2009 Thank You Message

What is a family to say about a community who continually comes out and supports each other?  What do you say to people who travel a distance to simply show up and show their love?  What do you say to friends and family who always come and celebrate the life of Em?  Words can never truly express the gratitude in our hearts.....we can only try to let you know.

Sunday was an incredible day.  Not the way we ever would have wished to spend Em's 20th birthday but it was a good day.  It was a good day to come together and love on each a little and take time to let each other know that our hearts are still and always will be connected because of the common thread of love.  The love we have for each other was shared and the gift of time with each other is precious.  There is really Never enough time because of our own daily lives and the priorities that each family has so the moments we do stop to remEMber Em and the care we give to each other is so appreciated and treasured.  We laughed (which felt really good to do) and there was also some tears (there always is).  We enjoyed friendships and made new ones.  We played for Em and the love she had for the game of volleyball. The day mirrored Em's life as she was always one to do the small things to show love and care.  She had that part figured out in life.  I use to think she was just a free spirit that hadn't really prioritized life's issues.  She always seemed to never get in a "yank" and was really happy.  Probably because she really had the importance of life and how to live it happily figured out at a early age. She also was very committed to her faith and so lots of things made more sense to her.  She lived what was in her heart, was incredibly selfless and cared more about someone else's happiness and the goodness seemed to just spill out.  We felt all of that on Sunday by the warmth of everyone and the attendance by so many was awesome.  Thank you all for taking the time to sit and enjoy each other.  Thank you for sharing your day with us and celebrating Em's life.  The day was complete when the last game of the day was being played, a rainbow appeared.  I'm not much for "signs" but it definitely was a nice blessing from above.  Later that night, both Jeff and Adam saw shooting stars.  Again, we are thankful for the big and small ways that the Lord stays close to us and we are most thankful for all of you who enable us and encourage us to stay the course in the midst of such pain.  "Thank You" just doesn't seem to cut it as we wish you could see into our hearts but it's the only way we know how and so please accept our gratefulness and we hope you come back next year and we can do this all again.  There is no greater tribute to Em than to see each of you there.  We love you all and may the Lord bless you and keep you until we can be together again.

Love in Christ,
The Duits  family

 

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