I smiled today. Actually, I smiled, laughed & even enjoyed a glass of champagne with my bestie. I immediately felt a little guilty. It was the closest I have felt like “me†since Preston passed. Now, (in my “after†life) every time I laugh or smile I stop & think about how I’m laughing or smiling. My mind immediately thinks “how can I possibly smile after what happened?!†But what I’m slowing starting to realize is that as tragic, awful, horrible and unexpected as it was and forever will be – grief & joy CAN coexist. In fact, they must because God is NOT finished with my story yet. This new “after†life I’m now navigating is just beginning. Not in the way I wanted, dreamed or hoped. But everyday the journey seems to get a little more clear.. and the days just a little more bright.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
– John 16:33