost but it doesn't work that way. Memories may fade over time but love never stops just because a loved one is longer with you.

You spoken wonderfully of your new wife so enjoy the life you have together and let the love flow, I think Rita and your daughters would want that for you.

[da prez]

John , there are no words that express sorrow. Each person has their own way. I N E V E R say to a person "I know how you feel".  Everyone has different feelings.
  Twins with a loss have different feelings.
  Blessings to you John.  Life goes on and we wonder "why her".

                                          Ross

[TJ]

 

[LadyDraco]

What a beautiful tribute, John

I  fully understand...
I'm with Ross , we  all have  our own journey through grief.
And can't really say I  know  how  you feel..
    I feel ok with saying I  understand...
Healing Hugs...

[John Schmidt]

Thanks for the heartfelt responses, I'm sure you all know I wasn't looking for pity...just understanding. I know many of our membership have experienced similar heartbreak. I was thankful we found a great spot to do this, very quiet and serene with the exception of a couple noisy sea gulls.

[Mooskee]

John, my heart goes out to you. May the Holy Spirit guide you through the grieving process in exactly the way you need.

Dave

[carolinarider09]

John, that was a very wonderful and powerful tribute.  I cannot say I have been where you are but, actions show feelings and it is obvious that your feelings are for them and their future with the Lord.

[John Schmidt]

Dave, those were trying times indeed. My first daughter left us 20 yrs. ago this past May. Talented singer, sang with the St. Louis Philharmonic...believe that's the right name. Beautiful voice. The second daughter left us 14 yrs. ago this past April, one day after my birthday. She was a lifelong teacher and assistant principal...also a great singer as were all my girls. They used to sing together in church when younger. The remaining two girls have never sung since. I was devastated, two months later I had a major heart attack, five weeks in the hospital. By this time my Rita's Parkinsons was nearly uncontrollable, this was on top of a slow moving cancer diagnosis. My daily prayer was "Lord, afford me strength for the day and wisdom for the moment." Seven years after losing the second daughter, He took Rita. It all took a major toll on me and my health but I'm still here and in better condition than before and about 45 lbs. lighter. After leaving Florida and eventually meeting Nancy, my life has taken a major turn for the better. She has definitely put life back in mine for which I'm eternally grateful.

We'd love to get together with you and Donna again, possibly later this winter assuming we go south again for a couple months.

[LadyDraco]

 

John , if you and Nancy need a stop over kind of 1/2 Ya'll have a room here on the farm