Bittersweet Memories
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word, “Bittersweet” is defined as “being at once bitter and sweet, especially pleasant but including or marked by elements of suffering or regret.”
Basically, a bittersweet feeling is a mixed emotional state combining happiness and sadness at the same time. It represents joy of a memory, tempered by sadness that it has now passed.
Since the passing of my husband, I have had many bittersweet memories that included being at certain places where the two of us had gone, and thinking about certain things that occurred during the years we spent together as husband and wife.
My husband’s recent birthday was one of those days filled with bittersweet memories. It helped to talk about him and focus on the happy times we used to share.
Although some of the bittersweet memories have brought me to tears, they have also helped in my emotional healing as I continue to walk a new path without him.
Have there been any bittersweet moments in your life recently? If so, how did you cope with them?
My bittersweet moment recently was when my husband’s grandmother passed in January and we went home a week before she did to spend time with her. In so glad we got those times. Before she was completely unconscious I remember her asking me a couple questions the first one was how is my knee doing since I just had total knee replacement on Dec 30 and the 2nd question is didnt you have a dog and yes I did. A year ago this last Thanksgiving we lost her husband our grandpa when we arrived home to where they live and where were from our dog passed that night. He had heart issues. That week was already stressful. But km so glad she remembered him before she passed because now they get to play together. There are still times I want to pick up the phone and call her after my appointments and tell her how it went. Sorry for the long post but it was to sweet not to share.
We said goodbye, in different years, to my husband’s father and my mother on January 11. The memories of lives well lived are bittersweet memories, especially now that we are in the winter years of our lives.
Bittersweet was a reminder of the precious people that have gone on before us. As I look at the calendar at the month of May. I think of my best friend, my Mom, who I know is with our Lord in Heaven. I have wonderful memories of our times together. Memories are a gift from God. They can never be taken away because they have been placed in our hearts. Cherish the times with friends and family.
Blessings,
Judy Gill
I too have recently lost my husband, and March and April are full of “first” things. I can relate and pray for you often. I cope by just getting through the day and reading Scripture that provides hope and comfort.
Recently my Grandchildren spent the weekend at our house. Just spending time with them chit-chatting, playing games and going to church and listening to all the young children sing in front of church for Palm Sunday, makes my heart so happy. It was bittersweet to have to take them back home, but we will be able to make many more happy memories with them sometime soon. ❤️
am blessed to still have my husband. i biggest loss i have so far in my life is the passing of my mom 16 and a half years ago. I miss her very much.
I love these Amish romances. I would love to read more story’s in the future about the Big Valley amish which are local to me or maybe the Franklin County amish where I grow up. Thank you for doing these giveaways. it is very generous and thoughtful of you. I pray you and your family continue to bless use with many more amish adventures.
Hello Wanda, I appreciate your writing so much! My mother read ALL of your books and I am following in her footsteps. God bless you!
Bittersweet memory, my son JASON left this world at age 29. He was terminally ill and lived in Daytona Beach Shores Florida! Whenever I would go to visit him the first thing we would do whether we were leaving the bus station or the airport was go straight to the beach even if it was in darkness. He loved the sunrises and the sunsets. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania and a very congested Delaware County area. Although he loved his home he always learned to live near the ocean. He embraced the Lord’s beauty and blessing of sunrises sunsets in the sound of the ocean. That will forever be a bittersweet memory and sharing time for me God bless
4 years ago April 30th, my hubby passed into the presence of the Lord. Yes, the bittersweet memories will continue to come. And in some ways as the years pass I miss him more, because his last yrs. of life were miserable with medical issues. But he is face to face with the Lord and that memory is precious to me.
I can understand your bittersweet moments of your husband Richard. My mother had a Valentines birthday and that brings some of my bittersweet memories of her. Its a bittersweet holiday as I loved to celebrate her on her special day that was all about love. I wish you all the best on your new path.
My most recent bittersweet moment began on last Christmas when I learned from my sister that our second oldest brother was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and was in the hospital. He was in hospice care in the hospital. His son called me the night before he transitioned and I was able to talk to him although he couldn’t talk back. My nephew told me he was hand signals to tell him he heard me and said he loved me too. I was unable to attend his memorial service but my nephew’s friend was recording it and so I could hear it.
I think you just have to work thru them by remembering the goid times. Also I love looking at pictures of the special person and memories of the times spent together.
I appreciate your transparency. I lost my spouse almost 20 years ago, and it has taken me this long to reach a place where holidays and special moments are no longer overwhelmingly bittersweet.
Our son is now 23, and for many years those occasions carried a mix of joy and ache—largely because of him and what I wished he still had. But now, as he steps into his own life and future family, we are creating new memories—ones that feel more whole.
Over time, I’ve also come to understand something important. I used to hear people say, “I know what you’re going through,” and I’ve realized I no longer say that to anyone. Because the truth is, I don’t. Grief is deeply personal. Losing your husband is your journey, just as mine was mine.
What I do know is that it changes you—and that no two days, or two people, ever experience it the same way.
My mother-in-law Eleanor, was my best friend. We did everything together and we went on many bus trips together.
Whenever my husband and I go on a bus trip it reminds me of the pleasant times I had with Eleanor, but it is also sad that there will be no more of those times with her.
I am thankful to God I had so many good times with her.
I have been recuperating from a total knee replacement in December. It’s been bittersweet to have the time off to recover and spend quality time with my husband and family, but also at the same time missing the children at the school where I work.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom last year after a long, difficult journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was the kindest, most loving, forgiving, and faithful person I ever knew.
I stay close to her in nature where we enjoyed walking together, in reading the notes she wrote and highlighted in her Bible and in all the beautiful memories I hold of her in my heart.
Thank you for your dedication in writing so many wonderful books for your readers. They bring me so much joy!
Our family laid to rest four prominent members of our family within eight months. One sister in law, two brothers and one sister. It was a bittersweet time in being able to see family members who live across the United States, but bitter when they had to go back home. Also, it was a sweet time recalling memories when growing up on a farm in Montana. And knowing we will see them again someday.
Having my husband graduate to Heaven just a few years ago, I understand a bit of what you are saying. I’m amazed at God’s provision since my husband has been gone. With that said, I can’t help but frequently ponder the ways my husband took such great care of our family and how he planned ahead just in case… Sometimes I think I have a greater appreciation for all that he did now more so than before. I thank the Lord for the exceedingly, abundant joy beyond all that I can ask or think that He has given even in the midst of my grief. I miss my husband so much and I love it when people bring him up and I get to talk about him again. He left me with one of my greatest gifts, our wonderful children. We all look forward to seeing him again.
when I have bittersweet moments I try to remember the good in the situation and I pray when then moments are sad and hard. God always gets me through the tough times
Happy Easter time !
HE is Risen
♥️🌿 Susan E.
Thank you for sharing Wanda! Sunday I helped host a widows dinner in town and hearing so many of their stories was especially bittersweet. They shared how they met their husbands and the stories brought tears and laughter.
so thankful for the memories we have of past and present family and friends. Almost two weeks ago while dog sitting with our oldest sons dogs I fell and had a dislocated fracture of my left wrist. Had to have surgery and am now recovering. I am sad due to not being able to take care of my year old granddaughter, and was to have taken a trip to my dear friend in KY but am not able to do either right now. I have realize it could have been worse and that the Lord is looking after me. I will be able to make new memories soon.
I 0ften thank God for the beautiful memories I have of my late husband and our precious son.
The loss of a loved one is very personal and everyone suffers differently. Stage Seven by Ruth Stevens tells my story precisely as if I dictated it to her. My husband just wanted to dance with his wife one more time before the Alzheimer took control. I still talk to him when alone and sometimes the memory is there when I recall his answers; 6 years now and counting.
Growing up our family would all get together and have Sunday dinner at my aunts. All have went to be with the Lord. So many bittersweet memories. But I have been blessed to have my own family and love telling them about my memories! God bless you!
Yes I have had bittersweet moments in my life with my oldest Son being in the hospital I go to the Lord in Prayer and put my faith in him to bring my Son back home to his Family Have a Blessed and Happy Easter Wanda!
I have had many bittersweet moments in my life and I just laugh with the good and cry with the not so good…prayer is what helps me the most
I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your loved one. I can’t even imagine how hard that must be. May God bless you with peace and comfort.
We have had several better sweet memories this last year. We lost our Daughter last year. She passed Jan. 2025 we have went through alot of first this past year so alot of better sweet memories.
Thank you for all your books
Mary Holmes
211 Gough st.
Malvern, Ar. 72104
I guess we all experience bittersweet memories. Sometimes a song sung at church that was also sung as a loved ones funeral can bring those back. I might shed a few tears each time but I also try to remember something good that is connected to that memory also. It seems like getting through the first year after a loved one passes is the hardest, you have so many firsts: first Christmas without them; first birthday; first anniversary; first Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, and on. It has taken me a long time to get to the point I don’t think of them that way, but I keep trying to look forward and with the Lord’s help it gets easier.
My husband and me are having to move out of the house we thought we would be able to spend the rest of our lives in, but we have been fighting for 2 years to keep it, we bought it on land contract paid it off but the seller wasn’t making the payments so at the end of this month they are having a sheriff sale, we found a house but now we have a rent payment but how we are coping is remembering all the good times we had her with our girls and grandkids and all the new memories we are going to make in the new house. Blessings Bessie
I have recently had bittersweet memories of my mother, who passed away over 30 years ago. I miss her love and guidance so much. When I have these feelings, I remind myself to focus on the sweet side of the feeling and remind myself I was so blessed to have such a wonderful mother. While I miss her, I thank God for her.
Yes,we all have bitter sweet memories. We need to cling to His right Hand and to His scriptures .I am beginning to memorize scriptures. To all a blessed Easter and enjoy celebrating. The Lord be with you all.
My bittersweet moment is losing my sister, we were close and I miss her everyday but thanks to God I am doing better and precious memories will always be be in my heart.
my sister and I are the last of my immediate family. I have many bittersweet memories as you call them. but memories are good. I miss them all, but pray they are in heaven.
I had a dog that passed over rainbow bridge in 2019. She was extra special because my mom found her for me at our local humane society. We were blessed to have her 14 years! When Halo my dog passed I grieved again for my mother who went to heaven in 2013. I still have many bittersweet memories of both of them! Well I am pleased to announce that I rescued another very special dog on February 17th. Her name is Millie and we are looking forward to many new adventures together!
I have bittersweet memories of my mom, who passed away on January 1st, 2025. I try to think of the good times that we had together. I also pray when I feel sad and that helps also.
I am a avid reader of all your books. Thank for all your inspiration
My most recent bittersweet memory was the passing of my beloved dog, Bella. Bella was a yorkie/maltese mix (Morkie). She was 16 years old. She had been suffering from kidney disease/renal failure. We had her euthanized on Monday, March 30, 2026. She brought our family so much joy over the years. I’m glad she’s no longer suffering, but her absence has left a big whole in our hearts.
My daughter and 2 of my grandsons live 5 hours away from me.So bittersweet is when they leave to go back home..and the house is so quiet and lonesome.🙁
God Bless you Wanda
Wanda, You are an inspiration to all. I want to thank you for all of your books. Each one brings characters and locations to life. Each book that I hold and read transports me into the settings that you reveal. I look forward to holding and reading every single one of them. Thank for for the beauty you share. Love, Jennifer M
Although not recent, I have lots of good memories about my grandparents. They were always there for me, and I love them very much. They are gone now, and I still miss them and their love.
Hello Wanda,
I am a Widow of 2 1/2 years. O
Miss him very much. Our Anniversary was on April 9th. Of all holidays, birthdays etc. our Anniversary has been the hardest for me. We had a beautiful marriage & loved each other deeply. There are times that I feel frozen . I just sit, loose track of time. It is so hard. I’m happy because he’s with the Lord. I’m sad because he’s gone from me. I’m working very hard to remain content.
Bittersweet is remembering the good times and traditions they taught us as we pass them on to our grandchildren, while sharing memories.
I, too have had many bittersweet moments and relate to what you have written. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinsons when he was 54 years old. He passed away 13 years ago after a long heartbreaking battle with PD.
I always wanted to learn to quilt and started going to classes with friends and that helped me through some tough times after his passing. It was good to laugh again and be with others who had gone through difficult situations, too.
The memories still bring me to tears but I know God has given me strength when I thought I had none left. My church family and friends have been supportive and that means so much.
When I’m tired and weary is when things hit me but I try to remember the good times we enjoyed together and know my husband would tell me to not cry for him knowing he is in heaven. God says we will meet again. Things I miss the most is not being able to ask him for advice and sitting down for meals around the table, so I choose to eat in the living room rather than alone at the table.
My children, grandchildren and little great-grands bring me many blessings and I’m so thankful for them. They are a wonderful joy.
I’m still actively involved in church, my husband taught SS classes many years so, like you, that is my lifeline.
People ask “do you ever get over it?” My answer is “no, but you learn to live one day at a time” and with lots of prayers.
Your books are an inspiration, too!! I had the privilege meeting you and your husband when you were in IL for a book signing. Will never forget your hospitality and friendliness shown to me. He lit up when I told him, we belonged to the same church denomination. Thank you for your kindness!
Sorry, for the long post. Feel free to edit or delete.