I was out for an early morning walk, and besides feeling the normal aches and pains, a thought came to mind which later became the name of this blog. This summer has been much different. Normally my wife (Lyn) would be prepping us to get out of the house saying, “Let’s go Idaho!” She loved to get out on a Saturday and enjoy the summer morning. Within a few minutes of walking the sun started to appear on the horizon, and it was beautiful. There were big puffy clouds in the distance and the rays of the sun burst from the cloud’s edge.
As I was walking, I thanked God for the beautiful morning and glanced again at the horizon. As the sun was quickly rising I shifted my thoughts to my wife, who recently passed away. I felt that lump in my throat and the emotion that comes with that feeling. As I glanced at the sunshine I said, “Babe, you are on the other side of sunshine. You are there with God. Selfishly I wish you were here with me. I miss you and I love you.”
It goes without saying that death is painful for those of us that are on this side of sunshine. I have the love and support of my amazing children which brings incredible joy in the face of sorrow. The encouragement of extended family, friends, and even coworkers has picked me up in my time of grief. The support we received, and continue to receive has been tremendous. However, it is still painful in ways that I cannot fully express because I have no idea how I should feel, or how I will feel a year from now. Grief is different for each person. I am in a place I never expected to be, and I am trying to figure it out day-by-day.
The name of this blog is, This Side of Sunshine. This blog is dedicated to the life, memory and legacy of Lyn Koch. Lyn and I thought about doing a joint blog shortly after her cancer diagnosis, however, life was just a bit too crazy to take on something new.
Lyn was an amazing wife, mother, friend, and woman of God. During her life and cancer journey she shared many incredible and inspiring thoughts with me. It was our hope that sharing her journey (our journey) would somehow bring hope, comfort, peace, and answers to those experiencing the cancer struggle and loss.
What I want to avoid is suggesting that Lyn’s journey will be like your journey. Additionally, I am not writing as the cancer expert. My blog is simply about Lyn’s journey (and that of our family).
In future posts I will share stories, thoughts, feelings, fears, concerns, grief, surprises, disappointment, humor and hope. Most important to Lyn and her journey was her life + faith. Lyn’s journey involved her active faith and trust in God, and His work in her life. In many of the posts, her faith in Jesus Christ will be interwoven throughout, because while she could not control her cancer, she could rely on her Lord to help her through the daily journey.
I hope and pray that the words that are written in future posts will speak to you and help you in your journey.
Life is so precious! I love the title this side of you can only hope we share Gods masterpiece of a rising and setting sun, it’s warmth with those we love on the other side. It’s a connection Patty
Thank you Patty for the feedback. Lyn really wanted to try and help others through her life. I hope to carry the torch of hope.
This is amazing
Thank you!
Jeff this is really is amazing and very touching. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Sam. I have about two years of topics ahead. I hope it speaks to the many out there that are going through the struggles of cancer or supporting friends or family.
Thanks Jeff, this is awesome and amazing.
Thank you Marty for your feedback. Please forward it to someone that might benefit.