Connecting in the midst of loss

I feel so full.  and so blessed. 

The last two days have been an incredible blessing.  I am reminded of the scripture that it is more blessed to give than receive. 

Fundraiser Saturday and Sunday

The guys arrived early in the morning to set up the shade cover, tables, t-shirts, banners and memorial poster.  The BEAUTIFUL signs were  donated (one was a banner), the other was a huge picture board of Johnny and Gale with their families.  It sat in our house for a day or so prior to the fundraiser.   I just would spill over with tears and a deep ache when I looked at their beautiful faces and  adorable families.  Yet this helped us press on.  and not just for today…..but for the long haul.

My girls and I loaded the ice chests with water and sodas, brought down some pizzas for lunch and began meeting and greeting the community with smiles and tears…..

At Medford Fire, we say “we are family”.

I hope that this is not just something we say, but show.  I was so blessed to see that it wasn’t ‘just the wives’, or ‘just the guys’ that showed up. 

There were husbands and wives.  Kids…lots of them!  Babies….it was beautiful.  It gave me strength in my bones.  My faith was incredibly affirmed in this ‘fire family’, and community as a whole.

Several times during the day when another couple would come to help, they would say to me, “you’ve been here all day, do you need to go and do something?”  I so appreciated the gesture, but I could not leave.  I wanted to be there with my family, and my community.  To see the faces of the people, smile, laugh, cry, reminensce, tell us how they “knew these two,” or “i’m a volunteer firefighter”, or “I want to be a fire fighter, or “I am a retired fire fighter”, or “I have a son, nephew, brother, sister, on the east coast, LA, Arizona that is a firefighter”….or “I lost my mom this year,” or “My son died in a tragic accident 3 years ago.”  Many had a story to tell.  It was people connecting in the midst of losses of all sorts, with no real understanding of why.

  I believe it was healing for many.

The gentleman that made the sign came by several times to make sure that ‘his’ part was well done and sufficient.  The man whose property the accident site was at, stopped by to make sure that we were all well.  We were able to thank him for all of his support through this trial.  The president of the event association at the park drove by so many times to making sure we were all ok…..or if we needed anything.  He made sure we had a great spot, and even made a few announcements over the air….

And then there was YOU all,  my friends, that were praying without ceasing, and adding comments to lift up!….THANK YOU!  It edified and strengthened all of us.  You are precious.  and YOU are part of this community. 

I guess  I was reminded that we are all people with a story of our own,  just trying to figure out this thing called life….searching for love, acceptance and belonging……I call this family,  community,  and it is so beautiful.

All in all, from the people we met yesterday and today, everyone had a story to tell.  It was people connecting in the midst of loss of all kinds.  It was people lending a hand, a prayer, a smile or a hug.  Whatever it was they had to give.  and It was ALL healing.

THANK YOU for being a part of this.

love

Storie