Monday, October 6, 2008

Thank You!!

I don't know really how to start this post or exactly what I want to say. I just wanted to thank all of our family and friends for their great support over these past couple of weeks. Your thoughts and prayers have been greatly appreciated. It has been a very difficult time for myself and more so for Ben. Losing a parent is never easy & words can't express how much we will miss Ben's mom. Connie was a wonderful mother. She raised four great children and instilled in them a love for each other, respect for others, education, and most importantly a great and deep love for their mother.

The entire family was able to get together and share some great memories with each other. It was really nice to be able to feel closer to Ben's brother and sisters and most of all his dad. Ben has a great family and I am so lucky to be a part of it. I wish that I had the words to express to Ben to make it all better, but I don't. I do know that we can all be together again and that piece of the gospel seems so much more important than everything else at this point in our lives.

I am not even sure if this post makes sense but I really did just want to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time. Thank you for your phone calls, offers for food, text messages, friendships, and everything else that you have all done for us and for Ben's family. THANK YOU!!

20 comments:

Carrie said...

All our condolences and love!!!
-Carrie & Joel

Annie said...

Oh, Natalie. That breaks my heart for Ben and for you. Has she been sick? Or was this a big surprise? Either way, my heart aches for your heart.

I loved your comment on my blog. You explained exactly what I was trying to say. With things that you feel so deeply, you just wonder if it's appropriate to share or if it will seem trite. You expressed your feelings beautifully and I'm glad to know so that we can add you to our prayers. Please know of my love and concern.

Annie

carrie said...

I wish there was something we could do for you guys.... I felt so bad for Ben's family. I hope Ben (and YOU) felt our support, if anything. We really love Ben and we can't imagine what he must have been feeling. His parents have raised some good human beings....and Ben's mother must have been so proud of the type of person Ben grew up to be, and the type of husband she saw him be. I'm glad we were able to go to the viewing....but I'm sad we couldn't be there at the funeral. I wish I would have known Connie better. I feel so bad that her illness kept her from doing so many things....but she had so many people who loved her so much. That part was really clear to us. We love you guys. We're here, if you need anything. :o) I'm sure Ben's Dad appreciated, so much, you guys spending so much time with him. You are lucky to have married into such a good family, Natalie. It is really and truly so important. They are lucky to have you, too. :o) Talk to you soon....when you have time.

becky said...

Natalie,
Just wanted to let you know that you and Ben are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry that you guys have to go through this difficult time. We love you! Even though we are far away, let us know if there is anything we can to do help you out!

Love your cousin :)

Amber said...

Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! We will keep you in our prayers as well!

Cannon Family said...

Natalie, I don't know Ben well, but having lost my dad this summer, I can say I know what he is going through. I also lost my mother-in-law a year after I got married. It's hard as a spouse to know exactly how to deal with that. I hope you guys are OK! Just tell Ben I am so sorry!

Shayla said...

I had no idea about Ben's mom. I'm so sorry for you both :( I remember how nice his mom and dad were (are). My condolences to you both and to Ben's family. I know I am not close but don't hesitate to call if you need anything at all. Love ya!

Steph said...

We heard about Ben's mom from the Gonzaga Law School crew--we're so sorry! Your optimistic attitude and eternal perspective shows!

By the way, I think you're thinking of "Pink Sugar" from Nordstrom...it smells delicious! That's the next scent that I want! :)

Laura said...

I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.

Mogan and Will said...

I hope you two know how much we have been thinking and praying for you! We love and miss you guys so much. I wish that you were still here, but I am so glad that you are loving it out there! Losing a family member is one of the hardest things to go through, but I also know that families are eternal and that gives me the strength I need to go on. I hope it does the same for the both of you! Your mom is now at peace and whole again--what a great blessing for her! You guys have been amazing examples to us of strength and long suffering in the face of adversity! Remember..the Lord doesn't give us challenges that we can't handle. :) Miss you!

Mogan and Will said...

I hope you two know how much we have been thinking and praying for you! We love and miss you guys so much. I wish that you were still here, but I am so glad that you are loving it out there! Losing a family member is one of the hardest things to go through, but I also know that families are eternal and that gives me the strength I need to go on. I hope it does the same for the both of you! Your mom is now at peace and whole again--what a great blessing for her! You guys have been amazing examples to us of strength and long suffering in the face of adversity! Remember..the Lord doesn't give us challenges that we can't handle. :) Miss you!

Mogan and Will said...

I hope you two know how much we have been thinking and praying for you! We love and miss you guys so much. I wish that you were still here, but I am so glad that you are loving it out there! Losing a family member is one of the hardest things to go through, but I also know that families are eternal and that gives me the strength I need to go on. I hope it does the same for the both of you! Your mom is now at peace and whole again--what a great blessing for her! You guys have been amazing examples to us of strength and long suffering in the face of adversity! Remember..the Lord doesn't give us challenges that we can't handle. :) Miss you!

Mogan and Will said...

I hope you two know how much we have been thinking and praying for you! We love and miss you guys so much. I wish that you were still here, but I am so glad that you are loving it out there! Losing a family member is one of the hardest things to go through, but I also know that families are eternal and that gives me the strength I need to go on. I hope it does the same for the both of you! Your mom is now at peace and whole again--what a great blessing for her! You guys have been amazing examples to us of strength and long suffering in the face of adversity! Remember..the Lord doesn't give us challenges that we can't handle. :) Miss you!

Findlay Family said...

Natalie:

I am sooo sorry. I will definately keep you guys in my prayers and especially Ben's dad. I know that you are such a strong person and saying these on your blog was probably hard, but I do appreciate you expressing your feelings and please if you or Ben need anything we are here for you and we love both of you. When you need to talk call me I am always here. I love you

Joe and Liz said...

Natalie, I'm sorry about Ben's mother. I want you to know I'm thinking about you guys and love you.

Kim C. said...

Natalie, What a hard loss to have so young. I'm really sorry for you and Ben and hope that you're both okay. You'll be in my prayers.
kim

April said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

The Davidson's said...

Oh man that is so awful and hard. I know what you mean about wanting the perfect words to say to Ben to make it all better. Sometimes just being there is more than enough. I pray for strength and peace to come your way. Those two together seem to help with grief the most. Take care.

thequailfamily said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys. I cant imagine how you must be feeling. I didn't know Ben's mum, but I know Ben, and yes she did raise a great son. Take care.

The House that James Built said...

nat- i'm so glad you left a comment...i've mean meaning to send a note and tell you guys i've been thinking of you and how sorry i am for your loss. PLEASE give Ben my best. I hope CO is treating you well and you can settle into yet another home away from home! we'll be in touch
xoxo liz