The Second Day of Lent

Dear Aunt Blanche,

I just finished walking Grace this evening, and I remembered that I hadn't checked my mail. I wasn't expecting anything so it was a nice surprise when I saw that I had received a note from you. As I read it, I could feel your arms around me and hear your laugh as well.

You probably know that you're my dad's favorite sister; but, you may not know that you're my favorite of all the aunts. You secured that first place spot when my world started falling apart nearly four years ago. You were the first to tell me that it was okay for me to leave Jeff; you wrote that it was time for me to take care of myself, that your prayer was for me to be happy. (I couldn't imagine that someone would actually pray for me to be happy.) I keep that note in my bedside table and read it when I begin to doubt myself.

When I went to residential treatment, you sent upbeat cards nearly everyday, along with flannel pajamas (that I have since outgrown, by the way) and other "prettys" to help me feel remembered and loved. Even after that phase of my treatment was over and the real work on my recovery had actually begun, your cards and prayers didn't go away. You were a constant that I desperately needed.

You never quoted me scripture or offered up solutions to my problems. You didn't even say "Why don't you just eat?" which is actually a very natural question from someone who has spent her life feeding us.  You simply and profoundly loved me, and when I doubted if God heard my own prayers, I knew that he would listen to yours.

Thank you for your faithfulness to me and for the unconditional love you have so freely given. It is amazing to me that though I rarely see you that you are one of the main reasons for my continued recovery.

Mother Theresa once said, "There are no great  things, only small things done with great love." Your cards and notes and prayers may have seemed small on the outside looking in, but the combination of your great love with those small things has literally been life-changing to me.

Now that I'm well and have a little more confidence in my own prayers, please trust that I am always holding you in my heart, praying for God to keep you close to Him.

I love you.
Angie