The Sheep & The Goats: A Gratitude Post

 One of my favorite passages of scripture is Matthew 25. Very early on in my grief journey, I realized God was truly a provider. But moreover, I saw His power moving through others, especially those int he household of faith.  I quickly realized that the God who created the universe with words, our God, Patrick's God, had the power to use the kindness of strangers as well.  Empathy, compassion, and kindness are gifts from our Creator, and I'm grateful for those who lean into that during the best and worst times.  So here is my list of thanks:

To those who unloaded and placed present after present under our tree just two weeks after we lost Pat
To the friends who awaited my call every day for six days, and stayed at my home with my babies while I visited him in the hospital
To those who made sure I never got a bill from the Memorial Home & Gardens
To the guides who helped us start and sustain our grief support group in honor of Patrick
To the friend who came over to lead my babies in Christ-centered yoga in my front yard for my babies
To the People who pulled up when my kids had been in a car accident without hesitation to help
To those who answered my call, on another coast while on vacation, knowing that I rarely ever call
To the sheriffs who were off duty, but showed up to comfort Ben & I after we had been hit head on just two days after we laid Patrick to rest
To those who carpooled so they could loan us their vehicle while our van was down, so we wouldn't be without
To the people who showed up in the middle of the night during a meltdown HOURS before they had to be on a flight to visit their family
To the one neighbor that stood in the rain helping me figure out how to use the gas can
To the friend who came over to wait for the appliance delivery man so that my routine wouldn't be disrupted
To the group of people who prayed and acted by showering us with God's love & practical provision for the past 29 months.
To those who've written cards, letters, and notes of encouragement to me and my babies
To those who have taken the kids out for a fun time while I rested
To those who donated items and cash to help us to pay it forward to bless 21 families this past Christmas
To those who show their love for Patrick by keeping his legacy and work alive
To all of the children & youth ministry leaders who kept an extra eye out on my kids
To those who sent clothes, snacks, toiletries, gift cards, birthday gifts, etc.
To those who cooked an extra dinner for us so that I didn't have to think about it
To those who sent money ahead to the dealership to help me get a new car
To everyone who has purchased or gifted Patrick's book
To those who noticed  that our washer & dryer needed to be replaced & pooled money to do so
To the friend who bought and booked flights for the 8 of us to get a much needed break 
To those who gifted us a Christmas blessing for the third Christmas when the support had faded
To the family that flew in to make fun memories with my kids
To those who opened their homes to us as a place of respite, requiring nothing and allowing us to just "Be"
To those who shared their grandparents/parents with my babies, I'll never forget you
To those who helped me how I needed help, instead of how they wanted to help
To the Mental Health Advocate & Warrior that stepped outside of the status quo and told us about Grief Support Groups
To those who gently invited us to birthday parties but let me sit in the car and cry
For those who didn't wait for us to lose Pat, to show us that we mattered and were appreciated

To those who stepped up and stepped in, as painful as it may have been

I will never forget you. Thank you for being a beautiful part of our story. Year three of grief has taught me, "those who want to, will." I'm so grateful to be on the receiving end of such love and genuine kindness.



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