I hear you, Cheryl. When Dan was gone that year for Desert Storm, I had a hard time at night. Imagination wanted to run rampant. Mom has had a hard time at night too- at 90 she has been staying up til midnight just to avoid the empty space in their bed. Praying for comfort from the Lord for you. He is there.

Amandajk said:

I hear you, Cheryl. When Dan was gone that year for Desert Storm, I had a hard time at night. Imagination wanted to run rampant. Mom has had a hard time at night too- at 90 she has been staying up til midnight just to avoid the empty space in their bed. Praying for comfort from the Lord for you. He is there.

Click to expand...

Thank you, Amanda. I stay up way too late just to avoid laying there while my brain starts "running". I have to wait until I'm almost walking into the wall before I go lay down.

Oh Cheryl, this is stunning. I love the face. She looks so like she's praying for peace and the calmness is raining down on her. I love how the layout looks ........... not sure I have the right words to say what it feels as I dont want to take away from the power of this layout. Its very heavenly. Serene. Power. Just a stunning layout that speaks volumes. You are so strong and brave.

AK_Tracy said:

Oh Cheryl, this is stunning. I love the face. She looks so like she's praying for peace and the calmness is raining down on her. I love how the layout looks ........... not sure I have the right words to say what it feels as I dont want to take away from the power of this layout. Its very heavenly. Serene. Power. Just a stunning layout that speaks volumes. You are so strong and brave.

Click to expand...

Thanks for your wonderful, supportive and encouraging words, Tracy. I was truly inspired as well as soothed by this quote. I "flounder" at night and this poem spoke so clearly to me. Nighttime is just plain hard, and it helped me to think of the "half brave" concept. Chuck made me promise him that I'd be 'strong and brave" - it hasn't been easy, but I've tried.

Cherylndesigns said:

Chuck made me promise him that I'd be 'strong and brave" - it hasn't been easy, but I've tried.

Click to expand...

He's so proud of you! I know this even after just a couple months of being around you. He's so proud of you. You are braver than you realize and it shows in all you do!

AK_Tracy said:

He's so proud of you! I know this even after just a couple months of being around you. He's so proud of you. You are braver than you realize and it shows in all you do!

Click to expand...

Wow, Tracy, you just made me feel SO good. I want to make him proud and I have kept on scrapping because he was my biggest fan.

Oh wow, this is just so powerful. . I can feel your strength and your sorrow. You are carrying the mantle of bravery for yourself and I'm sure the rest of your family as well. There are no words which will make it better or easier especially going through a year of first times. Memories and connections will always be in your heart and honoring him by continuing to do things the things you know he loved about you is him by your side and letting you know he's there. The closest path to God and the people I miss is my garden, I hope yours brings you peace & serenity too.

JeanneMN said:

Oh wow, this is just so powerful. . I can feel your strength and your sorrow. You are carrying the mantle of bravery for yourself and I'm sure the rest of your family as well. There are no words which will make it better or easier especially going through a year of first times. Memories and connections will always be in your heart and honoring him by continuing to do things the things you know he loved about you is him by your side and letting you know he's there. The closest path to God and the people I miss is my garden, I hope yours brings you peace & serenity too.

Click to expand...

Oh my goodness, Jeanne, I'm sorry I'm just reading this. It is SO powerful and heartfelt and I'm so honored to have met you girls from SG - what a blessing you have been. I feel like I have known all of you my whole life. Your comments are so powerful and really make me feel like I'm doing the things that Chuck would have wanted me to do. I KNOW he wanted me to keep on scrapping my heart out and my feelings too - that's why I've continued to do it and haven't gone to the corner and sat there and sucked my thumb. i know that sounds funny, but that's the analogy I always give - I HAVE to keep on going for him and my family. I love all of you so much!!

This art journaling page is deeply moving. The quote by George MacDonald about being strong in the dark resonates profoundly. I can relate to your struggle with nights and the feelings that come with solitude. Your vulnerability in sharing this is powerful. Keep finding strength in your creativity.

This is so beautiful Cheryl. And powerful. And deeply profound. I don’t have any words to add to what’s been said. Sending you big hugs. I’m so happy you’re scrapping and sharing your journey with us. It’s an honor to be part of that.