tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post448163832242214534..comments2024-03-28T18:43:53.154-07:00Comments on Meditations of my Heart: Count It All as LossMartha Jane Orlandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-25937265862780227332021-09-19T09:47:03.828-07:002021-09-19T09:47:03.828-07:00Letting go is never easy, Jean, but it is too ofte...Letting go is never easy, Jean, but it is too often necessary. Thanks for your prayers!<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-31842657477891045952021-09-17T12:59:51.905-07:002021-09-17T12:59:51.905-07:00Letting go is so hard especially in times of grief...Letting go is so hard especially in times of grief. My prayers are with you, Martha!Jean Wisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06407030126646055880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-5942779697960992432021-09-17T09:26:35.253-07:002021-09-17T09:26:35.253-07:00Oh, Katherine, I'm so very sorry to hear that ...Oh, Katherine, I'm so very sorry to hear that you are having to go through this same thing. It is harder than I ever imagined it would be. I will keep you in my prayers as you navigate through it all.<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-7717390175858726292021-09-17T07:23:11.937-07:002021-09-17T07:23:11.937-07:00I feel your pain and sadness, Martha. I'm stil...I feel your pain and sadness, Martha. I'm still going through this same process at my mother's house and my own. I've procrastinated, but that also allowed me to recall precious memories that had previously been overshadowed by sorrow. Thinking of you in this time. I'm glad you have your husband to help.Katherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06252084490880411240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-69776046378003278512021-09-16T04:50:51.512-07:002021-09-16T04:50:51.512-07:00Thanks so much for your prayers, Beckie! Yes, thi...Thanks so much for your prayers, Beckie! Yes, this isn't an easy process to go through, but I do feel God's comfort in the process. Know I pray daily for you, my friend!<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-31494488055168605902021-09-15T14:32:58.442-07:002021-09-15T14:32:58.442-07:00Oh, Martha! I know this is so difficult. Praying f...Oh, Martha! I know this is so difficult. Praying for you, sweet friend.Beckie Lindseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14577965060772418026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-54193985841438261652021-09-15T05:02:37.670-07:002021-09-15T05:02:37.670-07:00Such a touching memory you've shared here, Nel...Such a touching memory you've shared here, Nells, and I so appreciate that. Most of the clothes we gave away hadn't been worn in years by Mom, so I didn't have that sensation. Still, I can see her in that sweater that I hope to redeem, and that is good enough for me.<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-79485723153543670892021-09-14T21:09:51.615-07:002021-09-14T21:09:51.615-07:00It is so very hard to tackle this job, but the har...It is so very hard to tackle this job, but the hard part is in the letting go. My mother's clothes smelled of her. I remember holding some of her things close to my heart before placing them in bags. Hugs and blessings. Nells Wasilewskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17344186015959927238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-30198030222516006322021-09-14T16:19:41.142-07:002021-09-14T16:19:41.142-07:00It is a very special sweater, Pamela, as my aunt m...It is a very special sweater, Pamela, as my aunt made it for Mom and she loved it so much. I am so happy to know that you saved one of your mother's sweaters, one you gave to her, that reminds you of her whenever you wear it. Keeping things just for the sake of keeping things isn't good, but when that object evokes precious memories, it is all worthwhile. Thank you, my friend, for your hugs and prayers!<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-69598892673625550862021-09-14T16:15:45.395-07:002021-09-14T16:15:45.395-07:00Oh, I know just how hard this is! My sister and I ...Oh, I know just how hard this is! My sister and I went through our mother's clothes after she passed, and my Dad was still living then. We were having a good time going through her closet and drawers and giggling about this and that. My dad wondered what we were giggling about so much. We were trying on things and just reliving happy memories of when our mother wore this or that. It was very special. We ended up keeping a few things for ourselves and then everything else was donated. I saved one of Mom's soft white sweaters that she used to wear a lot. I had actually given it to her. I still love to wear it. It's like being hugged by my mother again when I put it on. I hope you take time to just enjoy the memories even through the tears. I love the sweater you are keeping. It looks like it is VERY special indeed. So much work to knit that! Wow. (((Hugs))) to you my friend. You're in my prayers.Pamela M. Steinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-45246892233175649762021-09-14T15:57:21.563-07:002021-09-14T15:57:21.563-07:00I know you've gone through so much lately, Ter...I know you've gone through so much lately, Terri, and doing the same things we are now embarking on. It is a pain and a heartache we share. This experience definitely has made me more aware of what I save and why. As you said, we can't take it with us! Better to give away to someone who could use it while we are still here. Know you're daily in my prayers.<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-48678409690009190252021-09-14T15:55:12.023-07:002021-09-14T15:55:12.023-07:00I'm so glad God gave us the gift of memory, to...I'm so glad God gave us the gift of memory, too, Nancy. Yes, Mary Jane was not only fantastic at knitting, but in rug-making and painting, too. Several of her paintings adorn the house, but will be divided soon to family members who want them. And the passing of time does make our memories fonder, that's for sure. Any hard feelings or unresolved conflicts fade away into nothingness.<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-34759505115640741692021-09-14T15:52:23.845-07:002021-09-14T15:52:23.845-07:00Thank you, Anne, from the bottom of my heart, for ...Thank you, Anne, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your personal stories of keepsakes from your mother and father. Hearing others' experiences does soften the blow of having to face all these challenges head on. I love the idea of making a quilt out of valued fabric, but since I'm not a seamstress, that wouldn't even have crossed my mind. Speaking of quilts, though, my mother has two, one of which I will take and give the other to my brother. Thank you for your prayers!<br />Love and blessings! Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-43090562993922581242021-09-14T15:35:23.796-07:002021-09-14T15:35:23.796-07:00Oh, Shaz, I so value your stain-removing advice! ...Oh, Shaz, I so value your stain-removing advice! I'm pretty sure we have eucalyptus oil here in the states, and that would certainly be worth a try. In the past, I've found that regular stain removing products have worked, but since this is wool, and handknit, I want to give it extra love. Thanks for your prayers!<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-41903822612962470162021-09-14T15:32:18.152-07:002021-09-14T15:32:18.152-07:00Yes, she will continue to live in my heart, Lulu, ...Yes, she will continue to live in my heart, Lulu, as I'm sure yours does, too. The memories are precious, indeed. Things are things, memories are everything.<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-33671350531272908642021-09-14T15:31:03.771-07:002021-09-14T15:31:03.771-07:00Difficult and draining; it certainly is, Trudy, bu...Difficult and draining; it certainly is, Trudy, but so far, the Lord hasn't let me down, and I know He will give me strength to carry on. I'm so flattered that you quoted my words, too. We must focus on eternity if we are to live this life to the fullest.<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-16456089020020715732021-09-14T15:29:30.339-07:002021-09-14T15:29:30.339-07:00It is, indeed, a difficult process, J. D., but God...It is, indeed, a difficult process, J. D., but God is seeing me through it all. It sounds like the keepsakes you saved from your Dad are priceless memories of all he meant to you. Those are the items to cherish as you move forward. I'm sure you will meet someone down the road who will understand their importance to you, and love them because of that.<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-57018393797199763362021-09-14T15:26:49.076-07:002021-09-14T15:26:49.076-07:00You are so right, Cheryl, that we bless our childr...You are so right, Cheryl, that we bless our children by winnowing out unnecessary items that they won't be saddled with in the future. We could all take some rigorous advice from Biblical Minimalism, that's for sure! Planning to review your wonderful book next week, and will let you know exactly the date it will be published.<br />Love and blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-68570176412344461792021-09-14T15:05:35.145-07:002021-09-14T15:05:35.145-07:00Having recently gone through Joe's things to d...Having recently gone through Joe's things to donate after the boys got what they wanted, I can feel your pain. I did the same with my grandmother's apartment when she died, and (as you know) just finished with Helen's things. It is hard but still necessary. It also has me looking around at all the stuff I still have... goodness. None of it goes with us, does it. You have my prayers, Martha, and I wish you all peace as you continue this journey. Hugs!Terri Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15333024343069943295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-84059348861496906182021-09-14T14:10:36.174-07:002021-09-14T14:10:36.174-07:00Your aunt was a gifted knitter--that sweater is lo...Your aunt was a gifted knitter--that sweater is lovely. I too hope you can eradicate those coffee stains. My mother graduated to heaven in 2014, my dad in 2018. They lived so far away, it just wasn't practical to haul a lot of stuff to our home. We're trying to pare down ourselves. But you are so right: the memories are still there, ready to pull out and enjoy anytime. (My thick rose-colored glasses have enhanced each and every one!) Praise God he gave us the ability to remember beloved people and joy-filled events from long ago.www.nancyaruegg.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13060173405144735663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-14651880925258006602021-09-14T13:12:21.938-07:002021-09-14T13:12:21.938-07:00What a beautiful post. I know how hard it is to gi...What a beautiful post. I know how hard it is to giveaway things from loved ones. Many people I Know have made quilts from old possessions of clothing. I donated three bags this weekend to the ARC. We are rearranging the garage so I can move this portable closet in there. I think it can hold many off season items. I love your Scripture and I wish I were close, so I could hug you. I have a beautiful dress that belonged to my mother that she wore at my nephews wedding in 1988 while I was in labor with our daughter Rebekah in 1988, I was given some of her pjs too as we liked the same kinds. I have worn many of them out through the years. I was not given anything of my fathers, and I adored my dad. But I have a beautiful photo from his semi pro basbeall days that a friend gave me. Makes me smile as it is where I can see it now. :-) I wish tyou much peace as you sort through their lives. It is so incredibly hardlosing parents. I will be praying for you through it all. HUGS and LOVE My Tata's Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03316406149678154358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-85868456654713982282021-09-14T12:28:24.699-07:002021-09-14T12:28:24.699-07:00That must be so difficult and draining, Martha. So...That must be so difficult and draining, Martha. So sorry. Yes, we can still treasure the memories. And Amen to this - "Lord, help me, help us all, to let go of what doesn't matter in the eternal perspective." Love and blessings of strength and peace!Trudyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05179372917600231306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-18663864058760727162021-09-14T12:13:34.767-07:002021-09-14T12:13:34.767-07:00For me, a hand stamp that Dad used on every check ...For me, a hand stamp that Dad used on every check I ever watched him write or print. I was also fortunate to have received two of his cherished square dancing belt buckles and a matching bolo tie that was custom made, featuring he and mama dancing. Treasured items only to me perhaps, but ones I will cherish. I do not envy you the task sweet friend. God's blessings.J.D. Winingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07644930093144875164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-59333748702836617022021-09-14T12:12:41.397-07:002021-09-14T12:12:41.397-07:00Sucking = soaking!Sucking = soaking!Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18050100007497130952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009456656795153408.post-76685345164667173372021-09-14T12:12:21.128-07:002021-09-14T12:12:21.128-07:00Bless your dear heart, Martha! I so understand whe...Bless your dear heart, Martha! I so understand where you are, emotionally. Just provides more incentive for those of us who are alive and remain to not leave our dear children laden with such heavy decisions and hard work after our passing. I say, get rid of it now, if you don't love, use, or want it. Spare our children the pain. God help us. And may He comfort you in every moment of grief.Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com