Saturday, December 31, 2011

re: Days 721-757

Footprints of Death...............

It is truly unbelievable how quickly life and time is passing.  Tonight is New Year's Eve 2011 and I am happy to report that there were no lost loved ones in my family this year. 

This time last year, I had just lost my favorite Aunt...Aunt Joy. 

Even though I did not lose family members I did lose people that were as close as family.  Rest in peace Papa Bates, Papa Stephen, & Uncle Jr, you all are greatly missed and forever loved.

I know that death is a part of life but I pray that I will not have to deal with it for a while.  I have recovered from the pain of loss and I am feeling like my usual zesty self. 

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!

Remembering to laugh, love, and live always and on purpose.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Days 700-720

Footprints of Death...............

I think that all of the people that I have lost would want me to enjoy life and be grateful for life and family during this Thanksgiving season.

My prayers go out to all of those who are still grieving the loss of loved ones at this time.  I know that the holiday season can be a terrible time of hurt and pain when you are wishing that loved ones were still present to share the joy of the holidays.   God comforts pain, I truly know this to be true.

Happy holidays to all!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Days 667-699

Footprints of Death...............

I offer my condolences to the Frazier and Myers family for the loss of two amazing men, boxing great Joe Frazier(age 67) and entertainer Heavy D (age 44).  They both passed away on 11/8/2011. RIP warriors!

Remembering to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

re: 665-666

Footprints of Death...............

On October 5, 2011 Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Computers, passed away.  My condolences go out to his family.  He was such a brilliant innovator when it came to technology. He changed the world with his vision and I hope that he rests in peace.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Days 629-664

Footprints of Death...............

I have no complaints which is why I have not written on this blog in over a month.  I've been so busy and happy with living that I do not feel the turmoil or pain associated with loss.  God is good!  In my opinion, God is the only one who can heal the pain of losing someone and fill those voids up again. Simply amazing!

I sincerely hope and pray that all people who are experiencing loss will continue to seek God for help and healing through the grief process because he is the only one that can heal and restore a broken heart.  It is important to experience the five stages of grief and to allow oneself to heal.  It's taken me two years since my Dad passed away to feel good again.  My aunt, who was a like a second mother, passed away last year, but I am happy that she does not have to suffer anymore, so I have come to terms with her loss also.  Grief is a process, but it should not last forever.  Life is too precious not to live it to the fullest.

Remembering to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Monday, August 29, 2011

re: Days 613-628

Footprints of Death...............



"I'm Every Woman" is one of my favorite Chaka Khan songs.  I like it because it makes me feel empowered.  Unfortunately, one of the authors' of that song passed away.  Nickolas Ashford, of the Ashford & Simpson husband-wife( singer, songwriter, production) duo, born May 4, 1941 passed away on August 22, 2011.  The music community and fans like myself are saddened.  It really does hurt when a great human being passes on. R.I.P. Mr. Ashford my prayers are with your family.  I hope that God will comfort the hearts of your family.

I hope we all remember to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

re: Days 593-612

Footprints of Death...............

A relative of my friend's passed away.  He passed on 8/7/11. He was such a nice man.  He always had a smile for everyone.  He will be missed.

No matter how many times it happens, death always leaves me feeling totally unprepared, maybe because it always makes me question my own mortality. Of course, we all know that we will die one day, but when death happens it kind of brings clarity on how one should spend their time living.  For me, I pray everyday that I am spending my time wisely. 

Rembering to laugh, live, and love always an on purpose.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Days 588-592

Footprints of Death...............

I'm feeling better today.  I am starting to mellow out again after a few abrupt deaths that really affected me greater than I thought that they would. I am taking it day by day and working hard to replenish my soul with scripture reading, singing, and writing.  I am also diarying every night and reading old diary entries from years ago. I noticed that my past diary entries were sad, but I like the way I have progressed as a person.

I don't feel the need to go through the 5 stages of grief on this blog.

I hope that everyone that I know continues to live and love always and on purpose.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Days 580-587

Footprints of Death...............

All I can say is that I am desperately praying that God does NOT allow anyone that I know to die within the next year.  I need a break from death.  I know that is is inevitable, but I need a break from it.  I know that this may just be wishful thinking, but I thought it was worth a try just to speak my needs in the open. 

Truth is, if someone else that I know passes away, I doubt that I will be able to attend their service, because I need a break from the feelings that death brings.

Remember to live life on purpose!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Days 537-579

Footprints of Death...............

I am happy to report that after an extended bout with sickness, I finally feel well enough to write here again.  I have experienced illness and now I can say that I have experienced God's healing.  Just like God has healed my grief-stricken soul, he has healed my body.  Praise Jesus!

Since I have been away I have lost two father figures in my life.  The first one was my best friend's Dad, whom I called Papa Stephen (4/10/11) and another father figure whom I called Papa Bates (6/7/11).  Although they will both be missed, I hope they rest in peace.

I am wishing everyone a happy and healthy day!  Let's not waste our energy, time, or love on things that do not matter much, but let's choose to share our lives with others as God has given us the ability to do so.

Remember to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Days 518-536

Footprints of Death...............

I am amazed by the chain of events that have been happening in my life.  I feel closer to God and I feel like God is taking me to a new level in Him.  My relationship with God has been the key to my ability to make it through the darkness of grief.  Recently, I was beginning a relationship.  After a few months, I knew in my heart that this man was not the kind of man for me.  I started to pick fights with him because I wanted him to leave me alone.  It worked.  Later on, someone asked me, "how are you going to deal with the loss of the relationship?"  I said, "Well, it was not a "relationship" yet.  Also, if I made it through the death of my parents, my aunt, and my great-aunt, which were the people I loved and that really loved me back, then I can make it through ANYTHING!"  I was so proud of myself for that one statement because it was honest and I really felt the truth of that statement in my soul.  How can I feel encouraged and hopeful for the future when I have lost so many loved ones?  It must be the grace of God.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Days 498-517

Footprints of Death...............

It's been such a long time since I've written, I almost don't know what to say.

First things first, I have been feeling pretty good.  I have a few stresses that I am believing God to give me the strength to defeat, but other than that I have no complaints.

In terms of grief, it seems to come and go at will.  There are some days, weeks, or months where I feel great and then out of no where I will hear a song, smell a scent, or have an experience that reminds me of the ones that I have lost.  This phenomenon is truly mind boggling to me but this is my journey and I fully intend to face it victoriously.

As usual,  I am going to go through the 5 stages of grief using the acronym that I created based on the stages of grief.

Bargaining- Not at all.  I have lost the loved ones already.
Acceptance- In my head I have accepted their losses but my heart may never understand these losses.
Anger- Sometimes.
Denial- Not at all.
Depression- At times, but I understand the emotion and try to move quickly past it.

I am continuing my journey and hope to do it laughing, living, and loving.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Days 496-497

Life & Times of ThatDudeDeon: Why I chose to release the song "I Just Want To He...: "I've been asked why I chose 'I Just Want To Hear You' for a single instead of other songs on my album..... Honestly..... This song was and..."

Footprints of Death...............

This song right now is getting me through tough times. This song blessed me and I hope that it may bless someone else. This song is available on itunes right now.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

re: Days 487-495

Footprints of Death...............

Tonight's blog is short because I am at a loss for words.  My feelings are: tired, a bit drained, and ready for change.  On a lighter note, I am glad to be alive and to have another opportunity to experience God's grace.

As always, I intend to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Monday, April 11, 2011

re: Days 485-486

Footprints of Death...............

I found out yesterday that I my best friend lost her Dad this past weekend (4/9-4/10/11).  I am beyond words right now.  Her Dad took my friend and I everywhere when we were kids.  He was always so supportive of my best friend and he was just a great human being.  I don't care how many times I have had to deal with death, I can never seem to prepare for it.  It just seems so final!  As a Christian, I do believe that I will have an opportunity to see loved ones again, but I just miss those that I love so much in this realm (earth), that those feelings cloud anything else.

Well, I am building myself up spiritually so that I can be there for my friend.  She will need me!  Because I love her, I will be there in any capacity that she may need me.

Remembering to laugh, live, and love always and with purpose.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Days 477-484

Footprints of Death...............

I am amazed at how I made it through this past week.  This past week was terrible.  I had some challenges and I just wished I could go home to my parents' house and curl up with them in the bed until I felt better.  As the youngest kid in my family or "the baby" I had a lot of alone time with my parents and they just had a way of making me feel loved and whole just by being in their presence.  I needed them this week but having them was not possible because they are no longer living.  This is/was tough!  Grief has a way of rearing its ugly head at the MOST unopportune times, but I am determined to admit my issues and defeat grief.

I better run through the 5 stages of grief for this past week.  Here's my self-made acronym for the 5 stages of grief BAADD:

Bargaining- Not at all, no one to bargain with.
Acceptance- My mind has accepted it but my heart has not.
Anger- Yes, this past week was rough and I was angry that I do not have parents to run home to.
Denial- Not at all
Depression- Perhaps, I simply have no desire to be around other people right now as few understand me or my feelings (yes, i know that this is an illogical over-generalization but I am emoting right now, not trying to think logically).

Despite my feelings, I know that God has me in the palm of His hands.  I feel Him close to me.  Needless to say, I spent much time in prayer this week. Prayers is my best weapon against the stages and effects of grief.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Days 463-476

Footprints of Death...............

I feel a little anxious.  There are some things that I need to be removed in my life and other things that I really need to change.  The feelings linked to death do not seem to be a barrier to any of these issues and I feel as if I have moved past the 5 stages of grief rather nicely.  At this point, I just really miss the ones that I lost through death.

Despite, life's twists and turns I AM determined to move forward.

Remember to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Days 430-462

Footprints of Death...............

I have had such an amazing time.  I had the opportunity to travel to South America.  I had difficulties but yet I had an amazing adventure.  Being in a different region really allowed me to value life and think very little about my issues with death. While away, I thought about how happy my parents would have been if they knew that I actually had the opportunity to leave the U.S. and follow my own dreams...my own path....amazing.

In terms of the 5 stages of grief, I am doing well, so I don't need to go through them.  I no longer feel BAADD (bargaining, acceptance, anger, denial, & depression) so right now I am enjoying life as I experience it.
 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Days 414-429

Footprints of Death...............

I am happy to announce to myself that "I made it!"  Yesterday 2/14/11 was my Mom's birthday. She would have been 68 years old.  My Mommy was my rock.  She taught me everything about womanhood and about how to love people beyond their shortcomings.  The latter part of her teachings has truly been an uphill battle and I doubt if I have or ever will master the art of loving people beyond their shortcomings as it places the person who is loving in an awkward and seemingly vulnerable position.

I was just thinking about what I would talk to my Mommy about if I could spend one more day with her on this earth.  I think I would thank her for the golden life nuggets(i.e. how to love, showing strength, being compassionate, being a lady) that she left to me.  Next, I would show her my life today.  Lastly, I would ask her about how I should navigate the rest of my life because sometimes I feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants.  Lol!

Life certainly is NOT what I expected it to be, especially when death has been such a prevalent factor, but life is STILL worth living (big smile).

Remember to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Days 399-413

Footprints of Death...............

I have been busy with school and life, but I have no complaints.  At this point, I feel like I have moved past grief.....at least for now.  There are times when certain scents, songs, phrases, words, or foods bring back fond memories of the ones that I love.  I feel like the greatest gift that I can give my loved ones that have passed on, is the "gift of remembrance."  As time passes, sometimes I am afraid that I will forget them and honestly that scares me a bit. 

I just had a birthday and I am feeling grateful and reflective.  Remember to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Until next time..............................................................................................................................

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Days 392-398

Footprints of Death...............

I think for now that my grieving process has ended.  I no longer feel the 5 stages of grief (bargaining, acceptance, anger, denial, depression) so I think that this is great news.  I have peace again!  I know that death is a constant, but so is love and right now I am focusing on the love that I am able to give and to receive.  I am excited again about what life has to offer me.  I know that God has a master plan that I am incapable of understanding.

Remembering that life is not promised so I will laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Days 387-391

Footprints of Death...............

Wow!  Since the year 2011 began, life has been pretty amazing.  I still have a few challenges but this year seemed to bring an air about it that reassures me that the horrific disappointments and losses of my past are forever gone away.  Weird, how fast things change!  One year ago, life was insignificant to me because of the deep loss that I felt.  Being parentless left me feeling abandoned but in one year God has proven to me that with him I AM NEVER ALONE.  I have no words for the joy and gratefulness that is in my heart.

In terms of the BAADD (5 stages of grief) process, here we go:

Bargaining- Not at all.
Acceptance-Totally.
Anger-Not anymore.
Denial- No.
Depression- No, I'm doing well.

Life is short so I intend to laugh, live, and love always and on purpose.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Days 379-386

Footprints of Death...............

I am amazed at how well I handled the holidays without my dearest loved ones (i.e. parents, my aunt, and great-aunt).  I think that my grief has ended because I am able to focus on good memories of them and not just the fact that I have lost their presence here on earth. That's growth!  Growth is great!  I must admit that losing a loved one is a terrible pain that leaves a void in your heart so large that sometimes you believe that everyone can see the void or the hole.  I'm just glad that these intense feelings do not last forever.

In terms of the BAADD (5 stages of grief) process, here we go:
Bargaining- Not at all.
Acceptance-Totally.
Anger-Not anymore.
Denial- No.
Depression- No, I'm doing well.

As always, I will continue to laugh, live, and love and I wish the same for everyone else who has suffered a loss.