They say these things come in threes - my mother-in-law's death, my serious illness, and now an unexpected death in the family. Hopefully three's the limit!
I confide in only a few people with details. One of them is my great uncle, a retired pastor. We exchange quite a few e-mails, and he has always been great about offering spiritual advice as well as day-to-day chat.
Anyhow, I was worried about sending more serious news to Uncle J, who has anxiety, so I sent an e-mail apologizing.
What he wrote back was fantastic:
If I were going to be overwhelmed by your sharing your news and feelings, I would have been out of the race long ago... Some things are hard to accept, but there is much that we can do to support each other... It's called LOVE...
Keep in mind that he is 80, Midwestern, and Lutheran (read: reserved - that's this side of my family.) Kind words indeed.
10 comments:
Sorry to hear you've had more bad news. Every time I hear of midwestern Lutherans, I think of Garrison Keillor's writings.
Indeed family support gives strength and I hope that through all your blog buddies you know you have a friend in all of us too :D
What a great uncle.
People have stopped taking my phone calls for fear that I will depress them with what I am currently going through, but the truth is, I wouldn't. I don't like talking about myself. I feel I burden people with my problems.
Perfectly said! I hope you have a peaceful weekend, my friend.
It's always good to have family and friends be there for you when times are tough.
Always remember that true friends don't consider it to be a burden when you want to borrow their ear for a moment to share something on your mind or something that hits very close to home.
At times we are all "a voice crying in the wilderness". Thankfully there are loving uncles and good blog friends to hear and comfort. Right now you are the recipient but more often than not you are a comforter too.
D: Now I will, too - and I'll laugh!
S: You are so sweet! Thank you.
NV: I feel the same way, so I usually just confide in a few. Then I worry about burdening them even more. We should e-mail and burden each other without worrying!
L: Thanks! It has been fun so far. And mellow.
G: And I can't thank you enough for being here for me.
GA: Thank you! And thank you for all of your prayers. I hope I am there for others as much as they have been there for me.
Sound's like a cool uncle, sorry to hear about all the bad news. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.
Thanks Matt!
What a great guy! And he is so right!
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