Matt called Brian a little after 1pm and asked that he pass along the news. I happened to be up in Lexington, grocery shopping and he came to find me to tell me in person. If he hadn't come to find me and tell me in person, I might not have believed him. I didn't want to believe him in that moment. After calling a few friends and meeting up with others at their home, we began spreading the word to the church community that has surrounded Matt and Dori throughout her fight with cancer.
I have been blessed over the last two years to have gotten to know Dori. Over the last year and a half I have had the privilege to walk next to her through a small group with three other amazing ladies and friends that I cherish deeply. I was blessed to see Dori twice during the last few days she was here. It was hard to see her but so good. I needed to see her and say goodbye. If you know Dori you would know that she did not love when people treated her like she was already gone when she was still alive. So I didn't really say goodbye when I was with her but just seeing her was all the closure I needed.
I had texted her Sunday after they returned to Lexington. I was not worried that I didn't hear from her right away. I really didn't expect to. Thankful she took the time to text me Monday night. She apologized for not calling even though she had nothing to apologize for. It was not until Wednesday afternoon that I heard from her again. She called. I know that it was not a small act for her and I am thankful that she called. I needed to give her a canvas picture that I had made of her and Carter so I stopped by Wednesday afternoon. I was blessed with 25minutes of time with her and the hope of seeing her again the next evening with the rest of our small group.
Thursday night we were able to be with her, to listen to her, to love her and to help take care of her for two hours. And Friday marked Matt and Dori's 5 year anniversary. A few weeks ago she told one of our friends that she just wanted to make it to her anniversary. And she did.
Dori I wanted to thank you for a few things.
Thank you for:
-sharing my love for all things bread;
-teaching me about "W" sitting, standing on toes, bouncing, overs-extension and all of those other wonderful OT things that you know;
-showing me that some people can hate the feeling of adrenaline and still go kayaking anyway;
-being a part of the community here in KY that opened my heart up again to being vulnerable and to lean into the grief that I came here with;
-loving me with a sweet but strong voice;
-listening and encouraging me in my marriage;
-for the countless adventures over the last year, a random night of dinner and a redbox, getting bread sticks at Joe Bologna's, camping, baseball games and Sunday mornings;
- and last but certainly not least thank you for letting me walk along side you through everything. It was a privilege that I did not take lightly, nor one that I will ever forget.
It was only after hearing the following words by Dori (more than once) over the last few months did I understand a little deeper what it means to have our hope in Christ.
"Why are we so afraid of dying, if as Christians our end goal is to be with Jesus? Then it's okay if I die. I get to be with Jesus."
Yes Dori, you my friend, are with Jesus now and forever. And you sweet friend are now completely whole and made new. No more pain. And for that I will rejoice in the Lord.
From your sweet and thoughtful words, I believe I would have loved Dori's company. I love her quote! What a blessing that you were able to share life with her the past few years. My heart grieves with yours and rejoices with yours. His promises are so firm and true! You, Brian, and Dori's family are in my prayers today. Love to you!
ReplyDelete