When I first sat down to write this, a hurricane was crossing the Caribbean Sea and heading for Mexico. It was expected to hit the Yucatan state in a few days. There was a chance it would miss the area our friends lived in, but as we know, sometimes storms change direction.
The same is true in life. Everything was going well for us when, seemingly out of nowhere, a massive life storm hit. A hurricane strength wind picked us up, spun us around and destroyed our carefully planned life.
We survived the initial onslaught, a little battered but still standing. Then we entered the eye of the storm where the calm lulled us into a false sense of security.
Too soon, we were back in the fight, buffeted by gusts that threatened to defeat us.
The Spanish word for storm is tormenta. To my mind, this is apt, as life storms certainly torment us. Their effects can be long lasting.
Sooner or later the storm will move past. The question remains as to the damage it has done and if we have survived it.
In my personal case, only one of us survived the storm of a terrible disease. We remained strong for as long as possible and held to each other and our faith.
Now, I, as the remaining one, am forced to start the rebuilding process. It is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. It is also necessary in order to honour the wishes of my loved one and fully live and appreciate the days I’ve been given.
To help me I turn to 2 Corinthians 4:8,9. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.”
20 thoughts on “Tormenta”
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Oh dear Tandy. All I wanted to do was to pass through the portal to heaven as well. It has been the hardest thing in my journey to get up from that place of parting to create another life, this time without my loved one. Please know there is no timetable and no wrong way to unravel your grief and process all the pieces, then put together a shattered heart and a new life. There is no measure for the “right” way. There is only your way and in your journey, however you walk it, be kind to yourself.
Love ya’
Thank you. I know how difficult it was for you and appreciate your words.
Oh Tandy. Thank you for your example on how to weather the storms of life and the reminder that God is there with us at all times.
It’s challenging but when I call out to God, He always responds.
Beautifully written…continued prayers for you and a big tight hug
Thank you.
Thank you Tandy for sharing. Your words speak to my heart. Sending much love and hugs. 🫂
Thank you, Evelyn
Thank you Tandy for sharing this analogy. In January 2024, we too were hit with a Tormenta. Never saw it coming. John survived but this year has been a rough year of picking up the debris. A day at a time we say! Life is fragile and can change at any moment. I’m sure those people surviving hurricanes and tornadoes can attest to that. We have you in our hearts and prayers as you navigate day to day. Sending you hugs and love. ❤️🙏❤️
Thanks, Dot. We have both learned to appreciate each day we’ve been given.
Tandy, your words today helped me understand more fully the “tormenta” that you experienced this past year. It is good that you are able to write to express your feelings and it helps your friends know how to pray for you. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing.
I appreciate your words, Debbie. Writing this piece was therapeutic for me.
May God bless and keep you in His loving care.
Elizabeth
thank you
Hugggs and Love to you <3
Thank you
Dear Cousin Tandy: How deeply your poem and your word picture of the storm you and Brian have been through, touched my heart.
Storms are never predictable and yours surely was not. You fought hard, prayed much, and trusted God implicitly.
But it was God’s time to take Brian to his everlasting Home, in Heaven.
You are left alone, but not really.
“THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will QUIET YOU WITH HIS LOVE, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph 3:17
Pete left me in God’s care in May 2023. There have been great joys and deep valleys. God has been with me each step of the way and He will be with you also. I have memorized more Bible verses and rely on God’s strength like never before.
My love and prayers are with you, dear Tandy. Hugs, Cousin Shirley
Thank you, Shirley
Hi Tandy,
I am catching up on my reading etc and your blogs are one of them. This one as well as your blog this week are a great resource for me in handling life’s storms. Thank you for sharing as it is in your vulnerability I am also able to learn and grow. You continue to be a part of my daily prayers for God’s peace and loving guidance to be upon you. Hugs
Thank you for your kind words and your prayers. Both are appreciated.