The Second Year

If I were to describe my first year without Robb in just a few words, I would choose these:

Shocked.
Terrified.
Blind.
Numb.

I was in shock of many kinds, emotional and physical.   I spent months not believing that this was really real.  I spent nights writhing in panic and disbelief, the freezing sweat of remembering.

I was terrified.  For more reasons than I can name.

I was blind, walking forward without a map, never ready for the next blow.  And there was always, without fail, another blow.

I was numb because that’s what the body does when one must survive.  It stops feeling.

Those are big, bold words.

With those major players on 2011’s roster, there wasn’t room for sadness.  She needs a space all her own.

Now that I am one month into this second year, I can see that it is different.

I am no longer shocked; these facts have become my life.
I am no longer terrified; I am actually unspeakably brave.
I am no longer blind; I have lived through one full calendar year, and even if I don’t like what’s coming next, at least I know I’ll surpass it.
I am no longer numb; I’m starting to feel.

Frostbite doesn’t hurt when fingers are frozen.  It’s when those nerve endings start to warm up – that’s when frostbite cuts like a knife.

I’m starting to feel.
I’m starting to cry again.  I hadn’t in a long while.
But these are different tears,
warm and healing.

Perhaps the first year was for my head;
perhaps this second year is for my heart.

Tricia Lott Williford

Comments are closed

  1. god bless you beautiful lady…love terry

  2. The new webiste looks great! I really enjoy reading it everyday.

    Be Blessed and Be A Blessing,
    Karin

  3. Beautiful, Tricia. So well expressed. Truer words were never spoken.

  4. So thankful for the work God is doing in your life. Here’s to healing!

  5. Tricia, It looks beautiful and a great place for you to rest your words! May the Father’s face shine upon you this next year! Grace and Peace ~ Mell (Greeley, CO)

  6. You said this so well.

  7. Your words are so beautiful and life-giving.

  8. Here I go…
    I’m going to use the word you don’t like…
    You’ve been warned…
    What can I say?
    You, my dear, are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. in ways that can only be read in your words.

    • You’re great, Dana. Thank you. 🙂 I’ll forgive you for that silly word. 🙂

  9. Honored to be the first comment. (I think?) This is so beautiful. And I love all the branding on this website. It’s perfect.

  10. Ok…just wanted to make the connection. In 2007, when Robb became a trainer, I was hired to replace him as a supervisor. I still have notes from my first few days there (I’ve since moved on) from when he gave me the low-down on people and processes. He was always so quick to lend a helping hand whenever I needed it, and I will always be grateful for that.

    I appreciate your writing and love the new site. Here’s hoping with you that this second year IS for your heart. Peace.

    • Thank you for making this connection, Amy. I love to hear stories about Robb that I haven’t heard before. He was such a great man. I’m glad you saw him at his best: teaching. 🙂

      Thank you for reading!

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