Three years ago life was great. Our little family recently spent a fun weekend in one of our happy places, St. Simons Island, GA. We played our traditional game of miniature golf, had great conversations, and enjoyed dinner at a waterfront restaurant where Mike ordered the most unlikely drink… A Razzle Dazzle. It was so out of character for him, but it gave us a good laugh and something for our arsenal of memories. In that moment everything was perfect. We were healthy and happy all at the same time.
Last photos together
And then we weren’t. In an instant, our world came crashing down. Our hearts were shattered.
It was Wednesday, August 21st. Mike left for his 2 hour job at Kalmia Gardens while I went off to apply for TSA PreCheck and a little shopping 45 minutes away. On my drive home we talked on the phone, and he mentioned he was tired, but was resting and hydrating. Twelve minutes later I pulled into the driveway only to find him lying on the garage floor with our dog, Tanner, by his side. Just 12 minutes, and my husband of 43 years, the love of my life, the father of our children was gone. So many hopes, dreams, and plans for the future imploded in the blink of an eye.
We were all in shock, walking through the fog, how could this be? Time stood still, but moved so quickly at the same time. The following day, after a sleepless night, I took an early morning walk to our favorite trail. We had walked it several times a week during the past 12 years with our dog, Lucy. Mike loved that dog so much that I often joked if he had to choose between me and Lucy, I would not win! When we got to the head of the trail we would let Lucy off leash to run free. That day, I reached the trail head and looked up to see a doe and her little fawn enjoying the cool morning. The three of us froze, and stared at each other for about 30 seconds. In all those years, I only recall once seeing a deer up close. Eventually I started to walk towards them and they took off.
It was my God Wink, my sign, a brief moment of clarity. It was a promise of hope that while we would always grieve, we would be comforted by happy memories, and he would be with us in every blessing, joy, and heartache that would come our way.
3 Comments
Aug 24, 2022, 7:53:55 PM
Carol Nanna - My thoughts are with you my friend ❤️
Aug 24, 2022, 1:34:42 PM
Diane Wise - I remember that day. I’m grateful we met and am glad you are happy. I miss our visits!
Aug 23, 2022, 5:06:07 PM
Jean Dooley Johnson - What a gift you have Debbie, what a gift you are! Thank you!