‘Tis the season when I think most people take some time to reflect on the year, and their lives in general. I have been doing a lot of that since our son, Ben, went to be with the Lord on June 26th of this year.
I am very thankful for so many things. I have a warm, comfortable place to lay my head every night. I always have plenty to eat. I have the benefits of technology that allow me to work from anywhere, communicate with my friends and family and even get all my Christmas shopping done without hitting the malls. I have the freedoms of expression and worship. And a great place to live and work, something I really value after recently spending a long weekend in New York with our daughter, Sarah.
I am also very thankful and amazed at the love and support that our family has received from all the people we work with. My co-workers came running the minute they heard the terrible news about Ben. Many made daily visits to the farm to just hold me close. Several had to step up and do my job, in addition to their responsibilities. And I am so grateful still. The funeral home was filled with compatriots, clients and vendors as well. The beautiful cards, flowers and unbelievable generosity of all who care about us was humbling. Even the media came to give us a chance to tell our story and hopefully save a life in doing so.
Recently I received a beautiful quilt made from Ben’s clothes. Two of my co-workers, Katy Miller and Pam Kruetzer, worked together at night and on weekends to make a really special memento for me to wrap myself in whenever I want to feel close to Ben. Other gifts include a tree planted in his honor and an infinity cross that I see every morning when I am home at the farm. And these are only a few items—of many—for which I am truly thankful.
My main message today is to say “Thank You” to my co-workers. They continue to be there for me no matter what kind of day I am having. They are patient with me when I am grumpy or sad. They always seem to know when I need a hug or a kind word. And they have continued to carry the torch when I haven’t felt like it, because my life has forever changed. We have cried so many tears together and still do today. The wound is still fresh and the hole deep. And I could not be functioning at the level I am today without all the love and support of my CM peeps. I love you all! Thank you for all the love you have shown me. I am truly blessed!
