ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
This painting appeared in my memories today. It’s one I’ve used before. Paul painted it two years ago after the first snow of the season. It remains one of my favorites. Today is the National Day of Thanksgiving and I’ve chosen to be grateful for firsts and lasts – those times from the past and those we look forward to in the future. As I recall a rich and full life with the man I loved, there are mountains of past memories that I hold so dear.
To my precious husband of 60 years: I am so grateful for our time together. Our first date. Our first kiss. Our wedding. Our family. Our struggles and how we overcame them. Our disagreements. Our goals our dreams and how we achieved them. As I look at those firsts, I see a life of commitment, challenges and a common faith with God at the center. Now that you’re gone, I look at a whole new set of firsts. Your first birthday celebration without you. Valentines Day alone. Easter – thinking of you with our Savior, joining in His victory over death. The many little road trips we took the last year we shared together. Enjoying God’s beauty through His creation and your artistic hand. As I look back. what I see today is a blessed life filled with treasured memories. As I look ahead, there will be more firsts. Today is not our first Thanksgiving apart. There were many years of deer hunting in Wisconsin that determined that. We always managed to share a big feast together and with family on an alternate date. Christmas comes next and each of these firsts get just a little harder to manage alone. On New Years Day, it will be one year since you left this world and journeyed into the next. As I witnessed your struggle to hang on for the sake of those you loved, I asked you to save me a spot in your new forever home. Grieving has been slow for me, but not without tears. Each of those lasts – those memories – the life we shared – live on and will even when my time has come. Happy first Thanksgiving in heaven, my precious soul mate.
The time is drawing near. Our battle soon is done.
Our world no longer here, but with God’s only Son.
So let us now prepare for pastures green and calm.
Lift up our hearts in cheer and hold us in your palm.
No more will sting of death, engulf my mind with fear.
He’s given me new breath and blotted every tear.
Today I thank you, Lord, for all that you have done.
Let me now share your Word with each and everyone.
THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE BEST FIRST EVER!
atimetoshare.me 
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Amen, Kathy. “The best first ever,” I really like that attitude.
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Kathy, this is so touching. I showed my husband this post and read it to him. We just celebrated our 40th this year and I am very blessed to still have him. He was a death’s door 3 times, during 2014/2015. God doesn’t heal every time, but He chose to do so with Jim. Blessing on your day, as you anticipate seeing Paul in heaven one day.
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Thank you for your kind comments. You’re blessed to have such a long life together as well. Cherish every moment. Paul had a variety of health issues that started about 30 years ago and I thought like you that I would’ve lost him many times. God gave us more time than we expected. He always does.❤️🩹
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Kathy, I too shared this with my husband. It brought a tear to both of our eyes. Such beautiful memories!
We just celebrated our 52nd anniversary. Even though in early years I never truly appreciated what wonderful man he is and was, I’ve learned that I’ve been very fortunate and God has richly blessed us.
Blessings to you and yours, Kathy, today and everyday.
Hugs and prayers~🤗🙏💖
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Congratulations on your many years together. God has truly blessed both of you through your time together. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to realize how good we have it but I truly believe that when you are anchored in the same faith you will not fail. It’s not easy under any circumstance. Marriage is hard work, but the rewards are endless. Have a great day❤️
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Oh, Kathy that is so true. And of course, not really having any guidance, it took a while to realize what I had and that it is hard work. But, God had us in His hands and led us through to Him and His guidance and truth.
Thank you.
Have a wonderful rest of the week~💖🙏
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Amen🙏🏻 thank you Lord Jesus, this was so beautiful I love your posts ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you so much for your kind comments. It does my heart good to know you are touched by my words.
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