Inspired by the questions, and the open honesty,

during our conversation on lament, at our ladies group this morning,

and by the conversation a few of us shared afterwards.

You ladies are a gift.

We are stronger together.

Thank-you.

Thank-you for letting me talk today.

Thank-you for not only listening to me speak,

but for hearing my heart.

Thank-you for waiting as I stumbled over my words,

while I tried to sort through my thoughts and feelings.

I am so grateful for your patience.

I've never said those words to anyone else before,

and it was hard to get them out.

You didn't mock my feelings,

and you didn't mind my mixed-up words.

You listened.

And you heard me.

And thank-you for allowing your tears to fall right along with mine.

My pain was not your pain,

but you bore it with me.

And even though you couldn't fix it,

I want you know,

it lightened my load.

Just knowing that I didn't have to carry it alone........

knowing that I didn't have to walk alone......

or to cry alone......

it helped.

And while I know this is not something you have experienced yourself,

I am so very grateful you took time for me.

You took the time to listen,

to cry,

and to grieve with me.

Thank-you, because you did not try to offer advice,

or list the possible reasons for my grief.

Nor did you try to assuage my guilt,

or tell me I didn't need to feel this way.

Thank-you for just listening.

And thank-you for touching my arm.

That little bit of contact held much comfort.

And while you've not felt this pain in your own life,

you understood.

Maybe not the exact pain, in the exact way I was feeling it,

but you understood that I was feeling pain.

I know you understood, because you looked me in the eye,

and I saw you, see me.

And I want you to know,

there is no greater gift you could have given me.

I know you didn't have the answers.

I don't have the answers.......

It doesn't matter.

You were just there.

Your heart felt my heart.

And it was enough.

Thank-you.

And, I want you know something.

When you need to talk,

I will listen.

I will let my tears fall alongside yours.

I will grieve with you,

and carry your burden with you.

I will walk alongside you,

and if you want me to,

I will hold your hand.

I will look you in the eye,

and I will hear your heart.

No matter what.

I'm here for you.

Just as you are for me.

We are stronger together.