THE ANNIVERSARY OF MY FATHER'S DEATH.

On Christmas Eve 2011, my father fell ill in the morning and by 9pm, he was dead. My sis in law had traveled to meet him for the first time that day, and by the time they arrived, he was gone. It was devastating. I went into shock and couldn't eat for about 3 days. The grief was heart rending, especially because it was so sudden and so unexpected.

On Christmas Eve 2012, I had to be intentional about celebrating Christmas and not allow myself to be pulled down by the grief of the year before. I called mum just to tell her that I loved her and was thinking about her and praying for her. We talked about that Christmas Eve in 2011 as we remembered all that happened.

Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2013, 2 days ago. It hit me, at some point in the night that it was the anniversary of dads death. I had actually forgotten and was quite excitedly anticipating Christmas. I hastily called mum just to love on her and comfort her on the anniversary of her hubby's passing. She was busy doing her stuff and going on with life and SHE HAD FORGOTTEN!! Can you imagine? I was the one who kinda reminded her why I was calling. It hadn't occurred to either of us. We talked about it for a few minutes and then spoke about so many other things. There was no pain, no sadness, just glad to be celebrating another Christmas. We now can talk about dad and laugh. We remember the funny and interesting things he did and said and are so thankful for all the good that he brought into our lives.

The moral behind this story: There is no pain that exists, that God cannot heal. When a loved one passes, instead of focusing and grieving about the day of their death, celebrate and be thankful instead for all the years that they lived. You do not prove love and loyalty to that person by living in continued grief and sadness but by God's grace, moving on with strength and hope even as you hold dear their memory.

God has healed us. We are o.k. today and my prayer for you FB friend is that you experience His healing too in your life. May you allow God to heal the pains, disappointments and bitterness of the past and to free you to enjoy life again. As long as you are still here, there is still so much good to come your way. May that painful past become a vague memory. May your prison doors be open and may you truly live again. He has done it for me, He will do it for you if you let Him.

Ps 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness...

Barikiweni!