14th Wedding Anniversary

Posted by April on September 9th, 2009 filed in Family

Fourteen years ago today, I had the privilege of marrying my best friend.  Never, in a million years, did I think that Joel and I would not grow old together.  I had imagined us watching the grandkids and hoping that we would be able to babysit the great-grandkids as well.  The thought of being a single parent without Joel never entered my head.  Joel and I were a team, and we would rejoice all the kids’ accomplishments together — no matter how big or small they were.  If Vincent choose new glasses, we would compliment him on his new look together.  If Rachel had to have a baby tooth extracted at the dentist’s office, we would sympathize (or, probably more honestly, banter) her together.  When Daphne arrived home from school with a new joke or riddle to share, Joel and I would laugh together.  All these simple events, which have occurred over the past couple of days, are just not the same without Joel.  Nothing will ever be the same.


11 Responses to “14th Wedding Anniversary”

  1. Julie Wolfschlag NIezer Says:
    September 10th, 2009 at 4:10 am

    April,

    As I sit and read your entry this morning it brings tears to my eyes and pain to my heart for you. I wish I could say more than “I’m sorry”…but I can’t. I can only hope that all of your beautiful memories of Joel will continue to bring you comfort but I know that just isn’t the same and you’re right, never will be.

    It was great seeing you and the kids last Saturday morning at the Farmer’s market…hope they enjoyed the kettle corn!

    I was thinking of bringing dinner one night next week…I want to make sure I bring something that the kids would like or perhaps one of their favorite desserts! Shoot me an email or I will give you a call over the weekend.

    Please know that I am thinking of you often and wishing you peace…Julie

  2. Carrie Peigh Colvin Says:
    September 10th, 2009 at 4:47 am

    April,

    I am so sorry. Four small words that don’t seem to be able to express how deeply saddened I am for each of you. Anniversaries and events of our children are so hard to experience alone. That much I do know.

    Today, more than ever, I am thankful you have made a post to the blog. Although we can’t substitute for Joel, it’s wonderful you have this website to channel some of your energies through. All of us on the receiving end are thankful for your pictures and posts!

    It’s unfathomable why Joel was taken from this earth so young with sooooo much life left to live. Or so I like to think… But hold on to the hope and peace that God does have a plan for good. When there are no answers to the WHY questions, hold on to that promise.

    Much love to you April, Rachel, Daphne, and Vincent…Carrie

  3. Paula Cooprider Says:
    September 10th, 2009 at 7:32 am

    April,
    I thought about you so many times yesterday and shed some tears. I know that doesn’t help you any. But I did enjoy remembering the fun of your wedding. There were fun events packed into those 3 days we were there.
    It perked up my day to see the pictures of the kids. Thanks for doing that.
    Hope to see you soon. Love, Paula

  4. Kathy Peigh Says:
    September 10th, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    Hi April

    I agree nothing is going to seem right again. Such a large void to fill.

    Thanks for including us in supper last night, it helps Dad and me to see you, Rachel, Vincent and Daphne. They make things exciting again. I love Vincent’s new glasses and Daphne’s jokes, she’s actually getting some funny ones in there, and Rachel reliving her DDS escapades. They make my day.

    And I love talking about Joel.

    Take Care
    Kathy

  5. Kelley Mesterharm Says:
    September 14th, 2009 at 10:17 am

    April,

    Your pain actually helps others like myself, did you know that? I know that you cannot find solace in knowing this tidbit. Through your feelings of loss, pain and even love, sharing your rememberances of your life with Joel and by sharing stories from your life without him, memories from your heart, we grow to love you both more, to know you better and to turn to our loved ones with a deeper sense of connection.

    My own anniversary is approaching this week and I have vowed to make it special. More importantly, to make my spouse know he is special. Best friends are hard to come by as it is and when one is lucky enough to marry that person, it is a blessing that should not be taken lightly. My heart aches for you knowing how you miss your best friend.

    I had the privilege of attending the MCHS Class of 89 20-year reunion this weekend and some of his friends were there, thinking of Joel and your family.

    Remember to let the tears flow because when they don’t they block your laughter from reaching the heavens. Joel needs to hear you laugh every now and then, too.

    OOOOO for you all and some more OOOOOOO

  6. Karen Allen Says:
    September 15th, 2009 at 6:05 am

    April,
    Thank you for the entry and the chance to connect. Carrie, thank you for your posting. It is a very good reminder that God does have a plan.
    Thankful for the love of our family,
    Karen

  7. Connie Matalon Says:
    September 15th, 2009 at 11:16 am

    Hi April,

    THANK YOU for posting the pictures of Daphne and Vincent and Rachel. They look terrific !! Yours and Joel’s wedding anniversary had to be an extremely difficult day for you. It is much appreciated by all of us who regularly check the blog that you shared your thoughts with us. Stan and I think of you so often.
    Cousin Connie

  8. Lisa Knauf Says:
    September 19th, 2009 at 10:54 pm

    Dear April, just 2 days from now another anniversary. It will be 2 months since your Joel left this earth. I feel your pain from a distance – but cannot live it as you and the children do. But I do rejoice with you, knowing that Joel will always be there watching over you in spirit. I believe your faith will see you and the kids throughout your life. We love you here in Illinois. I think of you all the time. God keep you safe and give you courage.
    Love you, Lisa

  9. Karen Allen Says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    April,
    I’ve been thinking of you a lot this week. Just heard David Allan Coe and can see Joel’s smile.
    Looking forward to see some Halloween pictures soon.
    Love,
    Karen

  10. Erin Carr Says:
    October 12th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Happy Birthday April!
    I had thought I would bring your gift up to you tomorrow after the kids get home from school but Mackenzie is STILL not well so we will keep our germs to ourselves. Hopefully, I will get it to mom in case she will see you.
    I can’t wait to give it to you.
    I hope you and the kids have a day full of wonderful surprises. Eat some cake for me too.
    Love,
    Erin

  11. Julie Wolfschlag NIezer Says:
    October 13th, 2009 at 4:56 am

    HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY APRIL! Okay, since you haven’t let me bring you dinner yet maybe you will let me bring you dinner for your birthday!!! I’m going to start bugging you for a night next week. I hope you did something special for yourself yesterday…you deserve it!

    I still think of you ALL daily…wishing you nothing but peace, hope and love in the days ahead…Julie

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