Tender Mercies after 8 months

Today the three of us, accompanied by Brooklyn's spirit, I'm sure, went to a reception today for a friend who has been very kind to us this last year. She is married at last! I am so happy for her. Going to support her and seeing all of our friends was so sweet and warm and comfortable. I miss that. For the past 6 months I was having such a hard time with a roller coaster of emotions but lately I just feel such peace and such happiness. I really do feel like my old self again. Perhaps it's my new calling. I am the primary chorister and so I am singing church songs all the time. It lifts my spirit and makes me happy. And I have the best family EVER...but I digress.
I had a plethora of people come up to me and discretely address my daughter's life and passing. They were so kind and sensitive and I could tell they were really hurting for the difficult times we have endured this past year. I was so touched by their sincere condolences and their sweet comments. People who I haven't talked to in three or more years, some people I had never had the pleasure of meeting in the flesh. Some, didn't even know. Which is fine, but I felt bad for them to find out at a wedding reception.
Then today as I was making dinner I found a bag of Arby's meat in my freezer. I was reminded of the sweet time during Brooklyn's life when Brian, Machiel and Sara and my Mom were here in my home. Church members and family brought over meals and small gifts for Bentley and Brooklyn, so many bowls of fruit and brownies and desserts and delicious dishes. They all jumped at the opportunity to do anything for our family during that time. I remember being vaguely amused that people felt they had to bring over an entire pan of brownies or cake, but so happy to have them for when I was feeling low. I have to admit, I did find a bit of solace in food during those dark days.
As I have thought about all the kindness that my friend and many others have shown us and the many prayers that have been uttered for us I just feel so thankful to have been part of it all. I will never forget the kindness of others, or the sacrifices given by friends and family. Perhaps I should write every detail down so that others can remember their goodness as well, but here is not the place. Their charity and gifts are sacred to me and to my family. It is enough to say that their kindness has touched my heart and become a permanent tender mercy that I will never forget. I pray that I can be there in a similar manner for someone else in their time of need.
Another kindness that people bestow upon my family is that they say we are so strong, that we have such a good attitude about it. They praise us for how we handled the situation and comment that we have their respect. I know that sounds weird to bring this up, and it is nice to hear that people are still rooting for me, that they believe in me and want to build me up, but I could not have done any of it without my husband, my son, my family on both sides, the ward members, the prayers of all those who prayed for me, the Holy Ghost, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father. Through this team of support and love and comfort and peace we were able to faithfully "pass through the fire unscathed". And yes there have been dark days. Heaven only knows the sadness and the pain that I endured--that we endured--while waiting for the final outcome.
I can only say thank you. And it will never be enough. Never.
Thank you.

Thank you

Thank you.

For all the kind words, the cards, the gifts, the donations, the smiles, the hugs, the quiet support, the prayers--for meals and treats and phone calls and compliments. Thank you all for being there for my family  as we learned very valuable lessons. It has been such a privilege to walk among you angels and receive the blessings of the Lord through your hands. Thank you. For being aware. For being considerate. For supporting us in our trial.

And thank you for making my time with Brooklyn as sweet and stress-free as you could. I could never thank you enough, so please, continue feeling my gratitude. Always and forever.

Thank you so much. I should name you all, but I know that God keeps a record of these things. And He has probably already thanked you in ways you don't even realize.

Brooklyn's Mom,

Courtney