57114--time capsule

[zyzyly]

I was pretty surprised when I opened the first box and it was all cards. I knew there were some cards in there, but it was full. The first group were get well cards. The ones in the silver box were sympathy cards. I sat down and started reading through the sympathy cards.

I was surprised by how many people she knew, and how many lives she touched. There were hundreds of cards from all over--even a bunch from people here on LJ. I read through all of them and kept some of them.



There were quite a few cards and letters from our nieces--they were particularly close to Arlina. I liked this one from Harley: "Please don't throw away the card. I spent almost 4 days making it."



A card from judywatt, who sent me all sorts of things throughout this time. Seeing this one choked me up a bit. One thing about this time in my life--my livejournal family really helped me through it in so many ways.

I think I'll stop here for now.

Comments

[vaysha.livejournal.com]

yes, we are really all here for one another.
It's amazing what we witness here in one another's lives and the support we give/recieive. What a blessing lj has been and is.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

it sure is.

I remember the book you sent me--Jacob the Baker I think it was called. I know it is here somewhere, because I keep books. I'm going to look for it.

Thank you for being my friend all these years!

[vaysha.livejournal.com]

and you as well, dear man. You were SUCH a comfort to me when Jordan was sick and I was so conscious of not wanting to take advantage of your position but I had so many questions and fears.

[anita-margarita.livejournal.com]

I have cards from when my mother died in 1998 and my brother died in 2002, and I still do not want to look at them.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

I guess there comes a day when things can be looked at again, or maybe that day never comes and it is left to those once removed.

judywatt

[crookedfingers.livejournal.com]

did not judywatt pass away awhile back-may the Lord comfort you as you grieve-peace

Re: judywatt

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

She did--about two years ago. I think that is what touched me so much about finding her card. I never got the chance to meet her in person, but she was a good friend to me.

[egg-shell.livejournal.com]

After my brother died in 2004 we put away all the cards that arrived. Didn't know what to do with them at that time except save them. My sister helped me go through them in 2012 after our mother passed. They needed witnesses (Kathy and I) to finally say goodbye to them. We were also surprised by how many there were. It's good to know that our loved ones were valued by others.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

I was thinking about it as I looked through those cards--all the lives she touched. When we're alive, I don't think we ever truly realize the significance of our lives in the lives of others.

I like the idea of being witnesses--it provides a necessary solemnity to what needs to be done.

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

I see it as a kind of chain, but a good kind -- I learned from you and Arlina, and then a couple of LJ friends have told me that my experience with Gerry's illness and death taught them something that they were able to use later. We coinhere.

It's wonderful to have those cards, but it's wrenching to go back through them.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

Yes, I remember when someone here told me I should read your journal, because you were going through a similar journey. That was over ten years ago! I'm glad you are still my friend.

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

I'm glad too, Mike!

[thoughtsbykat.livejournal.com]

I agree with you that most of the folks you become friends here on lj really help you when you need the support.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

I think it is what makes this community unique.

[niyabinghi.livejournal.com]

I remember Arlina's illness, and a lot of your writings here, and those of others, were
really influential in helping me to start opening up to people again, and seeing that everyone
has struggles and pain and losses they go through, beyond the day to day social veneers
we all have to wear.