When you suffer a loss, you have choices. If we're not careful, we let others or circumstances determine our paths. But I've been fortunate to have the strength and support of so many that the decisions I made came more easily.
Mississippi Kite
The first hike I made after my husband died was one week after he passed. I took this hike with two of my sons and my daughter in law. A week later, I took another hike with my son, D as a remembrance to my husband. Then when everyone left I hiked alone. I didn't want to do it but I needed to spend time in nature. And as they say....the rest is history.
God lifted me up, my family held me close and friends and neighbors supported me.
Spending time in nature has allowed me to heal.
It has given me joy.
I have hope and now I am looking forward to a brighter future.
Life is hard for us all. We have that in common....we all suffer.
Don't give up. Find joy in the beauty that surrounds you and be thankful.
Words are not enough to thank you for your outpouring of love last week.
All of my blog buddies mean the world to me. We love and support each other....through thick and through thin. It's a good thing. I don't take it for granted.
And of course a special thanks to J. for hiking in the summer heat in Florida. I think he likes me, what do you think?
My hiking buddy J.A. joined us on this hike and that was super special! Thanks J.A. for being there for me for this most difficult year.
God bless you, each and every one of you.
With love, Diane ๐
I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE
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50 comments:
As "they" say, one step at a time. Hugs from all of us.
I am so happy to read this and know that you are back on the Happy Trails Again.. It is way to hot for me to be on a trail even if I could. You are so right about nature healing, my wild ducks, black racer snakes, raccoons and a red eared turtle are in my back yard, they come they go and they have been healing my heart watching them live their lives
Spending time in nature is thereapeutic for me. Sounds like it is for you as well. I also look forward to solo hikes and time in nature, but take all necessary precautions so I can stay safe.
Nature is wonderfully restorative. I'm glad you've gone out with family and friends and also on your own. Hugs.
I am five years in, Diane. It does get easier, especially with people around you who care!! It doesn't make me miss him any less, but it does get easier to keep going and honor him by continuing to live life to the fullest. I am enjoying your posts and pictures, my friend! Happy weekend! xo
I am so glad that you found a way to work through the grief and keep on going. It's been 8 years now since my husband passed away. Some days are still hard but I think I've found myself over the years.
Nature is one of the greatest healers, we just adored your post and photos, thank mew for sharing! Happy Caturday to mew from Basil and The B Team ๐พ๐ป✨๐ป๐พ
Thank you for sharing your heart and these beautiful words with us. We love you and are always cheering you on!
Dear Diane, Nature gives us so much when life gets tough. Your walks in nature must help you a lot. I use gardening as therapy, and it helps too. You have taken many beautiful pictures, especially the one of The Mississippi Kite.
Take care. Hugs.
Hello, Diane
I am so happy to see that you are out walking and spending time in nature. Nature is comforting and soothing. Great capture of the Kite. I love all the quotes too! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
...Diane, I hope that you will always find strength and comfort in nature!
Nature can be so wonderfully restorative ... so too can family and friends. You are doing the right thing.
Sending blessings across the miles.
All the best Jan
So happy to see you healing and blogging again ~ lovely heart felt words and photos ~ Hugs ^_^
an artist reflects ~ https://anartistreflects.com
I love the grace and perseverance that you have. God helps us, not just in the good times. I thank you much for your sweet comments. I'm so glad you have continued hiking. I believe you are right about nature soothing our souls. Have a blessed weekend!
I am very sorry your husband´d passed away.
You are right, when Ingo was s severly sick the blogger world was there for me.
I could not tell anyone here - one real hug and I´d broken down, but had to take care of everything and working full time 40 km away.
We are a great community.
I don´t thnk I´d be as strong as you, though - big, big hugs.
It is good to hear that you are getting out there for hikes again, Diane. Friends are there when we need them most.
Through the sadness, may every step in nature bring you some wonder as you take life as it comes day by day.
Diane, it made my day to read your uplifting post. Family, friends, and nature are such a blessing. God is good!
It’s great that you are willing to get out there, Diane, and hike alone. So many women are afraid to do so (understandably) but I am sure you benefit enormously. The therapeutic value of nature is immeasurable and universal. Bravo!
Glad you are coping well. Hugs.
Happy Sunday, hug nad kiss, Andreja!
Walking in nature is good for you, Diane.
You find peace and can also process the grief that way.
It is wonderful that you have so many lovely people around you who are helping you.
I wish you a beautiful Sunday.
All the best, Irma
Hello Diane :)
It's good news that you are healing through the grace of God and the support of family and friends. Grief comes and goes, at least it does with me. It's been almost 6 years since my husband's demise but being out in nature helps a lot and it's restorative power works wonders. Well done for getting out on those trails again and working througndh the sorrow of your loss. We are here for you Diane, and understand that it takes courage to carry on alone.
Big warm hugs
Sonjia.
I enjoy being out and about with others but I find when I go alone is when I truly connect with nature and I need to experience that. I have a hard time wrapping my head around the thought of hiking in the heat in Florida! Yet, it is what you do and I am happy to experience this through your words and photos.
I believe in the healing power of nature. There is a good film about it, H is for Hawk. Stay strong, dear friend.
Amalia
xo
Nature is magic.
Hugs,
/Irene
I cannot even begin to imagine going through what you are going through. I hope the walks are therapeutic and give you time to think about all the good things in life.
It sure is difficult. A whole new chapter in your life. It sounds like you are adjusting. Nature is grand. All the best.
Every day one must experience all the things, and nature is top of the list as it's the one thing that is magical for all of us.
sharing your deepest thoughts and emotions with us...well that made my heart go pitter - patter!! you are brave, everything you shared here makes so much sence, but bravery is required. i am not sure i would be this brave. your images are so lovely today, the kites here are so quick, i could never get a photograph!! we are all climbing a mountain, everyone. make sure you allow yourself to be happy again, it is the best healing tool you will find. i am so happy you have found a hiking buddy...i am sure he likes you and loves your very kind soul!!
I am so sorry! I have been out of the loop lately and I am so praying for you. Love and prayers.....
I find hiking in the forest is a great way to ease pain.
I’m glad that family and friends have lifted you up. Nature, of course, is a great resource.
Even in your time of sorrow, you try to uplift others. You truly are special, Diane, and I am so happy to hear that you are being loved and cared for. Nature is the greatest healer, and I am glad that you are getting back out there once again. x K
Hello my friend! I love this post! It gives me hope. As an avid hiker and nature lover I can honestly say I know what you mean about how nature heals. It really does. Hiking and being in nature saved my life. I want to go into detail here, but I am so thankful. There is nothing like it but the Lord, to which I am thankful for His creation that He allows us to enjoy.
A trail! There is nothing like it. There is nothing like that time on a trail that heals, restores, enlightens, challenges, exposes and brings to light things. A trail can build endurance when you want to quit or turn around but also showers you with peace and encouragement all at the same time. Oh, how I love a trail. I am so happy that you have been enjoying this time in nature after the loss of your precious husband. I know that this has been so difficult. I am thankful you have had support, the love of nature and the peace it brings to help you in the season of life.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us my dear Diane. Praying for you as you put one foot in front of the other.
xo
Praying for you my dear Diane. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Praying for you to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep going.
xo
Glad to hear you are hiking and doing well. God, family, and nature are sure to do wonders. God bless you.
Your strength is inspiring. Being in nature is healing in so many ways, your hikes will always be a pleasure to read about.
Hugs, May
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt reflection. ❤️ Loss is never easy, but your words about choosing your own path with the support of those around you are truly inspiring. Wishing you continued strength, peace, and many brighter days ahead.
https://nanajee.com/2026/05/13/top-european-travel-destinations-for-first-time-travellers/
In the meantime, we are also "finally" getting back to exploring Nature! Here's to an occasional coolish morning, less humidity and no 'skeeters.
See you out there.
Dear Diane, you found such beautiful words about loss and healing. It's important to be surrounded by loving people during such a time, and nature has always been one of the best remedies for me as well. You brought back some beautiful pictures!
Warmest hugs!
All the best from Austria ๐ค
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2026/06/reisebericht-2025-von-ahornblattern-und.html
It's so nice to hear that you have support during this difficult time with your family and friends. Getting out in nature is a great way to heal. Wishing you all the best and a big hug to you. :D
Lately I've been so engrossed in reading a (rather long) book, and got behind in reading blogs. Love seeing this. And to answer your question, of all of your blog buddies, I KNOW J likes you!!!! I pray for the 2 of you often.
Hello, my friend. May God hold your hand as you hike this new path. Stay cool!
There is the saying that "Nature Heals the Soul," and I think it is so true, Diane! Keep enjoying the outdoors and all the Florida beauty. I'm so glad that you have a special friend to share it with.
Glad to see you in the beautiful nature again.
Me alegra que te sientas mejor. Besos.
Diane, I had gotten away from blogging and reading blogs, so I'm just finding out about your loss. I'm so sorry! Being blessed with a great husband, you never want it to end. I appreciate my husband so much more and I don't like thinking about being separated one day. But I know it's a fact that will come. It's wonderful that you are uplifted and supported by so many. That certainly must help. ❤️
Nature is a soothing balm. I am happy you have your family and John to hike these paths with you, and yes he likes you :)
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