I'm embarrassed to admit that my daughter questioned me last night about the importance of this day, September 1st, and honestly, I couldn't tie an event to it! I asked if it was someone's birthday, anniversary, or some other momentous family occasion, and she said no to each one.
Then, it dawned on me. This is the day of my husband's accident on Labor Day weekend in 1999. It was a day that totally changed our lives from that time on, at least for my family.
The lesson learned here is that it is possible for some of our worst memories to eventually fade into the background and lose their importance. Dean passed away eight years ago now, and life has many new challenges to take the place of my caregiving duties.
Perhaps, I can forgive myself for such a memory lapse by remembering Revelation 21:4 where it says, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...for the former things have passed away." In heaven, we will know that things happened here, but the memories won't bring the fresh tears and remorse they once did. We won't forget entirely, but we won't be consumed with sorrow by the remembered events either. Thankfully, some of that heavenly reprieve can begin even in our lives now. Thank you, Lord!
