I have wanted to write everyone
for a while to update you and continue to thank you for all you are doing for
us. We have learned so much about faith, people and our community in the last
four months. Our eyes have been opened to how powerful friendship is. We have a
completely new perspective on life and the importance of reaching out and being
intentional. We often talk about our 2 weeks at the hospital and the different
people that came to visit. We are consistently struck by how comforting it was
(and is) to have people step out of their comfort zone and be what we needed,
even when we weren’t aware we needed anything. Towards the end of August we
found this quote, “Help us to know that there are words of truth and healing
that will never be spoken unless we speak them, and deeds of compassion and
courage that will never be done unless we do them.” We have decided it is a new
family motto of ours and have committed ourselves to being more intentional
about being in the lives of the people in our community. Your actions spoke
volumes to us. We learned that it is always better to say something, write the
card, send the email, show up and be present. My dad was so good at that. He
was incredibly thoughtful in his relationships. What a beautiful example I have
to look to.
The holiday season is here. We
had a wonderful time with family on Thanksgiving. We are looking towards
Christmas and seeking out ways to make the day and season different. We are
making new plans, using new decorations, eating different foods. It will, of
course, be a rough season, but this season of life is rough. There have been
more changes and surprises than I could have ever imagined could take place
within 2 months. My dad’s birthday is December 12 and we are thinking of ways
we want to honor and celebrate that day.
I am starting a new blog. I don’t
know what I am going to write. Maybe it will be updates on our family, updates
on our new house, random thoughts I have, or just memories of my dad. I really
do not know, but you are all invited. You have been so faithful in your
friendship and prayers and made this journey smoother than it should be. The
blog is: http://simplesweetjoy.blogspot.com/
I would love to have you join me.
