I’m sitting in the backyard testing out my fire pit and reflecting on the blessings God has sent me in the past 3-4 months. This list is not comprehensive, but a start at saying “Thank-You” to God and to those He has used to bless and uplift me.
To my daughters, Katherine and Leah, who were my anchor in the storm. Their love was expressed over and over in their actions, from making phone calls and making decisions to giving insulin shots and massaging feet. And finding this little house that is slowly becoming a home.
To my sons who called and visited and lifted my burdens in numerous ways. They provided expertise and they provided conversation and they gave love.
To my daughter-in-law, my third daughter, who gave so much advice and held Chuck’s hand on her last visit, with tears in her eyes and love in her heart.
To friends, known and unknown, who prayed when I couldn’t. I felt the prayers holding up my feeble arms.
To my little brother Norman who gave of his time to get me moved – twice – and provided his home to me and his heart. And his cooking- top notch stuff.
To my big brother David, who talked to me in the night as I walked Ruby, who knows firsthand the pain of losing a spouse.
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous” I Peter 3:8
To Al, who drove across town to take my car to get new tires. And visited Chuck. And Darlene who made cake.
To Holly and Ken, who visited and prayed and fed us with deliciousness and gave advice and showed the spirit of Christ in actions.
To Candace who was supportive in a time of need, who knows loss, and who gave me a bird feeder that brings me birds and joy every day.
To Darla, Jeannie, Robin, Peggy, Erica and Lee, who reached out and loved on me.
To Aunt Amy who was always a supporter of our family, and is no stranger to loss. She has empathized with tears and I love her.
To the nephews and nieces who have given the strength of their youth and reached out to me across the generational divide.
To Judy and Sheryl and Crystal and Maureen and Sarita who text and call and write letters from Birmingham. A sweet combination of southern hospitality and Christian fellowship.
To cousins, those childhood friends who are forever linked to my heart, no matter how many years go by. Thank you for all the prayers and conversations.
To my sisters in widowhood who have grieved with me and have suffered their own loss: Mary, Beth, Libby, Pam, and Tommie.
To Mark and Eric who prayed with me over the phone and Steve who texted scripture and encouraging words and prayers.
To Dorothy who prayed and wrote a poem, because those are her gifts.
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. – James 1:27
Not In This Soup Alone 
Dear Sister:
Thank you for your heart felt missives in these posts. You are very gracious in all regards. When I went through my loss I did not know how to do this and didn’t have these means. You have expressed sincerities in a very meaningful way. Thank you. Keep your chin up and continue to express your heart as it touches many in a valuable way. Love, David.