A Room Filled with Love

The benefit is over. I’ve been worried about it for a month. Anxious. Doubting whether I deserved such an honor. Little bits on Facebook have shown things to come. Donations by generous people. All kinds of wonderful things. As I pulled up this evening, I was so nervous. To be the center of attention isn’t easy for me. And, throughout my latter years, some people have grown unfond of me due to messy life situations. I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been a bit “gun-shy” for the past five years or so. I paused before rounding the back door corner. Took a deep breath, adjusted my mask, and step into the room. There were already quite a few people bidding and bustling about. As Steve said, teams and teams of people. Busily working to make this benefit work. As more people came in, the air in the room started to fill with love. It was tangible. It filled every corner of that building. I’ve never experienced so much love and support at such high intensity. I am pretty sure I looked at every single person in that room. I didn’t get a chance to speak to every single one. I waved at several. Smiled at many. Spoke to as many as I could. But I want you all to know this- that meant the world to me. You showing up meant so much. The way you filled that enormous room. The love you poured out of your heart. It’s not even the money. I felt your love.

We sat in that room. United for one thing. That thing, I humbly say, was me. Who knows how we voted. What side we were on. Where we went to church, or didn’t go to church. How many messes. None of that mattered. Every single one of you came into that room and just showed us love and support. At one point, I started crying during the auction. I couldn’t hold it in. My dad and I sat there and cried. So many people doing so much for me. To each and every one of you- who gave money, who gave time, who read my words, who pray for me, who worked so hard in this, who think of me- thank you with all of my heart. I left this evening with a full heart. I won’t be able to sleep for hours! I lay here and look at you all. I feel the air in the room. I feel the goodness. The kindness. The love. It is nestled in my heart, warming my soul. You all know I can write, but I cannot seem to formulate the words to express my deepest thank you. Thank you for coming. Thank you for giving. Thank you for your love. Much love to you all.