Dear Amy,
You don’t know me, but from what I’ve heard in the past two weeks, we would be good friends. I’m a childhood friend of your brother-in-law, Dan.
It was just over two weeks ago that I heard from a friend that his brother passed away.
No. That’s not right.
It was just over two weeks ago that I heard your husband was shot and killed in the line of duty.
Since then, I’ve cried. I’ve prayed. And I’ve paid attention. I’ve wondered what it must be like to be you: a mom with four young children, left alone. Dan has shared your strength and faith with me and with many. And I see that while you are now without your husband, you are definitely not alone.
The Community has really reached out to help you. And it inspires me. It’s what a Community is supposed to do.
I pray for you and your kids every day. I hope you don’t feel terribly alone. I pray that God’s arms are supporting, comforting, and protecting you.
I wish I could be there with you. I wish I could get to know you and your kids. I’ve heard stories of how strong and wonderful and considerate you all are.
We’ve suffered some losses in our lives, but I don’t equate those with your loss. Ours was outside the immediate family. And even though I have an inkling of your pain, it can’t compare to what you’re really going through.
I want to say, I’m sorry. I’m sorry there are people in the world who have no hope. Who feel they have no support and no reason to live. I’m sorry they feel the need to take out their anger, depression and frustrations on those around them. I’m sorry the world is so confused, and your husband had to pay the ultimate price.
But I’m so thankful your husband paid the price. I’m so thankful to know that there was someone out there willing to put his life on the line no matter what. Willing to help others before himself. And willing to share his faith with all who would listen.
Your husband is no longer physically here, but his legacy is. And I’ve been so touched by reading stories on his Facebook page, and reading your own postings.
You, Patrick, and your children are so very inspirational. I’m so sorry it took his loss for so many in the world to see that, including me.
But I want to thank you for the encouragement you have personally given me. You don’t even know me but you have encouraged me to keep going. To not give up. To not be selfish. To love. To forgive. To move on.
No. Matter. What.
You are a remarkable woman. And we would be great friends, I just know it.
So if you’re ever in my neck of the woods desert, I’d love to offer you a great cup of coffee and get to know you better.
Until then, I’m just so sorry for your loss, and wish there was so much more I could do.
With love, hugs, and many prayers,
Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
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What a heartfelt letter. I know she will cherish it, and for your kind efforts on her families behalf.
Winnie recently posted..Old-Time Radio Thank You
Thank you, Winnie.
Molly Jo recently posted..Dear Amy, I’m Just So Sorry For Your Loss.
:-( A beautiful letter. So sad for this family.
jenn @ so this is love recently posted..On the Eve of 30
Thanks, Jenn. I agree.
Too much loss all over this month. This was a beautiful letter. Thanks for posting.
Alyssa recently posted..Pour Your Heart Out: More Than Meets the Eye
Thanks, Alyssa; I agree: too much loss. Thanks for checking in.
Such a terrible loss. Sending prayers for her family.
Thanks, Shell. I know they appreciate it.
Molly Jo recently posted..Dear Amy, I’m Just So Sorry For Your Loss.
Oh, Molly Jo! You are a beautiful writer!!
Your words have brought me great comfort and tears…I miss my husband so desperately and you and and so many countless others have truly blessed me with your testimonies of how so much good can come from this horrible time in my life. It is truly amazing how our amazing Father in heaven is able to take such tragedy and turn it into good. Just as I would not cause one of my precious children to fall off the playground slide and break an arm, our father did NOT cause our beloved Patty to die. It just happened. I echo all you said in this beautiful post. I pray also that others will find hope; not blame God, but trust Him. He loves us so much….just as any good parent loves and dedicates their life to caring for his or her child. Being a parent for 11 years now has helped me begin to almost scratch the surface of feeling the amount of love He has for us for I know the deep love and concern I have for my children and their well-being; their need to feel loved and secure.
God bless you for sharing your thoughts and prayers with me. You and so many, many, many others are truly blessing me and giving me the strength to keep going. God is so good. xoxox
Thank you, Amy. Your strength and faith and confidence are definitely inspirational. Thank you for stopping by. Our prayers are constantly with all of you!
Molly Jo recently posted..Meet the Gilmans
What a beautiful, honest letter. I cannot imagine the pain and loss this family and community must be feeling.
Robbie recently posted..Fall Love
Thank you, Robbie. They are hurting, but will be alright.