I got a surprise letter through FaceBook this morning which really touched me. I remember this person, as I spoke with her many times. She was one of the ambulance staff that took Vernon to dialysis five times a week over the course of two years.
Hi, I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m Jenifer, one of the EMT’s that used to take Vernon to dialysis. I just found out about Vernon’s passing & wanted to reach out to you & tell you that I’m terribly sorry for your loss & your children’s loss. I never got the chance to tell you but you inspire me in so many ways. The way you stayed at Vernon’s side & the love that you have for him is amazing. There were times were I would go to the bathroom & cry after dropping him off because it broke my heart to see how much you love him & how hard seeing him in that state was for you. You are the definition of an amazing wife & a beautiful soul. God bless you & your family, & may he give you the strength to overcome this.
I was moved by her letter, of course, as these medical assistants filled up all the important ensemble roles of our Play. But then we only tend to stay in touch with the main characters, the people we actually know well, and all the others can fade to the background when the bows are made. But these background people are the ones that make the world turn, especially in Vernon’s case, as he could do nothing by himself. Of course I knew they cared in the moment, but its a treat to actually hear that these people remember him fondly. They were such an important part of our lives, the unsung ones.
I sent the letter to my friend Sandy, just to give help give it some wings. She wrote back:
Thank you for sending this to me. It makes me actually weep. I know I have lots of tears stuffed and stuck down. And this releases some. Allison, we all have been watching ( and participating) in an extraordinary love story. And love stories usually have tears. Beautiful words from Jenifer. And so true.
And Allison. You sometimes ask, “Where is God? Is He even there? ” He was there. Inside you. As you were being His hands and feet and love to Vernon. No, He didn’t say ‘Yes’ to miraculously healing Vernon. But He demonstrated His love and power through you. And the children. And the Logies, Ketcham’s, Hendrix’s, Adams’, your parents, Joe. Others watched and saw the face of God. They saw love in action. His power and love to do what was given to Vernon.
Vernon left the imprints of his fonts behind. And he left he imprint of love.
PS Jenifer’s name was changed. But the rest of the story is real.
76
Her letter made me cry too… Thank you For sharing it.
Your loving kindness and constant Support of Vernon-Was and is a testimony of the love of God-That power that is in you; Is something the average person doesn’t get to see on display very often The love of Jesus lived out loud Infront of a mostly self seeking world. (Of course I’m not saying everyone is that way)
I’m saying how someone with faithful love, like yours Allison, paints a picture of Jesus that is Undeniable-Even to those who haven’t had eyes to see…they feel it! What kind of Amazing love carries a person through such heartache? It’s simply Jesus. And it’s awe Inspiringly beautiful. A testimony lived out for all to see.
The amount of Lives that you and Vernon touched-You probably won’t know this side of heaven. But something very big and Totally life-changing happened to all of us, either on the sidelines or on the front lines.
I love you and Vernon and the kids so much. Grieving and praying. And grateful for the hope of Heaven-the promise of Heaven
xo
💜yep, inside of You💜
Beautiful!
Crying here as well. So beautifully said and so perfectly true. Continued prayers and much love.
You have touched many Allison. Thank you for sharing this beautiful God letter.
Yes, Love in action for all to witness. ❤️
Some of my “stuck” tears came lose while reading this. Even from far away people have been watching you through the blog. I got a message from my fathers cousin some weeks ago, she is a nurse in a big hospital in Norway and she tells me she has been reading your blog, as a nurse at first and because of the connection to Maki and me, but then she got “to know” this great family.
Thank you, Synnove! That is amazing to hear.What are the chances, right? We can’t wait to visit Norway next summer!
Very good story and we watched from all over how you showed your love to Vernon. It is good to have someone whose was their with you to write back and tell you how she noticed your love for each other.
Hugs,
Becky
Thank you Alison for sharing this letter & its deep truth.
As St Paul says – we hold this treasure in earthen vessels….
Tears flow as I read your blog..