Community.
Lydia and I really don't know how we are at a month in.
We then look around us and have been shown in so many ways, just how we have made it. I really don't know how to convae the blessing it has been to see how many people care with a meal that shows up when cooking feels a bit too much, to see my driveway plowed when you already feel numb with grief before even getting outside, when your team at school shows up over and over to just say they are thinking of me, or people showing many tokens of ways they share with us they care. Then people driving me when people know I hate driving and winter driving gets too much, people too have been there to send a card with a cherished greeting or gift. We are beyond blessed.
Lydia has been shown care in so many ways also. Her friends showing up with lego flowers just for something to do to take her mind off of grief momentairly, the professors who have changed her exam schedule to allow more time for studying, a friend who simply wants to go for diner, the multiple texts she recieves in a day to say, "I love you", or just simply to let her know they care. The many people who just love on her means so much! I can not thank you enough!
In the last month I have taken some much needed time off from work. Lydia took roughly 2 and 1/2 weeks off. It was filled with some reflection of just what a wonderful marriage and unique family of 3 we had. I know without a doubt that Kent and I were a perfect team with a beautiful daughter who made our family perfect at 3! A team of 3, we did everything together. Grocery shopping together, family nights around our tv, family drives to Holland, many restraunts we frequented just so we could be together, we love Christian music and 2/3 of the family loved it loud. We loved just being together.
The realities of many things have also hit me hard. The finances that he did to care for us, that I now have to navigate. The many forms that I need to fill out, the many places that need death certificates, the way I just had someone handy around to fix a door that came crashing down at me as it comes off the track, the way I had someone to do some techy things for me, the way our cars were maintained.. it goes on. I have been thankful for friends who have come to help, brothers who have fixed things, and nephews who show up to help an Aunt in need! I am THANKFUL!
Grief shows up more some days than others. Some days were ok with many good memories and other days we are drowning. I try to remember what Kent taught us often. Live life the best you can! Smile, care and love on others. Keep sharing Jesus! We will try!
The two of us have been with our families. Each in their own way have supported us.
Kent's family though seperated by states, have come to be with us and supported with many texts and calls.
My family is a little closer, all within 10 min of each other, have been able to help more physically.
For both we have been very appreciative.
As I end this post, I just want to leave you with this.... Cherish your friendships, your family relationships, show support to those who travel a complicated health situation, remember as you converse or care for someone, you never know what they are going through. Build relationships and show others Jesus' love! Pray for those around you. When you care for others it can overwhelmingly come back to you and be such a blessing!
PS. A proud Mom moment I would love to share. Lydia told me that she will be inducted in the Social Work Honors Society on March 26th. A huge honor! I know Kent is beaming and he has the biggest smile! He loved every accomplishment Lydia put before herself and achieved.
Thank you for your constant support
,Leah
