You lightened my load... thank you

It has been two weeks since my daughter’s death. Two weeks made bearable by hundreds of well-wishers: blog comments, emails, text messages, voice mails, cards, and letters as well as many hugs and tears. As part of my support group, you lightened my load and made the road easier for me travel. And for that, I am very, very grateful.

Part of that travel was a magic carpet ride back in time—a ride made possible, of course, by all of the photographs I took of Elizabeth over the years. I am so grateful for them now; they evoke many wonderful memories.

The slide show I made from a few of those photographs was a labor of love that allowed me to work through my own grief. Since I posted it, it has been viewed more than a thousand times. Many of those viewers were Elizabeth’s friends, people I never knew, who took the time to share with me what they felt and what they will remember about her. Their memories are now intermingled with my own, adding a richness I wouldn’t have otherwise known.

Again, to all of you, thank you. And never be too busy to take out the camera when your loved ones are near.

Comments

[Kevin H. Stecyk]

Thank you Will for sharing your pictures of your daughter Elizabeth.

Your wonderful tribute to your daughter touched all of us. All of us, including those of us who only knew your daughter vicariously through your words and pictures, were deeply moved. We all know the precious gift that you lost.

I am happy to read that your heavy load has become lighter because others have contacted you to share their memories and express their feelings. As you continue along your journey through the grieving process, I hope that your load continues to become lighter and lighter with each passing day. I know that that load will never be removed and that the journey will never end. I wish you strength and courage.

[Rich Klein]

Wiil, I came across your most moving tribute to your daughter while surfing the net. Although I am a father with 3 sons, I cannot imagine how difficult this time has been for you and your family. I hope that you are able to remember the happy times you shared with her and that these memories sustain you in the days to come. My most sincere best wishes to you and those you love.