Remembering Mariah

16 comments on Remembering Mariah
2 minutes

A sad anniversary passed quietly the weekend before last. It’s been a year since our son, Jeff, lost his wife, Mariah.

They had been married but a short time when she died. But it was clear that they were the love of each others’ lives.

We’ve all grieved this loss in our own ways over the past year. It crushed Jeff. It was also especially hard for my wife and our daughter, who had close relationships with Mariah.

I had been slow to get to know Mariah, so for me her death was primarily a deep shock. But it was a shock too far, after a year (at the time) of serious life challenges for our family. It sapped me of all energy for months. It reduced my attentiveness and effectiveness at work. While they didn’t tell me why they fired me, this could have contributed.

Jeff wound up moving back in with us while he got his life together, but now he’s ready to fly free again. It seemed almost perfect when our tenant abruptly moved out of our rental house in January. We would paint, replace carpet, and do some needed repairs, and Jeff would then rent it from us.

We’ve discovered some serious problems with the house, which I’ll write about on Wednesday. They threaten to delay or derail the plan.

We had hoped the house would be ready in time for Jeff to welcome his new daughter into the world. Yes, that’s right, Jeff is going to be a dad, and I’ll have my first grandchild. This wasn’t a planned pregnancy but this little girl is very much wanted and will be deeply loved. She should arrive in late May.


Comments

16 responses to “Remembering Mariah”

  1. J P Avatar

    How terribly sad to lose someone at such a young age. I can see how this would take a serious toll on everyone in your family.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Her loss changed us all.

  2. Heide Avatar
    Heide

    Oh, Jim … what a devastating loss. I’m so sorry. My heart goes out to Jeff, you, and your families. I’ll be thinking of you all today and hoping the year ahead brings more healing. (And a healthy little granddaughter!)

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thank you H!

  3. DougD Avatar
    DougD

    Wow, it’s been a year already, to lose a young life is just so wretched.
    Apparently you really can do all things who him who gives you strength Jim, but it seems like you’ve been doing all things at once. I hope you have more peace in the next year.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      The days, they do fly by. We all wish for peace. We’re due.

  4. Ward Fogelsanger Avatar
    Ward Fogelsanger

    Very sorry to hear of your loss…

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thanks so much Ward.

  5. Alex Avatar

    So sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my brother in law just over a year ago. We’d been friends 35 years. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. But a celebration too! What a bittersweet time for your family.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thanks Alex. Wow, 35 years, that had to be a hard loss. Times sure can be tough sometimes but it sounds like you manage to find the positives.

  6. M.B. Henry Avatar

    I can’t even imagine. I am so sorry. A tough year, no wonder you’ve been sapped! However, I’m so happy to hear that a baby girl is coming – you all deserve the joy!

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Yep. My family is living through intensely challenging times. We pray peace returns.

      1. M.B. Henry Avatar

        Sending prayers for that!

  7. Sam Avatar

    Sad anniversary Jim condolences once again on this tragic untimely death. But Congrats on a new life coming and Jim a soon to be Grandpa!! Time moves fast! 😎😊😎

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thanks so much Sam. We’re still recovering.

      1. Sam Avatar

        I can’t imagine it but I know you never get over something like that Jim. But a new baby sure helps!

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