I cannot thank you all enough for the outpouring of love, compassion, understanding, and sympathy in the comments on yesterday’s post. It means so much to me and I have truly savored every comment and have felt surrounded by your love and kindness. I will try and respond to each of you individually but in the meantime please know that I have read them all and shared them with Dale. When the time is right I will also share all of them with Mary.
For right now I think I might need a little space from blogging. It just seems . . . odd . . . to start talking about regular stuff like knitting and reading and what we’re eating around here – which is actually amazing since the food has been pouring in from friends and it’s been very very good – when Randy’s death is still so fresh and painful.
In the meantime, you might enjoy reading this article that was in our local paper, the paper Randy wrote for, the paper Mary wrote for, and in fact the paper my brother worked for as an advertising executive for many years and my nana worked for as a bookkeeper. It illustrates just how special Randy was.
I’ll be focusing on happy memories and I promise I’ll be back soon.
Take all the time you need, Carole. Now is the time to focus on your family. I’ll be keeping you all in my thoughts.
Prayers for you and yours as you process this tragic event. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
I’m so sorry Carole. Randy sounds like a very special person. I can only share my own experience, which is that the shock and devastation you are feeling will at some point, in their own time, take up less space, and leave more room for memories that bring a sense of joy. Talking about Randy and celebrating his gifts, as you are doing, is comforting and healing for all who are hurting. Hugs to you and your family.
You and your family are in my continuing thoughts and prayers. Wishing you remembrance of happy memories and peace.
Yes, do take a break, Carole, and take care of you and your family. I will be thinking of you.
Take your time Carole and know that your honest and transparent writing about Randy and many other personal topics is touching lives. I know I am thinking about who needs some extra attention in my life.
Sending all my love to you, Carole.
XOXOXO
Carole, I am so incredibly sorry for this most profound loss. My daughter Kayleigh has had Dale for a bus driver for a couple of years now and she absolutely adores him as do we. She made a very special card for him on Sunday to show that she/we are thinking of all of you, and hope it brought a little smile to a face or two. We know all to well about this in my family as my father died by his own hand back in 2001. The “why’s” will never cease but just know there are so many people surrounding you that can provide comfort and assurance at this most difficult of times. We made it to one of their last shows this Summer in Abington and it is truly a memory we will always cherish. Our thoughts are will all of you at this time…The Shea’s (Elm St.)
A wonderful article. Why is it that the ones that make the biggest impact in our lives leave us before we are ready for them to go? We continue to hold you and your family close.
Sometimes a break is much needed to try to start the process of healing. Much love to you all. ???
Holding y’all close … and looking forward to when you’ll be back in this space. Hugs! – Mary
That’s a great article, he will be missed.
There are no words…. my heart hurts for you all….
Take the time for your family absorb all that has happened. Know you are in our thoughts.
Dear Carole and Dale and Family, My deepest condolences on Randy’s death. He loved community and nature and l’ll miss his smiling countenance and fount of knowledge at the Soule Farm. May he rest in peace! My love to you.
What a nice article about Randy! We’ll be here when you’re ready to talk about “regular stuff like knitting and reading and what we’re eating around here” again, or more about Randy or anything else. My love to you and yours, Carole.
Hi Carole and Dale,
It is such a joy to have a big loving family, as you do. The hardest part is losing one of them when you are so close. I am one of 8, when we lost my younger sister through a senseless tragedy, I didn’t think we would ever be the same. You never really are but as time goes by try to talk about Randy together as a family, remember all the fun things you did or hold on to a small memory you treasure, you will always miss him but you heart will fill with happy memories and ease some of the pain. you are all in our thoughts, Mary
Prayers and love to you and your family for a peaceful holiday.