I will have a challenge to find the beauty that surrounds me this Spring but I know I'll spend time in nature.
My precious husband passed away two weeks ago and my heart is broken.
I've been surrounded by my sweet family from the day before he passed so that has helped me get through it. But they've all gone home now so I will have to figure out how to live my life now and get out in nature as much as I can.
My wonderful family took me on a few hikes while they were here so that has gotten me off to a good start.
I'll include the Sandhill Cranes we saw at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve.
And the beautiful Kestrel we spotted on our way down the bumpy road.
I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE
I know I'll find my way but for right now I would appreciate your continued prayers.
Thank you all for your prayers through this terrible 4 month ordeal. I couldn't have done it without God's help and the care and concern from family, friends, neighbors and blog buddies.
If anyone is interested in reading the obituary, I'll include a link HERE.
Thanks again for your friendship. Hugs, Diane 💔











61 comments:
Diane, I am so deeply sorry to learn this very sad news. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult this struggle has been and how deeply sad the recent months. I am so grateful for your support from so many who care deeply about you. I read the obituary -- it's just beautifully written and really introduces us to this man with whom you shared such love and wonderful times. I send big cyber hugs across the blogosphere to you with many wishes for peace and healing.
Oh, sweet Diane! I am so sorry! I kept coming and checking for an update. My prayers have been with you and thoughts. I wish I could hug you and go on a hike with you right now. :) Praying as you navigate this path.
...Diane, it has been so long since you have posted and I was afraid that it wasn't a good sign. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Surrounding myself with nature always gives me peace! Be strong and well.
Diane, my heart grieves with you. The obituary is well-written. I am so sorry for your loss.
Oh Diane I am so sorry to read this.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
As you move forward may you find peace and strength in the happy memories of your life together.
God Bless.
All the best Jan
Dear Diane, I am so very sorry to hear of your dear husband's passing. I can imagine these past several months have been really difficult for you. I have been thinking of you and praying for you. The obituary was very nice...I didn't know much about your husband, but he certainly sounds like a wonderful man. I know your heart is broken and it will take some time to get yourself back on track and into a new "normal" for you. May God give you strength and comfort and grace for each new day and challenge that you will be facing. I'm glad to see that you are back to hiking a bit...I know that will be something that will keep you going and help you to heal from this deep sorrow. Just know you are never alone. God is always with you. You are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss--and Jeanie in the first comment said it the way I would want to say it-so thank you Jeanie--I have thought of you often and prayed every morning for you both--big hug-di
Oh Diane, I am so sorry. May God give you peace and comfort in this sad time. Know I will be praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, Diane. I have followed along with your blog for many years and your love for Ron was always so evident. I am glad you have had family to be at your side. May the peace of the Lord be with you, my friend..
Ron's obituary was a beautiful tribute.
Diane, I can't tell you how very sorry I am to read of your husband's passing. It makes me so sad for you. I read the obituary, and he sounds like a wonderful person, the kind of man this world will always need. I truly believe your faith will carry you through this, although I realize it won't be easy. My prayers are with you.
Denise at Forest Manor
Such sad news Diane. I'll be thinking of you and I hope that you're able to find some beauty out in nature and it brings you comfort and consolation in such difficult times.
Your blog buddy - Ed
Oh Diane! I am so so sorry. I read the obit and what a wonderful tribute to your sweet husband. As a believer, I know that you will be reunited with him someday but that doesn't make today any easier.
Watching a spouse suffer cancer is life altering. You just feel totally helpless, I know. You are in my prayers as you move forward on this new life path. I am always an email away, Diane. Hugs- Diana
Hello Diane,
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved husband.
I hope you find some peace and comfort during this difficult time.
All the best, Irma
Dear Diane, I linked to the obituary. What a gem of a man your Ron was during this lifetime. Cancer is such a dreadful disease that touches the lives of so many. May his wonderful memory be a blessing and may you gain the strength and support you need to see you through this tumultuous and painful time.
Dear Diane :)
This very sad news about the demise of your beloved husband. has been a shocking revelation. I hope with all my heart that you find the strength and support you need for the way foreward. My prayers are with you.
Bless you my dear.
Sonjia.
Diane ~ there are no words to express when welose our dearly loved mate ~ It hurts so deeply ~ lovely tribute with his obituary ~ Lots of prayers and healing energy hugs and love to help you through this extremely difficult time ~ hugs again. ~ Carol and Ziggy
an artist reflects
https://anartistreflects.com
My friend, I am so sorry. Please know of my prayers for you as you grieve the loss of your dear husband. Thank you for including the beautiful obituary. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. And I thank you for his service to our country.
Beautiful cranes. Sometimes I see cranes in Denmark.
Hello Diane,
I am so sorry for your loss, I can only imagine how your are feeling loosing your husband. I hope your walks with nature help to comfort you and I am glad you had your family there to help you too. The obituary is beautifully written. You know I love the birds, great captures of the cranes and Kestrel. I wish I could come down and go on some nature hikes with you. We are all hear to support you! Sending virtual hugs. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
My dear friend Diane, I am so sorry to read this news. You have been brought to my mind lately, and as I said quick prayers for you, I wondered how things were going. What a great loss to your life. You will miss him terribly. I am glad your family has supported you and will continue to pray for daily grace and strength. Hugs, Lorrie (Now I'm off to read your link)
I am so incredibly sorry. I can't even imagine how hard this is. I will be saying prayer in my heart for y ou.
Diane, Please accept my sincere condolences at this very sad and difficult time for you. So sorry for you precious loss of your dear husband.
Such sad, sad new Diane, virtual hugs and love being sent your way. Stay strong, as I know you are, and when you go on hikes your husband will be with you in your heart forever.
Dear Diane, I am so very sorry to learn of your hubby's passing. You will remain in my prayers for peace and strength as you travel this new path. Know you are not alone on this journey. Sending love and a hug.
Diane, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers go with you as you figure out this new life. Hugs and love
I am so, so sorry and we're all sending prayers and love your way, and great big hugs too.
i visited here...so many times, hoping to see that ron was healing, getting better. my heart became so sad as i read your words, felt your pain. how does someone go forward after such a loss. your rock, the love of your life,, your hiking companion...your best friend. i want to leave you with profound thoughts, but there are none. none. i hope that you can one day rejoice in your memories and remember ron with deep love. his obituary was really special!! sending you warm hugs from the jersey shore!!
Diane, I am deeply sorry to hear your husband passed away. Spending time in nature will be good for you in the days and months ahead. I am saying a prayer for you, friend, during this time of sorrow.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news, Diane. I will be thinking of you and praying that you find solace and strength in the memories of your dear husband as you travel this difficult journey. Sending you love and hugs, my dear. x Karen
My heart just broke when I read this news. I am so sorry. I can only wish you much love amid your sorrow. Hugs.
My heart is with you, Diane. It means the world to me that you shared my blog with him over the years. I hope the quiet beauty of your hikes helps you feel his presence near you. Sending prayers for peace.
I have been praying for you and will continue to pray while you adjust to your new normal without your husband. I am so glad your family could come and stay with you. My condolences to you and your family.
Dear Diane, my heart hurts for you as you begin this journey, walk a new path without your beloved beside you. Yet know that in truth he is there always. It has now been over 12 years since losing my husband to cancer, we also had the blessing of hospice care and I believe went through much similar to that which you shared. It does not get easier with time, yet somehow it does lessen a bit and you will find peace and joy as you move forward. May he rest well now, may all good things come to you. My true sympathy is sent for your loss, Ann Adamus
We read about your husband on the Cat Blogosphere and wanted to stop by and let you know we're sending purrs and prayers.
Diane, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain you are going through. Expected or unexpected, nothing prepares you for this time.
I read about your husband's passing on The Cat Blogosphere. You will be in my prayers.
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God surround you with His love and comfort as you walk this new life path you'll be journeying on now.
Hugs
Ingrid
[[[hugs and prayers]]]
Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your broken heart. I pray for peace and comfort, and all that you need as you find your way through the days/weeks/months ahead.
I read your post with mixed emotions! I am so sorry to read that your husband passed away. On the other hand I am happy to see you back blogging. My heart aches for you! I am sending you a comforting hug!
So sorry to hear of your loss Diane.
I am so sorry for you loss. You will be in my prayers. XO
We're so sorry for your loss and bring you Soft Pawkisses to comfort you🐾😙💞
Diane, I am so sorry to hear this. I can only imagine how sad and difficult this has been for you. I read the obituary and liked the part about your husband wanting people to think of him while out in nature. I missed the date that was suggested, but please know that I will think of you both when I am walking in nature. Sending hugs to you.
Diane, I missed this post and am so grateful you let me know personally. I have been so jus tsp doggone busy so no wonder I overlooked it. However, I have not overlooked you. Been praying for you.
I am so sorry for your loss Diane. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sending you big hugs.
Oh my , I'm standing by you as you grieve the only way I can... sending energy to deal with the loss and changes you must.
Keep walking and try to let nature's healing power ease you if possible. I'm just so sorry
Love, LeeAnna
Querida amiga, lo siento mucho te dejo todo mi cariño y un abrazo muy fuerte, para ti y tu familia, siempre estaré acompañándote.
Diane, my heart aches for you in this season of loss. I’m so sorry for the passing of your beloved husband. It’s beautiful that you’ve found comfort in nature and in the presence of your family, even as you now face the quiet moments on your own. The Sandhill Cranes and the Kestrel sound like tender reminders that beauty still surrounds you, even in sorrow. Please know that you remain in my prayers, and I hope each walk outdoors brings you a little more peace and strength. Sending love and gentle hugs your way.
Dear Diane,
I’m sitting at my desk right now with tears in my eyes. I only just realized that you had written a post in February – and then I read the heartbreaking news that your husband passed away on February 14. I’m sending you a heartfelt hug.
I read the obituary, and I’m glad that your husband was not only surrounded by your love until the very end, but also in good medical hands. Even though no one could heal him, it is comforting to know that everything possible was done to make him feel as comfortable as he could.
I was especially touched by the closing sentence – that instead of a traditional indoor service, your husband wished for all of you to go out into nature, enjoy it, and think of him. When I go out into nature today, I will do the same – even though we never met.
Nature is such a powerful and healing place, and I’m sure that spending time outdoors will help you continue to feel connected to him. In every bird, every butterfly, every feather and every leaf, there will be a little reminder of him, gently waving hello.
All the best from Austria,
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2026/03/rostrosen-winter-202526-bloparade-denim.html
You will continue to in our prayers. God will help you through this difficult time. Nature can soothe our souls and we will be with you in spirit as you place one foot in front of the other along each day's path.
Thinking of you, Diane. Take all the time you need, you're going through a huge loss. We'll wait on you. BIG HUGS
I'm so sorry to read this, I'm sending you all the kindred love from across the world in the Netherlands. You have provided me comfort during a challenging time in my life and my heart hurts for your own heartache. You are filled with strength and courage and I know you can do hard things, you have created such a beautiful community here and I hope you can feel all the love and appreciation from your readers, like a nice soft quilt around your shoulders. I will keep you in my prayers, especially on my daily walks that you inspired when I read about all your wonderful treks in nature.
Diane, I am so very saddened to hear of the passing of your husband, and how difficult this time must be for you. I am praying that you found a grief support group to help you through this season (a dear friend whose wife passed has found such comfort there). My prayers are with you, and I pray that your walks and hikes will resume when you are able.
Continuing in prayer for you, Diane. Just wanted to check in and see if you had written anything else, but I know you are going through a lot right now. Just know that your friends are out here praying for you, and we know that God is comforting you and taking care of your needs. (((HUGS)))
The photos of the Sandhill Cranes and the Kestrel are beautiful, a lovely start to your healing journey in nature. Take care of yourself. Hugs.
Dear Diane, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your dear husband Ron. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I know how much you and Ron loved being among nature and wildlife in your retirement, and reading about his wishes on his obituary it is so fitting that Ron be forever remembered this wonderful way. I will certainly leep you in my prayers for strength and comfort. (((hugs)))
i have thought of you so many times in the last month. i planned to visit you today, even before i saw your comment on my blog. i wish i could just take some of your grief and hold it in my hands for you. just so you don't have to carry it all. while grief is a universal experience, it is a deeply felt emotion & unique to each of us. sending warm hugs.....i wish i could do more!!
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss, Diane. I hope that getting out for hikes will help with your healing. I have thought of you many times since you took your break from posting.
So sorry to hear of your loss. It must be unbearable. it is good you can get relief in hiking. All the best for the future. Keep on hiking.
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