Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Wednesday Gratitude #34 at Heart and Home: A Shared Meal

Hello my dear reader-friends.

I'm grateful for you!
Link your Gratitude Post below, and thank you for stopping by today.


"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." - Gerald Good


I know it's been awhile.
I haven't had a lot to say.

Thanks for sticking with me!
If I could I would have you all over for a nice fall dinner.
We'd sit around the table for a long time, and share our stories along with the food.


I'd set a pretty table for you.
I'd use fall colors, and make sure the stemware glistened in the candlelight.



What will we have to eat?
Something warm and hearty, this is the time of the year for comfort food!


It always brings me comfort to cook for the people I care about.
I'm grateful for the simple pleasure of preparing a tasty meal.



I am comforted by the flickering candles in the chandelier.
I'm thankful for the soft glow of the fire in the fireplace, and the glass votives on the table.


I am thankful for the warmth of my home on a cool Fall day.


I'm grateful for friends and good food,
and time spent sharing a meal together. 

I am getting used to this feeling that envelopes me.
 Grief is a strange thing.
One minute I feel fine, the next minute I am lost and lonely.
One day I have only happy memories,
the next day I am filled with sadness.

I am grieving the death of my parents,
and my choice to end contact with people who have been cruel.
I am working every day to regain my equilibrium,
and to get my life back on track after this major derailment.

Everyday I think of you!
 I am pondering how Heart and Home fits in my life right now.
Finding the answer might take some time,
and so I am taking things slowly.
 I am thankful for your support and understanding.
And, if we were sitting together around my table sharing a meal,
I would drink a toast in gratitude to you, my blog friends.

Until next time,
XO
Heidi
also linking to Tablescape Thursday, at Between Naps on the Porch.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

So sorry about your loss. Both of them. I know how you feel, my mother died when I was young, and when I lost m father at 26 I was an orphan. Eventhough I was married and starting my own family. Grieving is difficult today. In the past we wore black for sometimes two years, telling the world to understand that we were in mourning. "Go gently with me" Today, we are expected to get right back on the horse. As deep as the love goes, so does the time in the loss..... it does get easier. I am grateful that it never goes away, because it reminds me of how lucky I was to love and be loved by someone so much.
xoxo

Blondie's Journal said...

I think the good days will outweigh the bad very soon. You have a lot of love and gratitude in your heart and happiness is sure to shine on you in the coming weeks. I am so glad we are blogging friends. I have been there.

Your table looks beautiful, the dishes, the candle light...perfect for a meal with friends and those you hold close. Have a great evening.

XO,
Jane

Sue said...

I am closing in on 6 months since my mom died and I feel as you do. Sometimes I'm fine and sometimes the smallest thing breaks my heart. I was really struggling and just got back today after 10 days in Florida. We had a memorial "party" for my mom Nov. 3rd (I'll write about it for Tablescape Thursday) and it seemed to have helped me pull out of my blue mood. Many of her friends came and they talked about her and yet it was a festive, cocktail party event...not a funeral. It was really a good thing for my dad, sister and for me too.

I'm struggling with the idea of Christmas, but I keep trying to think of what she would want...and I know your parents would want you to keep on going too. They want us to be happy. Hang in there. I think the ups and downs are the new normal. Hugs to you.

Pinky said...

I am so sorry for your loss too. I have lost both of my parents and it is hard. My Mom died almost 20 years ago and for many years I would ahve days that I was fine then BAM, something would trigger a crying jag. Everyone grieves in their own way, so take your time and do what YOU need to do. Love and prayers, Pinky

michelle said...

I am so sorry for your loss as well. I hope that you can find comfort in us as well other things around you. I hope that each step you take will bring more good days than bad.

Your table looks so inviting and welcoming. I would love to join you.

Jane said...

This table setting is so beautiful, Heidi! I particularly love the acorn garland....I want that!!!

I still have both my parents, so I can't imagine the struggle you face each day. I just hope and pray that you will find peace and renewed joy in your daily walk. And I hope you realize what a blessing you are to your followers.

{{Big hugs}}

Create With Joy said...

Dear Heidi,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and the season of sorrow you are going through right now. I lost my sister last year, and have lost several other family members over the years, so the feelings you expressed really resonate with me.

I had planned to share a different post today, but after reading of your loss, linked a post I wrote a few weeks ago called Faith In The Desert (the title is different when you go to my site, but in my mind, that is what it is called). I share it in the hope that it will provide you with a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time.

Love and blessings
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

Sherry@The BarnQuiltStore Blog said...

What a lovely table & post for your blogging friends! Stay calm & work through each day...one at a time. You can & will do it!!
♥'s
Sherry

Rose H (UK) said...

I too am sorry for your great loss. I still have Mom, but lost Dad 15 years ago. It IS difficult, and there are times it can seem unbearable, BUT it DOES get better. They are ALWAYS with you in your heart. Take your time, sound off on here - we WILL ALL give you support Heidi.

Your table is beautiful, and I'm
more than happy to share your lovely meal and your friendship...
Hugs
Rose H

vignette design said...

Hi Heidi,
I've been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing. I'm glad to see you're are back creating and posting again. I would be honored to sit at your lovely fall table and share a toast with you. Hang in there my friend. Time has a way of healing our hearts.
xoxo Delores

Barbara said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Grieving is such a difficult thing and there is no way to hurry through it. We just have to take each day and try to fill it with happy memories. Your table is lovely.

Alycia Nichols said...

Oh, I am so very sorry that you are feeling so blue. I understand how the grief can be so incredibly overwhelming. I am glad, however, that you are able to take refuge in something you enjoy to lift your spirits. I hope and pray you will find peace.

Entertaining Women said...

I pray that you will be gentle with yourself for as long as it takes to grieve....allow yourself to accept the grace that allows you to go slow. One time someone said, "A 100% relationship deserves a 100% good bye." I too, miss my mama and daddy every day. My heart aches for you. Thank you for sharing your lovely tablescape. Cherry Kay

Gypsy Heart said...

Grief is a strange thing and is very different for each person. Be gentle with yourself...don't "expect" anything of yourself ~ it's all a process. My heart goes out to you as all my parents (biological & step) are gone and initally I felt like an orphan so much of the time.

The "firsts" are always the most difficult ~ birthdays, holidays, etc. Sometimes it helps to create new traditions. My mother absolutely loved Christmas! We focus on her joy and all the things she loved.

Hang in there ~ there are lots of us supporting you and we're here if you'd like to chat.

xoxo
Pat

Marigene said...

I am no stranger to grief, in the past 5 weeks I have lost a nephew, my husband's aunt and a friend's son.
Your table is beautiful...the centerpiece is gorgeous.

The Tablescaper said...

Such a beautiful table. So sorry for your loss.

I'd love to have you join my weekly meme, Seasonal Sundays!

- The Tablescaper

cjvierow said...

Hi Heidi--It will get better. Just be kind to yourself and those you love and take the time you need to heal. Even after 15 months I still have moments when I feel overwhelmed and shed some tears, but not as often. I find I'm able to talk about Mom and laugh about things we laughed at together. That said, I still miss her everyday--but I'm able to say "Mom would have loved to see or hear that"--and smile. Just take each day as it comes and remember there are those of us out here who are praying for you every day. We will be in CA the end of December in Carmel for our 20th anniversary. Maybe we'll see you on the beach?? Stay strong. OOO's and XXX's CJ