I did it. It only took three days, but I opened the envelope that Tim had given me at church last Sunday.
I'm glad I did because it made me smile.
Those orange and blue ribbons? A nod to the University of Illinois where I did my undergraduate and graduate work. For someone whose career was spent as a professor here at Purdue (a fierce rival of Illinois) that was quite a thoughtful gesture. Already it is a treasured memento of my sweet mare.
Last week Pony Pal Julie presented me with this painting. It's not Abby, but the story behind it and the timing of the gift was perfect.
Nearly two years ago Julie's class was asked to "paint something that is important to your family" and this horse in a sunny pasture was what she created.
Always intending to give it to me, Emily told me that they forgot to bring it during the holidays. Then, they packed up and moved, popping the painting into a box and only finding it again when they finished moving in. So, when they came up here last week to attend Camp Tecumseh, the painting came with them and Julie gave it to me.
It may not be Abby in that painting, but the timing of the gift, just a few days after Abby died, could not have been better. I plan to have it framed and hang it here in my office.
Blog reader Ellie C. also sent me a painting - a watercolor of Abby. The painting is lovely and a sweet reminder of my girl. Aren't those flowers pretty?
Fleabane and red clover!
Two wildflowers that are found throughout the pastures. Fleabane is my favorite wildflower, and red clover was something Abby loved to eat. (And which always made her drool.) I will frame this watercolor, too.
Fellow blogger Betz E. surprised me with a box of yummies from Virginia that are made right there in the state. I am now a life long fan of that Red Rocker Candy! And peanuts and apple butter? Just the best.
A magnet from my friend Meg. A horsewoman herself, she understood Abby's loss and had this magnet made for me. Those hearts on Abby's face always made me happy.
This next gift is another serendipitous gift like Julie's when it comes to its timing. Someone in our neighborhood uses rocks to spread neighborliness and friendship. No one knows who it is or when the next rock will come.
The last one I received was painted in bright colors and now resides in my stepping stone garden.
This flat rock wrapped with some yarn was placed on our mailbox the week after Abby died. I put a note on the neighborhood Facebook page to thank whoever made it since I have no idea who it is. But the timing of the gesture could not have been any better.
These unanticipated gifts lifted my heart at a time I was grieving. So did the many cards, emails, and messages that I received. The thoughts, prayers, and karma that were sent.
No matter how it is expressed, the gift of kindness goes a long way. I will grieve the loss of Abby for the rest of my life, but that grief will forever be coupled with memories of the multiple kindnesses I received.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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