Thank yous....

I have been trying to compile all my thank you letters and cards that need to be mailed out to friends, family, and community members.  But, I have struggled to get it all done.  I know that time is an issue but really the issue is that "I JUST DON'T WANNA DO IT."  I know you all are hearing me in a two year old whiny voice saying this.  Sometimes, as adults, there are so many things that we just don't wanna do but have to.  And, writing these cards and letters out is one of them.  I just don't want to have that final thing done.  William was so much more than I can write in words.  So, if you have yet to receive a thank you, I am so sorry.  I am working at it.

But, I can write out some of the many, many things that have touched my soul.  These are in no particular order just listed out.  And, if I have forgotten someone or something, my brain is mush!

My mom and dad....cause no matter what, one always needs their mommy and daddy sometimes (and their shoulders to cry on or the ears to hear your story when you can't hug them from Ottawa)

My in-laws....lending me an extra shoulder to cry on (and for Chris to have your shoulders to lean on and ears to hear his tales)

Brothers and Sisters (and in-laws)...loving us and never being afraid to say it and more importantly to show your love for the Five of Us.  And, for the amazing fundraiser on Will's behalf.  Thank you to Josh (and Amanda), Andrea (and Mike), Donnie (and Karen), Amy (and Justin).

A fellow church member and friend who served as the funeral director for William's service.  Knowing that my baby was in your hands, Eric, made my heart hurt a little less.  You are awesome at what you do....a true calling, just as my job is my calling.

A letter from someone I went to high school with about the loss of her newborn baby this past Summer...it was just what I needed.  Thank you, Tricia.  I definitely cried when I read it, but I also felt so connected.  Our stories are different but the loss is the same.

Hair interventions for all of us...cuts, color, styles, etc.  Jamie rocks!!

The many stories of those we know that have lost a child.  The tales are healing for both parties, us on the receiving end and them on the giving end.  Keep telling your stories.  They make us feel like we are not alone.  And, we continue to tell William's story everyday.

A message on Facebook from a high school classmate that has turned into a great friendship through correspondence even though she lives in Olathe (less than 25 miles away...and works in Paola also 20 miles away).  Thank you, Beth!

A card in the mail reminding me that I am strong when I feel the weakest.  And, the reassurance that one can be beautiful in other's eyes when they don't feel so beautiful.  Kirstin...I needed it this week

Calls daily.  Texts daily from my nearest and dearest friends.  EVERYONE.

Ronald McDonald House.

Friends taking me to dinner when I didn't want to get away but needed to do so.  And, the insistence that we do it again.  SOON--this week, in fact!!!  Megan, Kodi, Miranda, Molly...I need mommy time and thanks for making me take it!

Friends caring for our animals at a moment's notice.  Bowers, Browns, Wolzens, Wingerts, etc.

Ottawa....the community, Fire Department, Police Department, Ransom Memorial Hospital.

Other churches in the area...supporting William's Pancake Feed, bringing us an entire Thanksgiving dinner this week just to show love.

Friends shopping for my kiddos when I didn't feel like going to the store....Thank you Robbie and Miranda.

Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, and Doctors at Children's Mercy Hospital.....Garrett, Lori Ray, Lori, Scott, Lauren, Annie, Greg, Jessica, Kalli, Jackie, Teresa, John, Dr. O'Brien, Dr. Shah, Dr. Tieves, Dr. Allen, Dr. Vaughn, Dr. Bingler, etc!!!