ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
To realize that I am now a widow, is a hard pill to swallow. I was a wife for 60 + years. Now I am entering another phase of my journey on this planet. I guess I could sit around and feel sorry for myself. I could waste away and stop living. I could on the other hand use my time to help someone else or to leave a path of words along the way that might encourage them.
When death comes, it can consume our lives with sadness. Sometimes it can lead to great depression. These past few months have been filled with the busyness of living, preparations and the loss of a few other lives along the way. I’m 82 now. I guess I should expect life to come to an end at this point, but somehow, I have missed the grieving process. Maybe it happened prior to your death, my love. You suffered for such a long time. I watched as your energy was sapped from your body. I witnessed a change from a once vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic human being into someone else. There were so many instances throughout our long marriage when something would happen with your health. There were so many of those occasions when we thought your end was imminent, but you always bounced back.
I know your concern for your family was keeping you alive and giving me extra time and memories to hang onto in these times. I knew you were ready for heaven. I wanted that for you too. As memories pop into my mind, I can’t help but shed a tear or two, but we shed many as you suffered for so long.
The Easter message was about how the sting of death was healed with the balm of Christ’s ransom – the giving of His own life so that we could inherit God’s kingdom and dwell in His house forever. The sting remains for those of us left behind. I will never stop loving you. You helped me realize that life doesn’t end when we die. It’s just an amazing beginning. I see you in so many facets of my day. I awake being surrounded by the beauty of your art. I hear your laughter. I remember our road trips – our trials and afflictions – the three lives we produced. I recall your boldness for the Lord and I miss our times holding hands and crying together.
As Easter came and went again, the final song of our church service was “I Know That My
Redeemer Lives.” I couldn’t help but shed a few tears when singing that beautiful hymn.
The promise of a Messiah has been fulfilled. He took on human flesh and lived among mankind. He taught, encouraged, healed, blessed and gave His life for us. He rose from death and ascended to the house of His Father. Because He lives, you are now reaping the benefits of that same inheritance. I love you, Paul. I may be a widow, but I know where you are and I’m coming to join you again someday. In the meantime, I know you’re in the best hands possible.
atimetoshare.me 
Beautiful
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Sweet Momma K….yesterday I prayed specifically for your 1st Easter without Paul. Your love for him moves me. I can’t imagine the grief in missing him. And your children and family. My heart hurts for yours. Your faith in knowing that you will join him one day inspires me. I love you and am sending prayers daily. Even when I’m not on here. God bless you! ❣️❣️❣️🙏🏼
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Thanks for sharing, Kathy. Your posts inspire me to be a better husband.
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I’m quite sure you already are. Putting God first is the best way to be a good spouse.
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Kathy, may the strength and grace of Jesus be yours during this time.
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Thank you David. So far it’s been fairly easy. There are. Certain days that set me on a sad walk. His birthday, Valentine’s Day, first day of spring and Easter so far. Those first special days without him. I am keeping very busy. Watching my great grandson while his single mom finishes her final year of college. I’m still writing and performing with my theatre group. My grandson from S. Carolina has moved back to Minnesota to live with me. He’s currently looking for work and I feel safer having him in the house. The Lord has given me so many wonderful people in my life – family and friends – but I’m afraid I haven’t been able to grieve as I should. I do know that God is with me all the way. Some days are just a bit harder than others. Thanks for your encouragement and kindness my friend.
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Poignant post Kathy. Your opening line touched me, but then I kept reading and read your last couple sentences and they really hit home. Just a beautiful post. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Thank you Brian. I’m learning from this experience that I’m so glad we had time to enjoy each other during these last years. I hope that I can encourage others through my experience. Treasure your marriage. It’s a gift from God💕
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This touched me deeply. The strength in your words, even through such profound loss, is incredibly moving. Sixty years of love is a rare and beautiful gift—and though the grief is immense, so too is the legacy of that bond. Wishing you peace and gentle strength as you navigate this new chapter. You’re not alone.
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Thank you Hayley. I know that God is at my side through this new chapter of my life. He has assured us if eternal life after death. Who doesn’t want that? I’m glad you found me and I found you❤️
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I’m so glad we found each other too ❤️ Your faith and openness in this new chapter are truly beautiful to witness. There’s such peace in knowing we’re never alone, and that something greater is guiding us forward—with promise, hope, and eternal love.
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I’m sorry, but your words are healing to others! Thank you for sharing your journey!
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Thank you for your kind words. I also feel that if my posts can help provide healing for someone going through the loss of a spouse, God’s message of love is working through me. There is always hope for the future for those who know Jesus.
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Yes ma’am you have some much wisdom to give, you are a blessing!
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💕💕
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