JULY - BACKWARD/FORWARD!

Notable facts about July 2026. The beginning of July is the peak of summer! Then, on July 13th, severe air pollution from wildfire smoke in the Canadian Forest rushed in. The air quality was polluted with smoke and toxins, making it difficult to breathe for some people suffering from chronic respiratory conditions. Environmental hazards can contribute to heart disease and stroke. Older adults suffer from exposure to environmental hazards such as air pollution, arsenic, lead, and excessive heat.

I tried to stay indoors for that 2-week period when the smoke was heaviest/and when I did go out, I doubled my KN95 mask with a medical mask and wore sunglasses to protect my eyes. It worked, and even though we're still under threat now for the smoke from the Minnesota wildfires that are blowing our way.

July was starting out to me what I expected, but things quickly turned for me when I got news that my best friend lost her 29-year-old grandson (firefighter and paramedic) when he was killed by a drunk driver while trying to help the driver of a disabled car on the side of the road. This tragedy and the following days of visitation and funeral processes were so painful. It opened old wounds of losing my dearly beloved husband of 40+ years, my Dad, my mom, my boyfriend and companion, and my older sister and her son, my nephew, in previous years leading up to this January 2026.

Now the unexpected tears brought on by a memory or mention in a conversation have been overwhelming, and daily this month. Just when I pat myself on the shoulder, thinking I've been healing and finding my way forward and trying to live my best life every single day. Out of nowhere, a single memory of any one of them sends me into a state of deep sorrow and hurt as if they had just passed away.

I think anyone who has loved someone so deeply and profoundly can relate to what I'm saying. I miss my loved ones so very much and I think about the profound impact they had on my life just growing up together, or being raised and guided by them, and realizing how much they loved me and helped to prepare me for adulthood, a good life, motherhood, and to continue being a faithful servant of our Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ!

Grieving is healing, and I'm trying hard not to have a setback because of it. So, I'm drawing closer to God through study and prayer. He is the ultimate healer, provider, and light in the dark! Praise Him! If you have found my blogs helpful, please join in and share any thoughts you have about losing someone you truly loved, and the ways you are learning to cope and move forward into your new normal without them. This is a safe, secure, nonjudgmental community space for healing. Welcome aboard!!!!

grace

Show more