Saturday, March 13, 2010

Time To Move Forward......Again

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassions, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." > Elisabeth Kübler Ross



Dear Friends,

I do hope this post finds you all well and enjoying the Spring like weather we have been experiencing in Alberta. It has been lovely.

It has been a heavy duty week, filled with emotions of every sort. I have survived and have started moving forward.....again.

I had family staying with me a few days this week but they left last night and as much as I love my family and enjoy their visits I have to say I am really enjoying the quiet of my home tonight. It is so peaceful and I am so thankful for my many blessings.

I have missed you all and though I have tried to visit most of your blogs I realize it was a hit and miss for me this past week.......I had way too many distractions.

Jackie's memorial was lovely and I know she would of been very pleased. Her husband is not doing very well at all and we all are concerned for him, her daughters have been wonderful. They seem to have matured into beautiful women through all of this pain. I am so proud of them.

I do hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and I look forward to catching up with all of you over the next few days.

Thank you all for your loving words of support. They uplifted me in many ways especially knowing how much you cared.....love you all.

Good night, God Bless..........many, many Hugs :-)






103 comments:

veterankindergartenteacher said...

Dear Bernie,

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to see your posts today! I knew you had a lot going on but I so missed visiting your posts each day. You are always like a breath of fresh air in each post and God just shines through you. I met my girlfriends tonight for game night, but wanted to stop by before I go to bed to let you know just how special you are!

Blessings!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

So glad that you stopped by...I
love your border on your blog design...perfect colors

Anne H said...

And many happy hugs right back at 'cha, Bernie!
Hugs and smiles!

Bernie said...

VKT....it is good to be able to relax tonight with my friends in blogland. Your game night sounds like so much fun, I just know you had a great time. Thanks for stopping by......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Teresa, thank you for your kind words......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

anne.....so good to hear from you, I just know you are having tons of fun.....wish I were with you.
Stay safe......:-) Hugs

Cathy said...

Hello Bernie
Now I know what she meant to you
Take care
Cathy

Bernie said...

Cathy, she was and still is very special to me....loved your baby sweaters......:-) Hugs

Maggie May said...

I am pleased that you feel that you can move forward now and that you find solace in the quiet of your own home.
I am pleased that Spring has reached Alberta.
It makes all the difference having some sunshine.
Have a good Sunday.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Doctor FTSE said...

Thinking of you, Bernie. Thanks for visiting us in UK Blogland. Take care!

Rebecca said...

The E.K.R. quote describes you well, Bernie. You are a "beautiful people"! I'm thankful you've had some beautiful weather to put a harmony line alongside the grief and sadness you've experienced recently.

It's good to know you have the quiet of your home to wrap yourself in for a few hours now.

I will pray for Jackie's husband and daughters this week. I'd hug you with arms if I were closer. For now, I'll try with words...

Brian Miller said...

glad to hear life is returning to normal...prayers for jackies husband...have a wonderful sunday!

Valerie said...

Good to see you back, Bernie, and thanks for visiting my blog. I wouldn't have expected you to have any time for visiting. Now, I hope you can relax and enjoy your spring-like weather. Many hugs.

Anne said...

Good Morning Bernie,
So happy to hear that you are "moving foward again." That passage from Elisabeth Kubler Ross,is so very very true. That touched my heart in so many ways.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Take care.
Smiles and hugs to you.

Anvilcloud said...

Moving forward and Springing ahead in the same night -- so to speak.

Anonymous said...

Such a great quote Bernie and very, very true. I hope that you are finding as much strength from others that you give out.

Gail said...

HI BERNIE-

your beautiful spirit shines in the darkest of times - I so admire your strength and approach.

I am nursing a stiff joint/hip on my right side - ouch!!

Love and healing for us all
Gail
peace.....

Anonymous :) said...

Beautiful people do not just happen. So true.

Wanda..... said...

Good morning Bernie,
I'm glad your heavy duty week has lightened for you. I'm thankful this Sunday morning for that. It's good that Jackie's daughters are there for her husband and I hope the other situation had a happy ending for all.
I think it's time for Bernie to concentrate on herself for awhile!
Lo♥e...Wanda

Diana said...

Hi Bernie,
I kind of figured that you needed some time. Although I didn't know that you had company. I can't even imagine what Jackie's husband is going through. Something I don't like to think about. Hopefully God will see him through. It was good to see you back Bernie and I hope that time continues to heal everything.
Love You, Di ♥

Bernie said...

Maggie, somehow the nice weather does uplift ones spirit. Hope you are doing well my friend....Hugs

Bernie said...

Doctor FTSE....I am enjoying the banter between you and jinsky so it is my pleasure to visit UK blogland.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Rebecca, when I copied the EKR quote I was thinking of Jackie's daughters, but thank you for the compliment. Enjoy your Sunday my friend.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Brian, I don't even know what normal is anymore but the sunshine is nice and I am learning to take deep breathes......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Anne, when I read EKR quote I thought of Jackie's daughters. They are just wonderful young women, she would be so proud of them.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Val, I found a few minutes here and there on my computer was very relaxing and a good distraction. I enjoy visiting your blog...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

A/C, this turning the clocks ahead is a real pain......I have far too many clocks and watches....the weather has been beautiful though and I like the "light".....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

ED, hi sweetie so hope all is well on your side of the world. This is going to take some time. Let's just say I didn't spring forward just moving ahead slowly...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Gail, I do hope your hip feels better soon.....did you fall?
Enjoy your Sunday.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Madison, Jackie's girls seem to have grown up overnight, I am so proud of them.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Wanda, I am truly having a leisurly morning and plan on resting the next few days....big hugs to Alivia.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Di, hello my sweet friend. Jackie's husband is having a very hard time and it is difficult to witness....he just wasn't at all prepared for this.
It is good to be back, our weather is beautiful and I am really craving some peace and quiet time right now......:-) Hugs

anupama said...

Dear Bernie,
NAMASTE!
Good Evening!
I am happy that you are moving on!May Jackie's soul rest in peace.I can feel your care and concern for your dearest friend's family.You are really blessed.Today, a senior ex colleague phoned me to convey heartfelt thanks for paying a visit to her when she lost her husband.I wasreally touched.
Many a time we enjoy loneliness;to be with ourselves.I am sailing in the same boat,dear.
It's festival time i India.We are celebrating the harvest festival-UGADI-on Tuesday,16th,March.
Wishing you a goodnight's sleep,
Hugs n love,
Sasneham,
Anu

Bernie said...

Anu, thank you. I do enjoy my quiet time. Enjoy your celebration on the 16th.....India seems to be a beautiful country....:-) Hugs

Margie said...

Good morning Bernie
I'm sending you warm gretings from beautiful Maob.
Be here till Wed. as hubby is riding in a 4 day bike event.
Oh, it's such a glorious place, God's country it is!

So love that quote of Elizabeth Kubler Ross ... I have read all of her books, she was an incredible lady!

Enjoy your beautiful weather and also your quiet time, ahhh, that quite time, peaceful time, we all need that!

I do hope Jackie's husband will be able to accept her passing and find some peace.

Keeping you in my good thoughts, always.

Take care Bernie.

Love
Margie :)

Irene said...

Thank goodness for beautiful people like you!

Alleluiabelle said...

Precious Friend,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend Jackie. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are being said for you and her family...especially her husband.

This post is beautiful just as you are my sweet friend. Despite your weariness in going through your loss of such a beautiful friend, you are still like a breath of fresh air to me...your heart, your spirit, all of who you are exudes absolute beauty, heart warmth and joy to me...your smile in your picture is exactly how you make me feel when I read through your postings.

Thank you Lord for bringing such a beautiful, kind, caring, heart-felt prayer-filled friend such as Bernie into my life via our blogs. You intricately designed her by your hand and she is a fine example of your beautiful and true craftsmanship. Bless her abundantly in all ways Lord as she continues on his pathway in life...heart-to-heart with you and holding your hand every step of the way.

Love you Bernie,
Alleluiabelle

Bernie said...

Margie, where is Marbo? I do hope you are well and having a wonderful time with tons of sunshine about you as you write your wonderful poems.....Hugs

Bernie said...

Nora, and thank goodness for people like you my friend....Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Alle, you are far too kind with your words about me. I do thank you for your wonderful prayer and I pray you and your dear family are doing well. Prayers going up for Sandi and Ron.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

I have been so busy trying to answer all the comments I'm getting from people I don't know yet that I wanted to just touch base with some old good friends. I did know about your friend's death and I hope that now you can heal and go on. It is very hard on the spouse left behind but God will help heal him. With all your prayers he will feel better soon. You are a great friend. She was lucky to have you for as long as she lived.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

I am praying for you Bernie.

God bless.

Denise said...

Loving you, and praying for you.

Bernie said...

Hi Bernie, thank you for your kind words...I miss my friend very much, probably always will.
I don't know how you manage to keep up with all your followers sweetie but I do know how people have fallen in love with you and your post. You are so much fun and your stories are wonderful....Hugs

Bernie said...

Victor, thank you for your prayers my friend...God Bless.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Denise, I was just over to visit you and blogger wouldn't let me comment, kicked me out. Hope you and your husband are doing well my friend......:-) Hugs

Margie said...

Hi again Bernie
Just got back from a long walk with Jake.
Where I am is Moab and it's in Utah.(look it up on the web and you will see what an incredible and beautiful place it is, such majestic mountains!
Jeff rode his bike 42 miles today and is resting now.

I wrote 10 poems since I have been here as I've been very inspired!

Well, going now to get in the hot tub, ah, love this life!

Hope you are enjoying your day!

Hugs

Margie :)

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you are back. I did so appreciate your visits when I knew you were grieving so. My heart goes out to you and yes we just get up and go again and again and again. I will pray for her husband and family and you as always.
Blessings
QMM

Karin said...

God bless you as you go through this valley of grief and loss. Hugs!

Cheryl said...

Dear Bernie, So nice to see your post. Please know that I am keeping you and your dear friend Jackie's family in my thoughts.

Barb said...

Dear Bernie, You have been through the fire many times, but I believe that has made you a strong, resilient person. Enjoy a peaceful time now and replentish yourself. I'm thinking of you.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Dearest Bernie,

So glad that the funeral was a beautiful one for Jackie...I know she must have been a very special lady since she was YOUR very dear friend! I pray her husband will find comfort during this terrible time of loss...

I love the quote at the top of this post...it is so very, very true...and it fits you perfectly! Hope you have a wonderful "moving forward" kind of week!!! Love you, Janine XO

The Retired One said...

Sweet Bernie,
I know if anyone can pick up and carry on with strength and fortitude it will be you...and not only that, but you will be providing others with comfort along your own journey of grief and loss...because that is how you are.
There is a special on public TV tonight showing glorious scenes of your beloved home (Canada). I lived there once in Ontario for a year, but the special is reminding me of how beautiful it is there. I would like to get up to see the mountains some day. If I ever do, I will make sure to visit you.
Take Care and know that you are in my thoughts, always.
Luv and hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

blog browse when you can, don't stress about it love!

family is grand, but quiet and solitude is great too!

have a nice night...it's great here too in Ontario...but rainy!

ciao

Donna said...

Bernie,
I am glad you are doing well. I know Jackie's memorial service was difficult. My prayers are with you and her family.
Blessings,
Donna

Mary N. said...

Bernie,
I was so glad you posted, I've been worried about you. I knew you were going through a lot. I'll keep your friend's husband in my prayers,it is so hard to lose a loved one, especially a spouse or child. I know you have lost many loved ones but I hope it gives you comfort to know that you have a lot of friends who care about you. I have a feeling that you are just about everyone's favorite blogger :) God bless you, I hope you get a lot of rest and relaxation this week!

beth said...

my thoughts are with you.....

Bernie said...

Margie, it does sound heavenly and I am so happy for you. Looking forward to reading those wonderful poems when you return....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Peggy, Jackie's husband Ron really needs our prayers. I have never seen anyone so devastated. Thank heaven he has his daughters at home with him.
Thank you for your prayers my friend, I so need them right now. I think grieving is the hardest work anyone has to do.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Karin, thank you so very much. Your prayers are so welcomed...Hugs

Bernie said...

Barb, yes I have been through the fire and I pray to God I won't have to go through any more.....I am finding everything so very sad. I hope you are feeling well sweetie, and I am taking some time for myself now just to renew my spirit.
........:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Cheryl, thank you ever so much for your prayers.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Janine, I too am praying for a better week, thank you for your prayers....we all need them.
Jackie was a loyal and kind friend, she was very much loved.
Oh yes I want to tell you how much I love your new painting, so cute.
..........:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Joan, you and your family are so very welcome at my home anytime. I am only two and a half hours from the beautiful mountains. You would have a wonderful time photographing them ..... it would be lovely.
I am doing okay, I am so thankful to have had Jackie as a dear friend and neighbour, it is still hard to believe she is gone....her girls are doing pretty well but her husband is completely lost. I am so glad he has the girls at home with him......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Carmelina, we could use some rain in Alberta. We still have snow and it is very dirty, a good rain would clean it up.....have a wonderful week.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Mary, how kind you are. Thank you, I am so blessed to have made wonderful friends since I began blogging.....I love them all.
I plan on resting and renewing my spirit this week Mary, I really need a couple of days to do this. I hope you are feeling well, have a blessed week dear friend...Hugs

Bernie said...

Donna, Jackie's memorial service was so beautiful and brought out so much pain at the same time. The music really moves me at funerals and her's was no exception. Thank you for your prayers....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Beth, thank you. May you have a wonderful week my friend...:-) Hugs

Midlife Roadtripper said...

And we look forward to a well rested Bernie. Take good care of yourself now as you prepare to keep moving.

Eileen said...

I love how you notice and point out the good in any situation. It was good to hear about Jackie's daughters, I was worried about her family when you had written that they all seemed to think her illness was temporary and that she would be well again. And then she was gone just a day or two later. It's nice to hear that they were holding up and in turn upholding their Dad.
You, Jackie, and her family are in my prayers.

And, now, for you, once again, the healing begins. So glad you can rejoice in small Blessings, especially in times of great sadness, it's those little Blessings such as a secure and familiar place, a peaceful night's sleep, and good weather that keep our spirits going.

God Bless you, Bernie.
Love to you,
Eileen

wendyytb said...

Best wishes and big hugs, Bernie!

glnroz said...

:),,:),,:)

Bernie said...

Eileen, I want to be able to say that everyone is fine and moving on with me but Jackie's family is still in a lot of shock especially her husband. Her sisters are going home on Thursday, I think as everyone leaves and life continues on a lot of realization is going to hit in a big way.
I thank God for my Faith everyday as it holds me up and sees me through.
Miss you my friend, hugs to Jayden and Mia.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

glnroz, thank you my friend..) Hugs

Bernie said...

wendy, thank you so much for your prayers and blessings....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Julie, thanks sweetie and I so look forward to a normal routine again whatever that is....:-) Hugs

Rose Ann Mitchell said...

Bernie, thanks so much for posting on my blog. Lisa and I do have a wonderful mother/daughter relationship and I am thrilled that she is walking in truth especially knowing the valleys and moutaintops ahead. Since you are my peer (we are the same age), I really appreciate your comments. Look forward to blogging together.

Bernie said...

Rose Ann, so glad you stopped by and I enjoyed reading your blog very much and will be back...Hugs

Unknown said...

Bernie, it is hard to say much because so many of your friends have already said it. Just relish the sunshine and each days new beginnings and I pray that in time your friends family will find the peace they need. hugs....

Bernie said...

Linda, thank you, what everyone has said has been perfect....Hugs

Nikki (Sarah) said...

it's nice to read you made it through the week....and you're so positive with time to move forward again. You inspire. Sarah

Bernie said...

Sarah, thank you, my blogging friends really do uplift me.
......:-) Hugs

Tranquility Speaks said...

Loved the quote by Elizabeth Kubler Ross. Really did. Have missed you around.Glad to catch up with you and read you. Take care.Loads of love

Joey said...

Dear Bernie,
Sweet blessings and comfort to you, and all who loved and cared about your dear friend.

The love you have for her and her family is like a candle continues to glow for eternity.

I can tell you have people who love in return.

Full circle, you see.

So very glad we've made a friendship, the two of us. I have so much to learn from you.

Blessings,
Joey

quieten said...

Bernie,
I just read about the loss of your friend Jackie. I am so very sorry.
I'm glad you saw your family and am even happier that you are enjoying the peace of your home. You are such a strong woman - I know you will move forward with serenity and grace.
Love ya,
Quieten

Bernie said...

Stillness, hope you are doing well and enjoying life.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Joey, thank you for your kind words, I would rather have love and the gift of prayer, family, and friends in my life more than anything......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Quieten, so good to hear from you and to know all is going well. I am doing well....:-) Hugs

Anonymous said...

Dear Bernie, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. My heart goes out to you ♥

Bernie said...

Charli and me....thank you. All will be well my friend....:-)Hugs

Anonymous said...

Hey B, I just sent you an invite :)

Bernie said...

Renee....thank you for both your prayers and invite....:-) Hugs

Abbey's Road said...

You are dearly loved, Bernie. Jackie must have been the most wonderful lady, or you would not have chosen her for this deep friendship. I continue to pray for your heart, and I will keep her family, esp. her husband, on my lips as well.

Love,
Abbey

Janean said...

Bernie, through tears i'm encouraging you to allow the grief to wash over you, so it can move downstream in time.

the loss is real. it isn't selfish to grieve.

(gentle, gentle hugs)

Jackie said...

Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog in the midst of all the sadness. I'm so sorry for your loss of your friend. Prayers to her husband and daughters that they are able to make some sense of all of this.

Blessings to you,
Jackie

Bernie said...

Abbey, thank you sweetie the prayers are badly needed and so appreciated......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Janean, I have no choice with grief, it is here in the pit of my stomach and ache in my chest....this is going to take me time. Right now I am taking baby steps.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Jackie, I find coming to my blog each day is a distraction from my pain right now but I also love blogging and it is a pleasure to visit your blog......:-) Hugs

ls said...

Bernie,
I found your blog through Mary's Beautiful Gate blog. I have a feeling I will love it here!
I copied that quote down and read it over and over. So true. I know people who suffering has only made even better! I have a feeling this is you too. God Bless.
Lynn

Bernie said...

Is, thank you for stopping by and yes you are right I have dealt with pain, illness and deaths during my life and I think it does help me to realize what others are going through, but I posted EKR quote for my friend's daughters. They are having to grow up fast now.......:-) Hugs

Jackie said...

Bernie....what a lovely tribute to your friend and to you that I scrolled down...and down...and down in order to leave my dear friend a comment....more than a comment....a loving hug....a warm and loving hug to you, Bernie. There is nothing that words can take away...or add....but love is always there. I know you feel that...from all who know you....for those who know you, love you.
Jackie

Bernie said...

Jackie my post just don't seem complete until I read a comment from you. Thank you for understanding how I feel about my dear friend, I was so blessed to have had her in my life. Hope your mama is well.....:-) Hugs

Anonymous said...

Hey Bernie, glad you was able to get into his blog :) did you get the invite?