In These Days...

...leading up to January 27, I find I have become more introspective and less interested in anything that interferes with my focus on God's direction.

There are many of you, family and friends, who are there for me. I thank you for your commitment of love and support, even when we don't understand. I'd like to share a letter from a dear friend who has been understanding and supportive, even in times when I have not been able to do more than just "be". I wrote her, saying that I may need to limit my communications during this time. Here is how she responded:

"Linda, what you are saying about withdrawing makes total sense to me. This is a very traumatic time of the year for you. It always will be. Its not that it less real or less traumatic the rest of the year - not at all - but the actual date of the event is always so hard to deal with. It completely makes sense to me that you would need to separate yourself in a sense from the people that you live 'daily life' with throughout the year at this particular (and other particular) time(s) of the year. There are some things that are just 'sacred'. There will be those who do not understand this. There will be those who judge you for this. All of those, in my opinion, can kiss my rear! For the most part most will understand - those who don't will just have to get over it and deal with it. Those of us who you allow to be there for you have a calling in your life - not one we might have purposely chosen but a calling all the same - to love you, hold you near both physically and mentally, pray with and for you, and help you to survive each of these passing dates as you continue on in the life you certainly would not have chosen. I, for one, am committed for life to be there for you when I am able and/or allowed. I am, likewise, committed to not hold against you any time you are not able to be around me because you are hurting too much. I, my friend, am one who understands and loves you past all your grief. I want you to know that I AM here for you as you need me. I love you. I loved your family. They are greatly missed by me."

Thank you, God, for family and friends.