The Meitler Minute: Grief, growth, and giving thanks

Our family is Full of blessings

Today has been a difficult day, I am filled with grief, have experienced growth, and given many thanks to those around me for the strength and support they are providing. Today we found out that my dad passed away. One of my first reactions was shock, then how can I fix it and make it better for my family members who are also grieving, then what are the steps that you take next. Where will life lead? Questions raced in my mind, how, what, when, why...we know some answers but never will know all and I will find peace knowing he is at peace. This is where I give thanks to God for promising us each a beautiful eternal life beyond this earth and even more thanks that he will guide us through our lives here on earth. Finding strength and comfort in those around us and sending up prayers for comfort and support from him. Only he knows our true needs in times of weakness and times of greatness. I am humbled by the fact that he forgives, he loves, and he accepts every person no matter their life here on earth. I cannot say my face is not tear stained, my heart is not breaking, and my breath seems difficult to catch at times but I can find peace in thoughts and memories of many moments with my dad that we were able to share. I am saddened that the month of April is now going to be even harder to face each year with Jared's mom Sundra and my dad now passing from this life in the same month, but we will grieve, grow and give thanks each year with double the amount of love and memories flowing through our family.

This was something that tonight just jumped off the page at me because dad was always the first to tell us to keep our heads up, keep going, and that we could do anything we put our minds to! Right sis? I love you dad. I always have. I always will.