So much to be thankful for

We have so much to be thankful for.  So many of you have poured so much love on us.  This has been a difficult week for me, but I have been reminded of all the love and support we have received.  

On Tuesday morning I was in really rough shape emotionally and sent out a "I need prayers" blast message.  Immediately, I was enveloped in prayer.  To have that level of support is a gift.

I called one of my dear friends yesterday in tears, she listened  supported, loved me, and then ended up making me belly laugh so hard I couldn't talk. Last night another dear friend sent me a one liner text that literally made me laugh out loud.  Today, Hackett's amazing teacher, interofficed me a Twix bar note from herself and from Hackett.  How can I not have a good day after that?

Love has poured through Facebook.  How amazing to instantly be connected to dear friends from high school and college.  Time and space tends to move people apart, but through this, friendships have been renewed.  What a treasure.

When I left California, I left part of my heart.  Jewels, I was surrounded by jewels there.  They became my sisters and their kids became Hackett's cousins.  It tore my heart to leave.  I still often replay the tearful goodbyes.  To hit rock bottom without my sisters here to catch me was hard, but they continue to love me from afar.

We had lived in Michigan just a little over a year when I had Koen.  New friendships and new acquaintances were being formed.  This amazing community swooped in and wrapped us in their arms.  They showed up.  They were just getting to know us, but they showed up.  Many of these friendships grew quicker faster as a result.  We are home.

Hackett's sweet little school has been a gift from God.  Not only did they take care of Hackett, but also me.  Immediately there was support for Hackett at school when he returned after Koen's birth.  Cards and presents were sent home in his backpack to me.  They have poured out their love and support right through the summer and into this new school year.  One of the angels at Hackett's school let me know that she greets Koen every day as she drives by the cemetery.  They love our entire family, Koen too.

To our dear friends near and far, old and new, thank you,  From the depths of my soul, thank you.