Time is passing swiftly by. This is Carlin’s 112th
day in Heaven—but who is counting! Truly, no one up there is! I’m
thinking Carlin is singing, laughing, rejoicing—and maybe even praying
for his loved ones and friends here on earth. There are some who
believe they have Scriptural backing to believe that may be true. I
think of all the folks he must be enjoying there, as there are so many
who have gone before!
Here
we have so many things to do. I’m occupied with lots. There are many
friends to be with and visit with. There are repairs on the cottage.
Etc. And I’ve been out and about. Have you ever noticed how very much
area is devoted to men’s clothing and accessories in department stores?
One of my first times out shopping I happened to walk into a store
right into a men’s department, and my heart skipped a beat and my eyes
got misty. I muse how I notice them now.
Years
ago Carlin asked me what would be an idea of gifts he could give me and
what I would like, so without missing a beat I replied, “Oh, earrings.
I love earrings.” From then on for every birthday, Valentines Day,
Mother’s Day, Christmas, and other days he would give me earrings!
Though early on, he would sometimes return from a trip to some far
country with rings—a diamond ring from Israel, an amethyst ring from
Turkey, a Diana birthstone ring from somewhere else. He gave me a 15
year anniversary ring, a 25 year anniversary ring and a 50 year
anniversary ring. Now, as our 52nd anniversary approaches, I
get a little teary. Carlin had an amazing ability to choose the most
appropriate and special cards. I’ve kept many of them.
But
back to the earring story. For Valentine’s Day this year Carlin gave
me a set of tri-gold, diamond cut earrings. He was not well after that,
that we noticed. As I cared for him for his remaining weeks on earth I
wore those earrings every day. After Carlin passed away, I went to my
drawer to get them again, and they were missing. I looked everywhere,
in every pocket, under every cushion, knowing as I slept on a mat on the
floor next to Carlin’s hospital bed in the library, I may have taken
them off and laid them on a side table. I asked my Bible study girls to
pray I would find them. This was such a loss. They were Carlin’s last
gift to me.
One day, a couple of weeks later, I was in a department
store and just perused the jewelry cases, when there! A pair of
earrings like the ones Carlin had given me. The price tag said $400. I
couldn’t believe he would spend that much. Perhaps he had gotten them
on a sale. Or he perhaps realized this would be his last gift to me.
Again, the tears came to the surface. Later a friend said, “Marcia, you
must go and buy those earrings.” Well, it took me a while to determine
if I should.
Yesterday there was a big sale at the store and I went
once again, to check out the jewelry cases to see if those earrings were
still there. Yes, there was a pair very similar to Carlin’s. And they
were on sale at 60% off, and with coupons, I purchased them for $90.
Carlin would be pleased that I had gotten such a good deal! Thank You,
Lord.
As
these days have passed since Carlin’s death, I have wished I could hear
from you who read this blog. Communication is comforting and
inspiring.
I
must tell you, how God is caring for me, is ever present with me, is
such a joy to me. Truly, when He said He would send a Comforter, there
was a reason why that is His name! Thank you to those who have included
me in your prayers. How I value friends.
Yesterday’s
devotions included Psalm 30:11 and 12: “You have turned my mourning
into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and
clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be
silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Amen! Yes!
Precious Jesus!
Blessings on your day!
Marcia
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