Journal entry by Al Negstad — 1 hour ago
Tonight I was with a group of friends with whom I have a long relationship. One of them said that he follows my Caring Bridge posts and thinks that my posting has been significant in my recovery. He's a good friend, the essence of compassion. He told this story. "After our daughter died we were in a grief group. When the leader of the group said 'after you've told about the death of your loved one 300, times you will begin to believe it.' I thought no, that can't be, but he was correct. That's why I think your blog has helped you."
Yes, I have the best friends, in fact I've remarked in the past that "the best things about me are my friends." Their willingness to walk with me in the land of grief has helped beyond measure.
With Joanne's death, which seems so untimely to me, I reflect with gratitude on the celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary in 2014. It never occurred to me at the time that Joanne would die before our 55th. With the leadership of our children, the aid of friends and the support of St. James Lutheran Church, it was a marvelous event. As I teased Joanne, "with 300 of your closest friends.😁" Now, living in the land of grief, I'm so glad Joanne was able to enjoy that celebration and of course I too enjoyed it. It was very special that four friends came from Norway to help us celebrate; three men, one of whom was accompanied by his wife. The three had attended college in America and Joanne's parental home was their home away from home. They were often referred to as "Joanne's Norwegian brothers," two of whom I was able to visit in Norway last October. One of them, Stein, sang at our wedding and he sang the same song at our Golden Wedding Anniversary party!
This is one of the precious memories I carry.
Blessings,
Al
Pictured with Joanne are her sister, brother and the three Norwegian brothers: Stein, Berger and Einer. 2nd picture: Stein & Astir, Joanne and Berger.
Yes, I have the best friends, in fact I've remarked in the past that "the best things about me are my friends." Their willingness to walk with me in the land of grief has helped beyond measure.
With Joanne's death, which seems so untimely to me, I reflect with gratitude on the celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary in 2014. It never occurred to me at the time that Joanne would die before our 55th. With the leadership of our children, the aid of friends and the support of St. James Lutheran Church, it was a marvelous event. As I teased Joanne, "with 300 of your closest friends.😁" Now, living in the land of grief, I'm so glad Joanne was able to enjoy that celebration and of course I too enjoyed it. It was very special that four friends came from Norway to help us celebrate; three men, one of whom was accompanied by his wife. The three had attended college in America and Joanne's parental home was their home away from home. They were often referred to as "Joanne's Norwegian brothers," two of whom I was able to visit in Norway last October. One of them, Stein, sang at our wedding and he sang the same song at our Golden Wedding Anniversary party!
This is one of the precious memories I carry.
Blessings,
Al
Pictured with Joanne are her sister, brother and the three Norwegian brothers: Stein, Berger and Einer. 2nd picture: Stein & Astir, Joanne and Berger.
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