Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Oh, thank you

You have all been so incredibly kind and loving and supportive.

Betty and I have been so warmed and touched by all the sweet notes and incredibly lovely sentiments sent our way. Most of you don't actually know me, and none of you have even met Betty, and yet you've sent such love and hugs and support.

And then yesterday, as we were staggering around answering the phone and trying to turn our attention to breakfast, a perky man from Balducci's appeared. With an enormous tray of treats. And a card that said it was from my Blogging Family: Arjewtino, Dagny, FreckledK, I-66, Jo, Kris, Lexa, LiLu, mysterygirl!, Ryane, Restaurant Refugee, Slightly Disorganized, VVK, and Work in Blogress.

Some of them blog more than others, and a couple of them have stopped entirely, but they are, to the last, good writers and, more importantly, fantastic human beings.

On the note, they used their real names. So Betty had me go through each and tell her the blogger names people use to comment. She recognizes those - she loves to read the comments.

And we, who both feel sick to our stomachs when we're upset, who have been picking and picking at food, both sat down and started our day with Rice Krispy treats and chocolate rugelach (a word I can never spell, delicious as it is). We plied one visitor after another with cookies, brownies, treats. And still have some left.

Sugar may be the devil, but it certainly helps things go down.

But a lot of you don't have blogs, and are spread far and wide in this vast world. And still, you have reached out through cyberspace, through the fact that we are virtual strangers, to offer condolences, love, wishes to be able to bear some of our grief for us.

Offers of cookies, of grocery shopping, of casseroles (which, my parents being from the Midwest, we'd call Minnesota Hot Dish. Unless it's cold. Then it's Minnesota Cold Dish.) Offers even of lodging out-of-town guests, should we need it.

Offers of anything - just ask, just name it. And I know the people who say this genuinely and truly mean it.

It's extraordinary. It's a reminder that people are extraordinary. Really.

I just want you to know, it makes a huge difference to us. It helps. We are grateful.

Hugs to all of you.

22 comments:

  1. Lisa and Betty - It's good to hear from you. I'm so glad the support of friends, family and strangers has helped during all of this. Certainly add my name to the list of people willing to help - should you need anything at all. Sending you a huge, warm hug.

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  2. Thank you for the update. I hope you and Betty and all of your family and friends are doing as well as you can be. God Bless to you and God Speed to your dad.

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  3. I'm so glad your friends and cyberfans were able to bring you some comfort. I've been thinking about you so much, wondering how you're holding up. We have a saying in my family -- when someone is down or in need of support, emotional or otherwise, we say we're sending them light. So I send you light and love. And a big box of baby clothes. xoxo

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  4. The internet somehow makes the world smaller.

    Please let me know if you need anything.

    Sending hugs!

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  5. I normally don't like humans, except when I totally love them! Like the ones who read your blog. It was good to read this, to know you and Betty are wading through your grief as best you can together and that our thoughts and well wishes for you really do make it just a bit easier. Still sending love and healthy thoughts your way.
    Lynn, in hot dish country.

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  6. I'm so sorry for your loss, and so glad that it's been offset by the kindness of your friends.

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  7. I've been thinking of you since I first read the news on Monday night. I hope you continue to be comforted by family and friends.

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  8. So glad for the update and that you liked the treats. We are all thinking of you and make sure you should if you need more treats or someone to lean on. XOXO Lexa

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  9. So glad to see an update from you and to hear that you and Betty are holding each other up surrounded by your loved ones.

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  10. aww, that was so sweet (pun intended) of your bloggy fam... so nice to know that there are really good people still out there.

    i know it takes a very long time before it gets easier but just keep talking to Betty, talking to his friends. it helps, it really does.

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  11. I'm glad that you and Betty are surrounded by so much support.
    Hugs, lady.

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  12. I just discovered the blog, and think you are a such a great, funny writer.
    :)

    I'm sorry for your loss, and hope you and Betty get through. Followed.
    xxx

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  13. That is so, so wonderful to hear. Know that there are plenty more where that came from should you need...

    BIG HUGS!!! No, really, the HUGEST ever.

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  14. It says a lot about the person people see in this blog. A lot of us (myself included, even though we do have friends in common) do not know you in person, but we know you are the type of person, that if we met in real life, we'd be friends with. Hence the hugs.

    On that note, if you need anything, really, feel free to ask. I cannot even imagine what you're going through.

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  15. it is so good to hear your "voice". In the wise words of my grandmother from Italy. "Eat Up! You need strength to suffer!" Please let us know if you need more of anything--hugs, punching bags, tissues, food. etc

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  16. I'm glad that something is helping, even if it's hard. Many hugs and all the support I can send from California!

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  17. I'm immoderately excited that Betty remembers my comments. Hi, Betty! I'm glad that you both are enjoying the treats-- I wish there were a way we could all do more.

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  18. Wow, I haven't checked your blog in a few days.. I am so sorry for your loss! I am glad you have the support of family and friends. You have certainly earned the respect and admiration of so many people that have never met you. Sending you (virtual) love and strength.

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  19. Hugs TO YOU! I'm glad you're feeling the love of everyone around you!

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  20. Big kisses to you both. We're thinking of you. xo

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  21. Thank you so much for taking the time to update - big hugs to you and Betty.

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  22. I have been thinking of you and Betty so much, thank you for posting this to let us know how you are.

    I'm so glad that you're finding support in the connections you've made here online. When given the chance, most people can be pretty amazing.

    Hugs from all of us here.

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