The calendar keeps turning, even when it still feels like yesterday.
That’s one of the hardest parts of grief—time moves on, but your heart can pull you right back in an instant.
I’ve learned a lot about grief in these thirteen months. I’ve listened to others, read their stories, and realized no two journeys are the same—because no two love stories are the same.
And in the middle of missing Ricky, I often find myself deeply grateful.
Grateful for a good man.
A man I believe was a gift from God.
Not everyone gets the kind of love we shared, and I don’t take that for granted. For thirty years, I got to call him my husband—and I will always be thankful for that.
The deeper the love, the deeper the missing. And I’m learning both can exist together.
Grief and gratitude can live in the same heart.
God continues to carry me—on the strong days and the hard ones.
And sometimes, grief shows up in unexpected ways.
This week, I woke with a heavy heart I couldn’t explain. Then I heard Frank Beard of ZZ Top had passed away.
And I just knew why it hit me.
If you knew Ricky, you knew ZZ Top was his band and Sharp Dressed Man was his song. He lit up every time it played. ❤️🎶
And his favorite joke:
“The only member named Beard… without a beard!” 😂
I heard that for over thirty years. I’d give anything to hear it again.
Now Dusty Hill and Frank Beard are both gone, and I can’t help but imagine Ricky up there, smiling, getting his band back together.
Maybe Heaven sounds a little like ZZ Top this week. And I like to think my Sharp Dressed Man has a front-row seat. ❤️🎶🕊️
Grief isn’t only tears.
Sometimes it’s a song that makes you smile.
Sometimes it’s laughter through tears.
Sometimes it’s a memory that takes your breath away.
Sometimes it’s simply, “I remember.”
Thirteen months later, I’m still learning how to carry this. And I’m learning I don’t have to do it alone.
So today, I choose gratitude.
Grateful for thirty years.
Grateful for our family.
Grateful for every memory.
Grateful for laughter that still breaks through the sadness.
And most of all, grateful for a God who has never left my side.
Thirteen months down… a lifetime of loving you to go.
