While I adjust to a new normal, I am going back to something familiar, and typing out my thoughts is what I know. As it happens, I have
many thoughts on this whole process of saying good-bye without want or warning, (but I’ll save that for another time).
My thoughts today, in this moment, revolve around something else.
Each day that I grieve the loss of my dad, God has
been gracious and merciful enough to temper that grief with a specific type of
supernatural solace. Today, that balm is gratitude.
One of my kind friends just left my classroom. She
came to offer love, comfort, and tangible help. To have one such friend is a
blessing, but I have the absolute privilege of many such friends and family
members. Even my students are part of this beautiful community I am blessed by.
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who
reached out, everyone who hugged, everyone who has helped my brothers and me
with logistics, and everyone who has lifted us up in prayer. Please know this:
it is all felt.
Thank you for reaching out and understanding that a lack
of a specific response does not mean you weren’t heard or weren’t helpful. I’ve
read and reread so many posts and texts, and they have brought me so much comfort.
Thank you.
I have also been profoundly
reminded why God calls us to community. To have people I love weep with me when
I wept and laugh with me when I laughed…well, it’s hard to put the value and
impact of it all into words.
So...though this might not fully or eloquently
express all I’m feeling, please know I am wonderfully overwhelmed with
gratitude for you and your incredible support. I am overwhelmed by God’s mercy
and grace and favor that has been present through all of this and through many
of you.
Update: As I finished typing this, another kind
friend came to check up on me. She offered a warm hug and open ear.
