Anyone who’s lost someone they love through death is acquainted with the harsh finality of the separation. No new photos of that person, no fresh conversations, no advice or opinions, no notes or cards.
Earlier this week when my Hope Chest revealed a whole bagful of Nate’s handwritten notes that I hadn’t remembered saving, my heart skipped a beat, and I gave the bag a big hug. I believe God led me to those notes to help me develop a spirit of gratitude within my widowhood. In that same spirit, I share a sampling here with you.
Rising by 5:00 am every morning to make his long commute to Chicago’s Loop, Nate and I didn’t connect on workday mornings. Instead his greeting to me was a 3 x 5 card, usually propped against the coffee pot. Despite the financial crucible he was experiencing at the time, a positive tenor flowed through his messages. Reading them from my current position without him, has been inspirational.
(No need to read them all, if you can even read them at all!)
It’s good for each of us to ask, “When my family is disposing of my things, what statements will my life be making?”
If I could choose one theme I’d like them to find, it would be gratitude, and not just gratitude in general, but gratitude to God. I have a long way to go, but Nate’s notes have inspired me in that direction. Maybe I’ll even buy myself a pack of 3 x 5 cards.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34)
Just amazing to know what a little note to someone you love can make such a different. What a special loving man Nate was writing you all these cards every morning.
Thank you for sharing Nate’s notes. Although they are true expressions of gratitude, one can sense the deep love for family and the things that make up everyday life. That, in and of itself, speaks volumes about the life you lived as a couple and family. I, too, am inspired to get a pack of cards and start expressing more gratitude. I like the idea of daily writing gratitude cards to share with co-workers, when visiting family and friends and just to carry in my purse in the event I feel led to give one to a stranger. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Marni, Thank you for sharing. Nate’s notes are a wonderful example to me of letting others we know and love that we appreciate the little things in every day life. Definitely not quantity or length of the note but quality. How much more will our Heavenly Father appreciate our gratitude of the daily life. Thanks once again.
I haven’t been visiting your site long, but this post is amazing. Your husbands love, consideration, respect, gratitude, humility and his ability to convey much meaning in such short notes is amazing. I wish more of us took time to learn a lesson from Nate.
I really feel like I’ve gotten to know Nate more after he passed away through your blog, than I did when you both lived here near us. At that time, my memory of him is just a quiet man that I knew in passing, who was Ryan’s Sunday School teacher at one point. I wish I had had an opportunity to know him better then! It’s so interesting to read these notes and get a glimpse into his personality.
What a true blessing to find Nate’s notes! So smart of you to save them all. I wish I could have met him! I have saved all of my husbands birthday cards,anniversary cards,etc.to me and when I feel ”down” I pull them out and feel his love afresh. How powerful is the written word! Thanks for sharing Nate’s notes with us.
What beautiful words that come from Nate’s heart for you and your family.
How wonderful that Nate’s hoping you pursue your passion for writing has come true!
Thanks for sharing Nate’s notes. It has been an eye opening experience to the little things that I have neglected throughout the years. What a blessing just a few words can make and the lasting impression they can make on a heart.
Your post today brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful way to remember your Nate! Wish I had a few notes to hug!!
Enjoy and thanks for sharing!