Waves of Caring, Waves of Love

As the messages went out a swell of responses began to flow.  Caring was, and continues to be, expressed in many different ways.  Flowers filled Sherry's hospital room; cards came through the mail; e-mails offered compassionate support; thoughts and prayers were palatable as Sherry felt their warm embrace. 

 I have decided not to name names for several reasons.  First, I would inevitably and inadvertantly forget to include someone.  I would feel badly for forgetting, and the person would likely feel that thier efforts were not appreciated.  Neither are desirable outcomes.  Second, gratitude seems more personal than mention on a blog.  Sherry is exercising her brain by writing individual responses.  It will take her some time to get a handle on this, but the process is theraputic, and the result is more personal.  Third, and perhaps most importantly, expressions of caring take many forms, some of which are not known to us, or even to the persons who created them.  For example, Sherry could say to me, "Remember that great dinner we had at Riverdance Lodge and then putting up the rainfly on our new tent at 3:00 am while being pelted by huge drops of rain driven by a sudden thunderstorm?"  Of course I remembered and we reveled in the memory of the event, of the friends with whom we shared the experience, and the friends who made it possible.  The uplifting came from a past event. 

We are enormously rich.  It is only love that keeps us afloat.

As Jes' and David's e-mail stated, significant support came through presence.  When he learned of the situation Jes dropped everything and came immediately to our side bringing his expertise, his compassion, and his good cheer.  My sister, Cheryll, and David Blair also put all else aside and came to share hearts and we sorted though facts and feelings.   Marie Juncker, Sherry's sister, also came to offer strong support, abundant love, and careful attention to detail.  The members of the congregation of St. John's Orthodox Church truly gave life to faith as they responded.  Father Basil's presence and prayers brought Sherry peace and comfort. 

Now I started naming names even though I didn't intend to.  I'm stopping that right now before I get stuck...