This morning, my first vacation day of a long Christmas break, I was plowing through a week’s worth of mail: Christmas card, Christmas card, Christmas card, Christmas card, . . . survey from our local Fire Department?
I almost tossed it, actually, thinking it was one of their fire prevention brochures, but I opened it up. 60 second questionnaire.
“Why am I getting a questionnaire about their service?”
Oh. Right.
Nearly 4 weeks ago I made a 911 call, and they were the ones to arrive.
Something hit me right then, and I burst into tears. I cried for about 5 minutes then texted Nate because I needed a virtual hug. Then, amongst the Christmas cards were very thoughtful sympathy cards. . . oh . . the tears came again.
After I caught my breath and interrupted Z playing Super Why to steal a hug and kiss, I started reflecting back to all the cards, texts, voicemails, blog/Facebook posts, and emails friend sent us the days after Susan passed away. We heard from friends and family in Virginia, Kansas, New Jersey, Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, California, New York, Georgia, Arizona, Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, England, Australia, and of course — Colorado as well.
I read and re-read emails, Facebook posts, and texts, but didn’t often respond. I saved voice-mails, and listened to them a few times as well, but again, didn’t have the energy to respond. I still have all the cards too, and a couple definitely deserve some thank you notes! But I just haven’t gotten to them yet.
God has blessed Nate and me with a ridiculous amount with friends and family, and I had wanted to contact each person to let them know how much their thoughts, prayers, donations to Life Network, words of encouragement, and thoughtfulness meant. But here I sit, realizing that it’s still hard for me to talk about, and it takes an inordinate amount of energy to keep composure when someone asks how we’re doing–and really means it.
So, for now, I hope you will all accept this open letter of gratitude for you, our friends and family. Your thoughtfulness is still making an impact even today.
