I’ve spent the last two weeks trying to figure out what I wanted to say about meeting Jonathan and Bethany’s friends and family. It isn’t because I don’t have thoughts. I do. Rather I think it’s difficult because my thoughts on it were so simple.
Unlike a lot of things since my husbands death this wasn’t as complicated as I had thought it would be. And for that I am so happy and grateful.
When Jonathan and I started dating his friends and family added me to their facebooks. Just as mine added him. They get a regular glimpse into who I am, our relationship and life together. I get to peek into their lives.
The days leading up to going I had a mix of feelings. Between excited and nervous. What if they didn’t like me. What if my being around hurt their grief process. It’s one thing to have me in another state….but in their homes. That’s different.
The welcoming I got when I got there was so warm. So inviting. Not once was I made to feel like I shouldn’t be there. Bethany’s family treated me like one of their family. Bethany’s best friend came over to meet me and gave me the biggest hug. I didn’t feel at all out of place sitting there talking with her and Jonathan.
My only regret of the trip is that we didn’t have more time. I am already looking forward to the next time I get to see them.
A big thank you to everyone I got to meet. Thank you for welcoming me and Logan with open arms. Thank you for treating us like family. Thank you for making us feel like we belonged.
I’ve seen so many stories of these kinds of meetings going differently. And I am glad and thankful that our meet went so well. Till we meet again.
?TWM