Mother’s Day without Bonnie

Written on 5/9/2014

WOW, it's been awhile since I blogged...no doubt too long.

This photo was Bonnie's last Mother's Day on this side of eternity. No one thought this would be her last. So five years later we remember and we continue to move forward. It remains a little surreal at how much has changed in five years.  I guess my choice in clothing hasn't (which I'm reminded of often by my wonderful and caring daughter).

This year brings us into new challenges, new opportunities, a new home, new routines, new friends, new ministry, etc... yet we still remember Bonnie.  The older I get the more I meet people who are also remembering a loved one who has passed on.  Needless to say some days are easier than others, some seasons less painful than others.

Not thinking about or intentionally trying to forget the life of a loved one who has passed on seems to me to be stepping backwards not forward.  Last month would have been our 25th Anniversary, so I once again (about 24 times now) watched our wedding video... Hearing Bonnie's voice and seeing her in the video was a little of a jolt to the system.  Yet the video, was also a wonderful reminder of God's blessings then, and God's faithfulness now.

So on Mother's Day 2014, in Southern CA we will look for new traditions to remember and honor Bonnie.  Music continues to be a healing gift from God.  This classic was a favorite of Bonnie's.  

If you need some help to jog you mind on how to honor your loved ones you can down load this booklet I wrote to help us all through holidays and other days of remembering.

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MEET JUNO SMALLEY

Juno is a father, friend, leader, coach, public speaker and a wounded healer who is a follower of Jesus.

Juno’s personal experience in walking through pain and loss have allowed him to extend compassion, hope and the love of Jesus to those in the midst of suffering and grief.