Happy 111

January 11, 2019

Happy New Year!

It is 1/11/2019, and I promised myself that today was the day that I would finally come out of hibernation. Spring is still a little down the road, but I know it is time. I knew it when I was sitting in the vet’s office this morning reading another article about suicide and mental health.

I am happy to say that I am not suffering from depression at this moment, but I have. People struggle all the time but the holidays and winter are one of the worst times of the year.

With this message, I wanted to reach out and say HOLD ON! Nothing lasts forever! Every moment can be the start of something new. The thing that always brings that home to me is when someone passes on.

Death has a way of waking us up. If we let it. Death. It has catapulted me to the highest peaks and some of the lowest valleys. Do we really live after we die or is that just some fantasy people hold on to because they cannot stand to think of the alternative?

I grew up in the Bible Belt, and I know what the Bible says but I can be honest and say I have had some doubts. Life sometimes knocks us down so hard that we doubt and forget and wonder even the simplest of things. What day is it? Where are my keys? Once we work through the simple wonderings, the more significant questions come.

Why are we here? What is this life all about? Do we really matter? Do we live after we die?

We live in a world where we must work to unplug, and I often think I could stay unplugged forever. My time hibernating has been some of my most joyful in a very long time. But then it comes. The constant urge that drives me to sit with a blank page and wait for what happens next. It is not me but something inside me that speaks. I know that voice like the back of my hand. It begins with the knowledge that I am supposed to be doing something with this beautiful thing called life besides hiding out with the beautiful birds and the peaceful dolphins.

Why today? 111 has been a significant sign in my life since my little brother Griffen shed his human clothing and went to heaven back in 2007. 111 and Griffen have been everywhere since then. Now it’s not just Griffen, he has an accomplice. My sweet Mama crossed over a little over a year ago, and the two of them will not let me rest. They have been hounding me in one way or another to work to fulfill one of the assignments that I am for sure God has given me —to write and to share. Why? Because I am willing to put myself out there. My struggles, my happy, my humanness.

We often look and see other people’s lives as perfect not realizing they are dealing with some horrible tragedy or hardship. A lot of people are not in a position or able to talk about their feelings. We gloss our pains over and do one of the things I think a lot of people do best — fake it until we make it.

If we could talk about our hearts and our souls and encourage one another instead of tearing each other down, this world might become a better place.

I spent this last year contemplating giving up on this writing thing. And some days I do wish I could, but something inside will not let me.

Maybe you don’t care about the more significant questions. Perhaps you are just struggling to get out of bed and tie your shoes. Regardless, you are not alone.

We all have to start somewhere. In some ways, I feel as if I am starting over too. What better way to begin than together.

So, Happy 111! I hope you know that you are loved and that we do live after we die. 🙂

I am beyond sure of that!

Much Love,

Kim

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16 Comments

  • Reply
    Margaret Hare
    January 11, 2019 at 12:38 am

    Thank you for sharing. Your writings lift me every time. Happy winter!

    • Reply
      Kimberly Parrish
      January 11, 2019 at 12:49 am

      Margaret,

      I am SO grateful that you take the time to read. I loved those engagement pictures! Happy Winter to you and lots of love!

      Love,

      Kim

  • Reply
    Shannon Lawless
    January 11, 2019 at 12:42 am

    Kim,
    You don’t know how bad I needed to read this tonight. You have always had a way of making my day brighter and putting a smile on my face.

    • Reply
      Kimberly Parrish
      January 11, 2019 at 12:50 am

      Shannon,

      I am happy that I lifted you girl and elated that you took the time to read. Hang in there no matter what is happening.

      I love you!

      Kim

  • Reply
    Vickie
    January 12, 2019 at 1:19 am

    Girl I have so missed your post and never feel that you are alone. I myself have kept a lot in, my husband lost his job of 29 years 2 years ago due to some back issue and we are still facing another surgery. I know that’s nothing like facing death but I myself have faced that with my dad , going on 23 years and I promise you never forget but it does get easier. I struggle with the not knowing of when his disability will be approved or if it will be approved and what we will do , now don’t get me wrong I am thankful because there are a lot of people a lot worse off than us but the pain inside is so overwhelming sometimes, because I never thought at this age we would be going through something like this. Thank you for being so inspiring and I would love to come visit you and Steph one day.

    • Reply
      Kimberly Parrish
      January 21, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      Vickie,

      Thank you for reading and for sharing! I’m so sorry to see the news of your husband losing his job and know that surgery is stressful. Death, job loss, stress in general…it all weighs on us.

      You will have to stop by sometime. I would love to see you!

      Lots of love,

      Kim

  • Reply
    Lisa Spoon Rawson
    January 11, 2019 at 8:25 pm

    I love your honesty Kim. And you put into words what so many are feeling. I’m glad you’re sharing and inspiring!!!! Bless you my friend.

    • Reply
      Kimberly Parrish
      January 21, 2019 at 4:16 pm

      Lisa,

      Thank you for taking the time to read and support me. That inspiring thing is a two-way street. You are one of the most positive people that I know. I know it’s been ages since we have connected in person but your light shines brightly.

      I love you!

      Kim

  • Reply
    Heidi
    January 11, 2019 at 8:51 pm

    This brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my heart! I think of you often and am so glad to know I will start seeing your posts again!! Oh, did you hear I’m going to have a grand baby?? Beyond excited. Love you

    • Reply
      Kimberly Parrish
      January 21, 2019 at 4:13 pm

      Heidi,

      I am so grateful for your support. You have always encouraged this whole KLP thing.

      I can’t wait to see your grandbaby and am so excited for you!

      I love you!

      Kim

  • Reply
    Jessica Holman
    January 11, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    Kim, you never cease to amaze me with your writings. I know that you are definitely connected to Griffen. God has allowed you to see that he has plans for your and your motivation is that sweet brother of yours. So glad you have a constant connection to him because I sure wish I had one to my sweet mama. I love you and please know that I am always here for you!

    • Reply
      Kimberly Parrish
      January 21, 2019 at 4:09 pm

      Jessica,

      Thank you so much for always being so supportive!

      I believe with all that I am that your sweet Mama never leaves your side girl.

      I still owe you lunch and need to make good on it!

      I love you!

      Kim

  • Reply
    Carol McCarty
    January 12, 2019 at 11:28 am

    I read your book after Margaret had told me about it,I was torn up for him and you,of what he went through, THANKS , for writing this , I had a son who went through drug and alcohol addition,and it finally got him and I know he is now in a better place , as he would of never gotten better. THANKS AGAIN KIM , I am looking forward to seeing you again , 2020 AT
    THE WEDDING, A happy time for both and all of us. XOXO Carol, ????

    • Reply
      Kimberly Parrish
      January 21, 2019 at 4:06 pm

      Carol,

      I’m sorry for the delay in responding. This is a new website for me and my technology skills aren’t as good as they need to be. I had NO idea that you lost a son. I am SO SORRY!!! I want to reach out and hug you from here. I hope you can feel it.

      I can’t wait to see you again at the wedding!

      I love you!

      Kim

  • Reply
    Kathy Gibbs
    January 16, 2019 at 11:52 am

    My 3rd time reading this…….appreciate it more each time!

    • Reply
      Kimberly Parrish
      January 21, 2019 at 4:04 pm

      Kathy,

      Thank you so much! I appreciate that you took the time to read and comment!

      Lots of love to you!

      Kim

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