Joy Comes in the Morning

In the end, the miracle did not come.

My beloved neighbor met Jesus Friday night. In an attempt to keep my rhythm on my gratitude journal on Facebook and Instagram, I wrote the following yesterday:

Gratitude Journal Day 37 - my neighbors. But today, especially this house. 💚
.
.
.
.
For a person like me who always has All. The. Words. Today, I have none. I had teased a week ago I had excellent news to share. My beloved neighbor was coming home from the hospital. Signs were made. Plans were hatched. But, by Easter morning, as I celebrated the risen Lord, my high-fiving, ever-smiling, wave to me over the fence, never too early for happy hour, wander the yard with me, Spartan buddy, suffered a cardiac event and our idyllic neighborhood hamlet came crashing down. By last night, he was gone.

I can’t tell you how much I admired this man. It was pure luck that we have been able to share a property line with him and his amazing wife. From the day we moved the first item in- to my last memory of him scurrying through my backyard in his trademark shorts, having just dropped off wine and banana bread (see Day 10)- and every day in between - you don’t find better neighbors than these.

We have been so insanely blessed.

To his three children (and the bonus in-laws), 3 grand babies- we promise to watch over your momma. We love her with fierce abandon.

And to my beloved neighbor- love you forever. Like you for always. Will miss you like crazy. Go Green. 💚💚💚

I placed my phone back down.

I went outside, I heard his granddaughter cooing on the backyard deck. I saw his wife - we talked over the fence - she modeled bravery. I wiped tears as I smiled my love in return.

Hubs and I went inside and FaceTimed my cousin and wife to talk about anything and everything. Just to think about something else. Inevitably, since he's a doctor, the conversation turned to spikes and numbers and ventilators and personal protection equipment. PPE. I didn't even know that acronym until a few weeks ago.

I sat with my children - we watched a silly movie, we went for a walk. We had copious amounts of snuggles.

I went to bed for the first time in four days and didn't cry myself to sleep, willing him to come back.

I awoke today to sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Joy comes in the morning.

Grief sucks. This virus sucks.

I want my friend back.

And joy still comes in the morning.