Ernie and me enjoying khao soi
on our last weekend in Chiang Mai
September 2008
Weeping may tarry for the night
But joy comes with the morning.
- Psalm 30:5
Today I remember the day Ernie and I were married 35 years ago.
I still celebrate our wedding anniversary, although Ernie's earthly life ended in the thirtieth year of our marriage.
When I look at the photo above, which was taken on our last weekend in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I see a face all aglow with happiness... so very much unaware of the heartbreak that was ahead of me. This was a Saturday, and the next day, we boarded our flight out of Thailand to return to our homeland.
Less than two months after this photo was taken, Ernie went home to heaven.
It feels good to remember.
Life is indeed a tapestry of beautiful memories.
On our thirtieth wedding anniversary, I wrote Ernie an anniversary letter on my blog. I wrote it straight, without stopping and with hardly any corrections. The words just flowed out of my heart. How was I to know that that was going to be the last time we would ever celebrate the day we were wed and started our life together?
My heavenly Father knew. And in His ultimate goodness, He did not want me to have any regrets... He inspired me to write that letter, a tribute to Ernie while he was still alive.
God also provided us with a memorable year together in Chiang Mai on the last year of Ernie's life.
Given Wings is the title of my anniversary letter written for my husband on our 30th year of marriage.
As the psalmist writes so beautifully,
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
For me, this kind of joy will only be realized fully in heaven, my heart's true home.
An unexpected anniversary breakfast this morning with friends
Aaron, Raffi, Normandy, me, Aileen, and Pat
Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City
9 comments:
So beautiful Lidia. May you have a wonderful day.
I'm glad you still celebrate your anniversary, it wouldn't seem right not too. I'm thankful that God has given us the ability to remember. Some of the memories may be painful, but there are so many good times god has blessed us with.
Lidia, Its always looks like fun for you. So good to see this. Happy Anniversary my dear one. That pic of you and Ernie looks so sweet . . you look like a young girl with him :O) Funny how our memories become more and more special as the years go by. I know I hold on so tight to the ones I have with my beloved Dave. Blessings, Sandy xo
Ah, Lidj...I "felt" the love sending its embracing arms out from you and Ernie, in Thailand photo. How beautiful that is!
Sincerely, I yearn that EVERY two-Peeps on earth could achieve that kind of lasting union.
You write so well, a tribute to your lasting love for Ernie. Yet, you do SO much with your life, spreading good cheer and love of our Creator, wherever you may find yourself.
I go now to read your "Letter to Ernie". Maybe you reposted it once before? Because I believe I have seen it.
Love and PEACE!
Your anniversary celebration will always have significant meaning. It is a good memory for you to carry in your heart. Love and hugs,
I was having difficulty posting my comment when I first visited you. I was saying how beautiful that picture of the two of you, so full of love. Anyone could tell...That it is just the right thing to do not to forget bro. Ernie despite him not being physically here. For you to celebrate that wonderful love that you both shared. I believe his love, after the Lord's, strengthens you.
What I love about you, you make it seem so easy in overcoming life's trials. Always glorifying the Lord in everything, whether it is a moment of triumph or a moment of loss.
You continue to encourage me and strengthen my faith because of what you share. And thank you for reminding me of what kind of hope we have in Jesus. Imperishable. Thanks be to Jesus that we will see our loved ones who also believed in Him and one day, a Grand Reunion is to happen! I can't comprehend...No more tears. No more pain. No more fears. No more shame. Hugs to you sister.
I can envision your Ernie celebrating you in this way if you were the one who went ahead to Heaven. You both were blessed with a sweet love.
And I just came off from reading here, https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/13d8becd7eb90c9f.
It relates how this famous NcAA coach writes love letters to his wife(who's now in heaven) and stacking them under her pillow in the bed they shared together.
I am with you in this remembrance, Sis Lidia. Ernie is smiling down at you and remembering too.
Blessings!
I bet you are very homesick. I am homesick for Jesus, and I still have my husband with me! Blessings to you my dear, dear friend!
Post a Comment