Life As I Know It

Some of you may know me from my blogs on this site. Blogs are not being used, so I was asked to write a column. I really hope that those who read my blogs over the years will continue to follow me and my crazy life now through this column. 
For those of you who haven’t read any of my blogs these past six years, let me introduce myself. My name is Linda Tozer. I am your average South Jersey daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. I have lived all of my 57 years in Cape May County. 
I have been married almost 37 years to my high school sweetheart. We have been friends for over 40 years, and we are still best friends! I have had three children, and I will have nine grandchildren in December! That is a lot of Christmas shopping! 
My youngest son, Matthew, died in 2008 when he was hit by a drunk driver. There is not a day I don’t think of him, and his passing has changed our lives forever. My strong faith in Jesus Christ is what gets me through each day. Without God’s grace, I would not have the desire to face another day in this crazy world. 
I am honest, maybe too much so. I will share with you my mistakes, failures, and my emotional, physical, and spiritual flaws if it can help someone else’s life. After my son’s death in 2008, I became part of a grief support mission. We meet weekly at The Lighthouse Church every Tuesday evening at 6:30. It helps so much to have others to talk with who have gone through such great loss. I have cried hundreds of tears at the passing of my “baby,” and I feel the hurt in others going through this grief journey. 
My grandchildren are the joy of my life. They show such hope for the future, as I watch their young minds and hearts growing up as young  adults. What sweet spirits. They are not tainted and beaten up from this world. They are so innocent. My precious daughter is pregnant with her eighth child. She is the biggest reflection of a supermom. My son has a little “tow haired” son who looks like his dad did at that sweet age of one. I love to watch my son becoming a great dad, husband, and man of God. 
My  church and women’s group give me such hope. I look forward to being involved in fellowship as much as I can. We cry, we laugh, and we help each other to be better people. We share the joy of serving God. What would I do without them? 
For hobbies I like to read long books, write, do puzzles, and tan on my back deck. As you can see, I like the simple things in life. I do not work outside the home, and haven’t for many years for health reasons. My dear husband has been our sole income even in the rough years early on in our married lives. He is a postal employee who knows his work well. He is very loyal to his job. He doesn’t like to take a “sick day” unless he is dying. 
We are blessed to live here in Court House for over 30 years on our little wooded lot, where we still see “wildlife” all around us. Most I enjoy, but the skunks not too much. My one cat thinks they are a playmate! 
We are in that phase of our lives that is called “empty nesters.” At times it can be great, but some days it is very lonely and sad not hearing the children running up and down the steps, bringing friends home, and leaving their toys all around. I love getting my “fix” when I visit my grand babies. Watching them play, and begging “nanny” to read to them is so great. We do puzzles and color. I braid long hair, high five the boys, and just observe all the benefits of being their Nanny. When I get tired, I get to come home with my two lazy cats and take a nap. I had been the early mom trying to keep everyone sane and healthy, including myself. Now is my time to rest. 
Now, I love to write about the events that happen to you and me with humor, honesty, and hope through Christ. If you would like to go on this journey with me, or have read some of my blogs over these past six years, jump on this crazy train I call “Life as I Know It.” 
Linda Tozer, who authored a blog on the Herald’s website, continues her mission to assist those facing grief over loss of family and friends.