I am not forgetting Russ. I am not forgetting our PD journey. I am not forgetting the wonder of grace in the face of a degenerative disease. I am remembering that there was an awful lot more to us as a couple and to him in his journey with Parkinson's.
when I need you…
forever making me laugh…
pushing me to stretch
and opening my pools of love –
you teach me.
And it is in your very presence
that I ‘become’ gratitude.
Russ was my Velveteen Rabbit. We weren't just friends for what we could do for one another.
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." (by Margery Williams)
We were BFFs, best friends forever. As years passed, just like the little rabbit, we were happy - so happy. We never noticed that we each got shabbier, older and in Russ' case, sick. We had our own magic wrapping us in warmth and safety.
Apparently others 'saw' our connection. This week has brought flowers, phone calls, cards, emails, offers to 'just be with you' on Saturday, a hike, lunch out; an outpouring of love for our shared journey. Life wasn't always easy to be sure, but we were on the same page, supporting one another. I am endlessly grateful.
As our HOUSE BLESSING said:
From Psalm 24:3-4
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with precious and pleasant riches.
Can I relate that to us? Of course. By wisdom and love we built a relationship of deep understanding which made a strong foundation for our life of riches in one another. One year missed, always loved.