Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Healing Broken Heart


From 1986 to 1989 my ex and I were stationed in Germany.
Being so far from home was fun ... yet hard. I was helped along the way by some wonderful people, including my friend Anne and her newlywed husband Dan. We had some amazing and fun times together. Like so many military friendships, time and distance split us apart, and we lost track of each other.

Yesterday I was contacted by Anne, who found me on Facebook (an account that confounds me some, so I rarely go there!).

Tears broke loose when Anne told me that Dan had been killed in Afghanistan in 2007. I remember seeing his name on a casualty list, but didn't think it could be MY Dan. It was. He left for Afghanistan 2 days before the birth of their 6th child.

I wanted to find a perfect heart for my friends, and was stunned when I found one I had named "Healing Broken Heart" - a branch had broken from a tree, and the healing process is what made the heart. I think it is perfect. Anne's heart is healing. She has remarried - to a wonderful man with four children of his own. They now live in a chaotic and loving crowd of 10 kids aged 3 to 16.

I will always miss Dan; but I am glad that Anne has found love again.

She deserves this happiness. This Healing Broken Heart.

12 comments:

Sunny said...

My condolences on the loss of your friend. This is such a bittersweet post; a beautiful heart image.
Thank you for the link, I was not aware of it.
☼ Sunny

Anonymous said...

Such a sad story, but a beautiful heart!

Beth Niquette said...

Oh, Honey--for you it is as though it just happened. ((hugs)) I'm so sorry. I'm glad your friend has found happiness--and she must be tremendously busy, too--TEN children???

Homeschooling them all? She must be super woman.

Love you, dear Sissy.

Beth Niquette said...

By the way--the picture is stunning and is perfect for this moment. Beauty born from brokenness.

Lois said...

I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your friend Clytie. What a sweet remembrance! I also wanted to let you know that I am honored that you asked to use my picture on Guest Heart Thursday and I can't wait to see it! Thank you for asking sweet friend.

Tammie Lee said...

oh my goodness, what a story. How sad that he never got to see his last child and how wonderful that Annie has a new man and huge bundle of delight in the form of children.

Wishing your heart healing.

Dani said...

Oh, Clytie, I'm so sorry for your friend. It's nice that she found love and happiness again. I love your healing heart.

Nina said...

Finding out an old friend has passed is never easy. My heart goes out to you and to Anne. God never closes a door that He doesn't open a window. You have reconnected with an old friend in Anne... and you now have 11 other friends to meet (her 10 children and new husband.)
Your heart photo here is amazing. It shows the strength of heart and courage that comes from a broken and scared past. What a wonderful tribute to your friend Dan as well as to Anne and her new beginnings.
Merry Christmas to you dear soul. Many Blessing to you and yours now and throughout the new year. Love and Light, Nina P.

Terry said...

Howdy Clytie
Oh my sweet girl my heart aches for you and it also rejoices with you that healing does come after heart break ,that out of brokeness comes deep and beautiful blessings .
Thank you for sharing this post with us .
I pray that it will continue to inspire others to reach out to one another .
Hugs from Texas coming your way
Until next time
Happy Trails

Halcyon said...

A beautiful heart for a sad story. I am glad you have been reunited with your old friend. And glad she has found a second round of happiness. She must have a big heart.

☺lani☺ said...

Speechless here...

Anonymous said...

Clytie,
I am soooo awfully sorry for the loss of your friends husband, (your friend as well).
Tears just well up inside me reading your writing. I can feel the hurt, see the horrific pain he must have felt, and blustering fear she must have gone through.
.. uhm.. I am happy she found someone to share her love with.
God put her in your path for a reason.
Hang on to it.. and I know you will.
Love you dear Clytie! ♥ Merry Christmas!