*Warning: Long Widow Post Ahead*
So today, March 13, 2020 is the first month mark. I had been thinking this week as it approached what I wanted to say. I have always been drawn to people who 'keep it real', I think its more relatable and inspirational. But I also wanted to keep it positive and uplifting. So here is my attempt at both!
First off the most common question over the first month is how am I?
Pretty good I think :-)
Do you know the movie Inside Out with all the little emotions running through the main characters head, that's probably the most accurate description of me right now!
Sometimes there is sadness, the longing to talk to him, touch him or get a text from him that is getting deeper with time. There is also anger (remember I am keeping it real). Pulling up to the soccer field stuck in traffic while 2 parent families had one parent driving and the other take their kid to the field so they were not late triggered my anger last week. Come on man, where are you?! I need your help!
A sweet friend of mine who has gone through a similar journey had a great description for it, sniper thoughts. It hasn't been the situations you can kind of prepare for, its the things that come out of no where and take you down. But just as the wave recedes, you get back up. And then you keep getting back up.
I have moments of peace and an intense closeness to God like never before. I see Him EVERYWHERE. He shows himself to me daily with God hugs. Sometimes its through someone else or sign directly from above. The harder moments are less then the good moments and that is made possible by a HUGE support system in my life. If you are reading this now, you have played a part in all the love and support my family has been shown. Thank you will never be enough, but I truly am.
I started this little blog a few years ago as a way to keep memories for my girls so I am going to continue on with that by sharing some wonderful memories I have with Ronnie for the girls to read and all of you. There were so many great times, here is one!
September 22, 2007 or what the fans in Tuscaloosa, AL called 2000 and SABAN....queue my eye roll!! Ronnie, G and I had tickets, it was all our first time in Alabama and man was it AWESOME!! We had made a goal to visit all the SEC stadiums and did pretty good, I think there is a few I need to visit but this was defiantly one of the best! It was a beautiful campus, walking along Greek Row and seeing all the beautiful houses, so southern. Everyone was so kind to us, I think we ate at a Mexican restaurant. We drove Garrett's Jeep and tailgated with his radio on to the pregame show. It eventually killed his battery but we were able to jump it off!! The song Battlefield by Jordan Sparks played everywhere. We stayed at the very economical Masters Inn, it was something!
Since we were visitors are seats were at THE VERY TOP!!! Its a huge stadium so I was not too crazy about that! We were right next to a flag pole.
So here we are at the very end of the game, Mattie Stafford throws the ball in the corner and Mickey Henderson catches it, DAWG PILE!!!! DAWGS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since we were so high with our seats there was a few seconds delay for us, we didn't know what happened until we did and the 3 of us went NUTS!!!!!! Ronnie picked me up!! G started dancing, we were high fiving everyone!! I think my tube top almost came down!! It was one of THE BEST endings ever and we got to be there.
After the game we walked back to our car so excited, Garrett was dancing in the streets. We had just beaten Alabama YES when Nick Saban was the coach :-)
We went out to Applebee's after and made a comment on how every wall was a tribute to Bear Bryant in that town, even the women's restroom stalls he was in!
Ronnie LOVED the GA Bulldogs, he grew up cheering them on & loved talking GA football, had tons of GA tees and loved going to the games. He loved listening to Colin Cowherd talk about the Dawgs.
I remember thinking with our seats being so high it was almost to heaven.
And I take comfort now in that Ronnie is at peace in heaven.
XOXO, Lindsey
Girl, you are doing it! I hate that you joined me in “the club,” but you are walking this rotten trail with grace and staying strong for your girls. It IS okay to get mad; three years later, I still do! Just yesterday I balled my fist and shook it Heavenward, saying “Dang you, Ted!” He’s become accustomed. �� I’m always here if you need to talk....
ReplyDeleteAs for the Bama-beatin’ memory, as an Auburn fan I LOVE IT!!!
Thank you Leah, I have been surprised how many of us are in the widow club earlier then we imagined!! But it always encourages me to hear from others who truly understand, and I know you do! Plus, who doesn't like to Beat Bama?! Love you!!
DeleteLove this. You’re so strong and so kind. Keep it up. Be the rock for those girls :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much April!!
DeleteSo Beautiful! Your girls will love reading these when they get older and will be able to see how happy you were and the memories you made! And thank you for keeping it real - we need more of that today!
ReplyDeleteReal life is where its at right?! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteThat game was awesome! And VERY HOT! You joy still shines in these difficult times. God completely has you and your girls. Thank you for sharing. It is a good reminder to help others even in the mundane. It might be that moment they need in a bigger moment in time
ReplyDeleteOne of the best games!! And so very hot, I remember it rained and the humidity...yuck! Thanks for all your support Brooke!
DeleteWhat a special & perfect tribute..."keeping it real" with all the emotions that we all are feeling! The details that you b& your brother recall has always amazed me! Thank you for keeping these details alive and honoring our Ronnie ... love and miss him immensely💕 #dothenextrightthing
ReplyDeleteLove you Mom!!
DeleteThat's you and your brother...my bad typo!
ReplyDeleteLindsey - I'm not sure if we have ever met (may have met at graduation or another event - if we have, my apologies). Your brother Garrett worked for me as an Intramural Sports Umpire and Supervisor at Georgia Southern. He is one of my all time favorite people. Such a great spirit. I loved seeing his pictures with you guys going to the UGA games. Sports are a great unifying force. So is family. I was devastated to read about Ronnie's passing. Thank you for sharing this story. You and your family have been in my thoughts. God bless.
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