May 18, 2005
My Dearest Patrick,
I miss you, I miss you, and I miss you. Just thought I would get that said right away! I thank God everyday for the wonderful visit we had last fall. It was such a blessing to see you and visit with you. Seeing your face, hearing you voice and sharing stories was so wonderful. Holding your hand was especially special; moms are kind of like that :-) . You are a special young man and I am so proud of you.
Everyone here is fine; Papa is getting fragile, but he is determined to get in his garden again this year. I will probably help him when things get growing. Sharon is so good with him and is very active in the church; it is a big part of their life. She goes to the jail and visits the inmates every week and they both do a lot of work at the church.
Darcy and Tim and kids are doing great. Darcy and Tim bought a new home last fall. It is old and they have fixed it up to be ever so homey and comfortable. Darcy is substitute teaching in Longview, Kelso, and Kalama. She has developed their yard to reflect her creativity and it is just beautiful.
JoAnna, Grant, and kids are doing great also. Grant travels a lot so Jo, the kids and I spend a lot of time together. They are all staying the night tomorrow night so I am excited about that. Tucker spends every Thursday night with me and we have the next day to play and be together. He is such a wonderful child; so loving and tender. Alize, Tucker, and Samantha are looking forward to Vacation Bible School next month. It lasts a week and then they have a program on the last day; lots of singing and story telling. We all go and watch; it is so great to see them sharing their love of God with each other. Say a special prayer for Tucker as he suffers from asthma and has had a difficult spring.
You said you like to travel; wouldn't it be wonderful if you and I could take a trip together someday. It would be difficult to keep Jo and Darcy from wanting to go too! Europe was great and I would like to see countries with great history. God has made a beautiful world and I would like to see as much of it and meet as many people as I can. Maybe you can let me know where you are sometime and I can fly to see you; once again I am sure the girls would want to come too. We would love to share in your life again as we all miss you so much. Our hearts are so heavy and the tears flow when we are together talking about you. When we are together it is obvious to all of us that a part of us is missing, a big part. I know you already know this, but it is necessary for me to tell you-for my heart.
I am working 4 days a week at Lower Columbia Mental Health; I specialize in trauma (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) so I guess you could say I see the worse of the worse. Oh my, these beautiful people are in so much pain. I pray everyday that God will use me as a vessel of his love and healing. Sometimes such wonderful things happen during the session and I feel like I am standing on the sidelines watching God do his work - WOW - it is amazing to see God's Grace at work. I started a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Group, first one in the county, 13 women. I was so anxious about doing it. I stewed and fretted over "why did I ever think I could do this?" I prayed so hard that I would not make a mistake and makes things worse for these special ladies. Well, I decided to do a 10 week group and next week is the 10th and final week. Every week I am so anxious, but it always turns out to be a highlight of my week. These ladies are survivors and have taught me the meaning of faith and courage. I have been blessed just being a small part of their life as group leader. God is definitely working in their lives.
I hope this letter finds you healthy and well. I pray everyday you will call or come home. I miss you so much and my heart is so heavy. I spoke with your Dad and told him about our visit; he was so excited to hear that you are well. He worries about you and misses you so much. He is retired and living in Florida (Cape Coral) and almost got blown away during the hurricanes last fall. You mentioned him during our visit and I wanted you to know that he is doing well.
Please, please, please find it in your heart to contact us. I will go anywhere to see you, if even for a short time. We miss you; please come home. Please let us share in your life and be together again.
I love you with a mother's love; unconditionally and forever.
Mom