338. Memory is the diary we all carry about with us. ~Oscar Wilde

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Memory is a way of holding onto
the things you love,
the things you are,
the things you never want to lose.
~From the television show The Wonder Years

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More than half a century ago my father died on this date, and yet I listen still for his voice, a voice held dear and silenced forever when his mortal heart ceased to beat. In memory his deeds and words echo on in my heart, and neither the tears of sadness I’ve cried nor the moments of bitter resentment about his early death I’ve endured have muted the sounds of that beloved voice. Regrettably this was a door, and it has not been a singular one, that closed long long before it should have, and none of the ranting or raving or railing against any of it has altered the impact of the losses. The simple truth is that time marches unstoppably on as season after season passes over the fields of our lives; people continually move in and out, and there is a never ending series of opening and closing doors along the way. In the aftermath of unavoidable, grievous experiences our faith is tested, tried, and sometimes even forsaken, but the Holy One who walks with us is never absent nor is the offer of His gift of grace ever retracted.

How very precious every breath and every moment of life is! Declarations of love to family and friends and the Lord should be vocalized over and over again, and we need to hear the same from the ones we cherish. If such things are left unsaid what goes unspoken leaves gaping holes and wounds in the human heart, and the subsequent path to healing is enough of a long and arduous road as it is.

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:1-3  ✝

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you save, you heal, you restore, and you reveal Your Father’s heart to us! You have captured me with grace and I’m caught in Your infinite embrace!

**Images via Pinterest

19 thoughts on “338. Memory is the diary we all carry about with us. ~Oscar Wilde”

  1. Pingback: 338. Memory is the diary we all carry about with us. ~Oscar Wilde | Sacred Touches

  3. I am sorry for the loss of your dad–despite my mom’s death almost 30 years ago–I still have my days of melancholy. I appreciate the words of your heart and thank you for sharing your precious memories. Hugs and love—Julie

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    • Thank you, Cookie. I’m sorry that your mom died when you were fairly young as well. It is a bitter pill to swallow and I don’t think the melancholy we are left with ever completely vanishes. Hugs, Natalie 🙂

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  10. Great read,dear Natalie ! Love the lyric nature of the pages from your diary and the strong quote in the cyan composite ! I lost my mum in 2006 and still is hard for me to accept it … My life is not the same any more … she has taken part of my heart away with her … Stay well my dear friend, Doda , xxx

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    • Thank you, Doda. Sadly, those we love always take a piece of our hearts with them when they go, and yes, life everafter is never the same. I’m so sorry you lost your mum and that her passing has been difficult to accept. I wish I could say that would change over time, but it doesn’t really. I pray you are well too, sweet Doda! Hugs, Natalie 🙂

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