By Nancy Virden (c)2021

I miss her and think of her each day. Patty was warm-hearted and cared about people. Her career as a therapist helps to prove that point. Although we knew each other as friends years ago, we reconnected on Facebook where she continued to be an encourager. She messaged me a handful of times to see how I was doing when this blog seemed to hint at my own struggles.

We shared each other’s posts and liked and commented because of our mutual concentration on mental health. Yesterday, I ran across her last response from two months ago; my grief grew.

A few mutual friends were dear to Patty. My heart hurts for them too. They met often and passed decades supporting each other. She had recently retired, and I wonder how her ex-clients have taken the news. Her husband of only two years, her grown children and little grandchildren of course are having a different kind of profound experience.

There is a major shift in how we experience grief when we know our friend and loved one knew Jesus. Patty did. In faith we believe she is with her Lord and Savior now. We grieve with hope that she is healthy and happy. We will see her again.

That does not mean we do not miss her now. The world is a little less happy without her. Patty did her best to shine light and promise to the world. – COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

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