In these recent weeks my family and extended family have come to know the truth of what “community” is about. The quiet support and selfless actions of this community towards us as we journeyed through our “valley of the shadow” has humbled us beyond words.
Our family mourns a son, brother, grandson. We are not people that shout our grief, rather we pull in and mourn in solitude surrounded by immediate family. You have allowed us this solitude, all while wrapping caring arms of support and love around us through deeds, cards of caring, food (and may I say we have some of the finest cooks) hugs, held hands and more than one, unsolicited but hugely appreciated, tissue. More than once I heard it said, “I don’t know what to say”, to that I say, “Say nothing. Squeeze my hand, look into my eyes, and say nothing. That alone gives comfort far more than words do anyway.”
So many people to thank, I couldn’t possibly name them all, but I do want to acknowledge Mark Wandle and the Huntley Project School for their thoughtful actions and donations of time and facilities. Donna Kruse for tirelessly coordinating the reception. The members of Eastern Star – Jephthah Chapter #116 – Worden, for unwavering assistance in the kitchens and generous donations of food and supplies. Denis Pitman for his wonderful service honoring Taylor and his understanding of our grief. Cop Construction, Cenex and Exxon Refinery, and Culligan Water (who had no connection with the families at all but sought us out to donate water), for their generous donations. I apologize, so many of you to name and thank but my mind is still in a haze.
I wish I could name you all. I do go through the cards of condolences often, placing a fingertip on each name and silently mouthing “thank you” to each and every one of you.
Prayers do matter. I may not know the sender, but I have felt them all and they have given me a small measure of comfort in our sea of grief.
A bit over 35 years ago we chose to make the Huntley Project home for our children. They, in turn, have chosen to make it home for our grandchildren and we have been blessed. Thank you all.
The loving grandparents of
Taylor Meade Larson,
Lynn Meade-Larson
& Lonnie Larson
