Over the past 10 days, I have often heard the phrase "I wish I knew what to say". The truth of the matter is that there really are no words that can be said that will replace the emptiness we feel inside our hearts. There are no words that can ease the pain and anguish over losing someone. However, we know that God will provide the strength and comfort that we need to move forward and define our "new normal".
Likewise, there are not any words that are eloquent enough or strong enough to properly express our thanks to everyone who has supported us over the last month.
We were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to the visitation on Tuesday night and apologize to anyone who did not get to speak with us before the service. We decided to stay after the service, but realize that some people were not able to stay through the funeral. We also realize that due to weather in some areas, we had a number of friends who wanted to be there, but could not make it. The service was a wonderful celebration of Courtney's life and we are grateful to everyone who spoke, sang, or had any part in the service.
We also want to thank everyone that was able to attend the graveside service on Wednesday, but apologize if we did not get to speak with you. There was lunch provided for everyone at the community center, but we were not sure that everyone understood that they could speak with us there and eat as well.
We have been blessed by your words of encouragement, prayer support, flowers, acts of kindness, and donations made in Courtney's memory. It is amazing to see how many people Courtney touched in her lifetime, including many that she never met. I am sure that there will be many more that are touched in the years ahead by stories, memories, or pictures of her.
We desire your continued prayer support for Jennifer who has been Courtney's primary caregiver for nearly 17 years, for Kelsey who dropped out of school this semester to be with her sister and is closer to her sister than any sisters I have ever known of, and for me as I try to go back to work.
Today was my first day back at work and it reminded me of just how hard this is going to be. I have taken Courtney to McGavock every morning on my way to work. I loved listening to her morning prayer, singing songs with her while listening to 94 FM The Fish, studying for a test, or just talking about her plans for the day. I was in tears as I passed McGavock Pike, then Two Rivers Parkway, and as I walked into my office.
I remember a quote from "Sleepless in Seattle" when Sam answered a radio host's question about how he got over losing his wife. He said, ""Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every morning... breathe in and out all day long. Then, after a while I won't have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breathe in and out... and, then after a while, I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while."
I still have a lovely wife and beautiful daughter to care for, but there is a part of us that is missing now and we will have to find a way to move forward without her.
If you would like to visit her memorial page to view pictures or leave a message, you can visit it at http://www.legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls000169913926&locale=en_US
Thank you and God bless each and every one of you.
1 comment:
Your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.
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