March 10, A Day to Celebrate

Today was a day of reflection, remembrance, prayers of thanksgiving, and moments of absolute wonder and awe at life now compared to that day four years ago on March 10, 2021. So much to share later, but for now, some new celebrations and memories to share with you…

I visited Ken’s bench at Memorial Park as I have each year to pray and reflect on his life. It was dark, so I parked my car to light up the winding path around the trees and pond so I could see my way. When I turned the bend I noticed a couple and stroller near the bench. I would not be sitting alone on Ken’s bench this year, but instead sharing Ken’s story, and taking a picture of his plaque beneath the bench. The couple offered to get up and share the bench, but I asked them to enjoy their rest and shared how Ken would ride his bike on this path, run, walk, and enjoy the trees. And how the view from the bench shared memories of Papa Ken enjoying playing or watching the grandkids at the nearby playground, softball games, tennis, and football practice, along with the grove of trees where he learned the art of hammocking.

Today’s memory of Ken’s bench visit for me would be of sharing Ken’s legacy, the scriptures under the bench, and thanking this couple for sharing a few moments with me. As I left and began my walk back up the path I raised my arms thanking God for Ken and asking God to bless and encourage this young couple, who let me know that they sit on Ken’s bench in the morning and evening walks with their baby boy. The tears that fell were those of joy, hope, and gratefulness for Ken’s life as I had in previous visits, but this year I found myself also moved and shedding tears of hope for those who would rest on Ken’s bench and look up the scriptures on his plaque.

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The other celebration and why I was at the bench so late was that I was on my way for a very special 18th birthday surprise of balloons and cupcakes for my grandson Jace at his late-night basketball game. I am so grateful to be in his life. He played well, and shared cupcakes with the team afterwards. I made a vow to him four years ago that we would always do something special to celebrate his birthday that he shares with PaPa Ken’s going to Heaven.

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Celebrations! Dates that share special events, memories, or even loss can be difficult to recognize or contain in one day. For me, having a birthday to celebrate today, reminds me just how precious each day is for the living. Today on March 10 I am Grateful and Blessed to have shared this day with my Grandson and to have met a couple resting on Ken’s bench.

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“This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it…” Those lyrics and tune are running through my mind. A worship song Ken and I sang often during services in our early years. Some days in that first year it was difficult to even face the day let alone rejoice in it, but today I am rejoicing and very glad!

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May God bless and encourage you as you prepare for your next difficult date or celebration.

Pati

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

On Ken’s plaque:

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.