Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Farewell, Josh, I Loved you Like my Own


A very special young man died yesterday, and today I am heartbroken.  Josh was like my third son, and he always greeted me as "Mom", accompanied by a huge bear hug.
The picture above shows my three sons at the wedding of my eldest, Michael, who is in the middle.  On the left is my youngest son, Chad, and on the right is Josh.
I have so many memories of Josh.  When our family moved to Lynnwood, Wa., I put my boys in a home daycare where there were already 3 boys and a girl, all about the same ages.  Michael and Josh became fast friends.  They were in Third Grade.
When Josh graduated from High School, he had no where to live.  Michael's room was empty, since he was attending Washington State University, so Alan and I invited Josh to move in with us.  I don't remember how long he stayed, but that is when I became "Mom", and he developed a close relationship with Alan.
At Alan's memorial service in February, Josh spoke movingly about his relationship with Alan, and how much Alan had loved me and our two boys.
Josh, my wish for you is that you find Alan again in heaven, and you can somehow find the peace you are looking for.


This is how I am dealing with this.  I bought this living tree today, to be placed somewhere in my yard.  This will be my style "Joshua Tree".  When Michael and Adrienne come this weekend, we can decorate the tree with Christmas ornaments.
It just feels right.

8 comments:

Gene Black said...

Sorry I can't say anything wise. I can say you touched my heart. Peace be with you.

Tangos Treasures said...

Ditto to what Gene said!Sending you Prayers & Hugs!

Barb said...

I am sooooo very sorry with your loss...

fabriquefantastique said...

tears in my eyes.

Pat said...

Oh, Linda...I am so sorry to hear this news. Gene said what I am feeling. (And I think your idea for a true Joshua tree is a wonderful one.)

cottonreel said...

May there be peace in your heart

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

My wish is that you find comfort in family and friends during this doubly trying time.

Lindabee said...

I love the idea of buying a living tree as a memorial to one who has passed. In my yard I have a pussy willow for my Dad, a forsythia for my sister, a dogwood tree for my SIL, a weeping cherry for my BIL, and three fruit trees for my Granny. Each year when they bloom, I remember them and say a prayer of thanks that they were in my life, if only for too short a time. This tree will give you peace.