Comment by Ingrid on 27 Oct 2010 at 7:04 am

Good morning Karen,

In reading your story I was left with a type of unexplainable peace.I can’t begin to express the change in me but know it came from your writing between the lines of the book and your answers on your blog. Could it be a reason to share with you my past I’m not certain but I know you have a special gift in keeping someone close in heart. Once your in, you never leave. My question won’t be easy to answer but I have cancer and have about three months to go. I would like to know what I can write to people to touch their hearts the way you do. Any suggestions on how to write some kind of letter? At least a beginning? If you were dying what would you write to people as a group and individual letters? I am ready to go and need help preparing. Can you help me?

Ingrid

Dear Ingrid,

Thank you for sharing, thinking of me, and being inspired by me. I feel privileged to receive your heartfelt letter. I’m sorry for your loss and understand your need to prepare yourself and your loved ones. Though I hope and pray that you survive, I admire your courage to do what’s in your best interest. If I were you I would hope I could have the same strength when facing the reality of my illness.

I believe leaving behind letters is a wonderful way of sharing your feelings with those close to you. Sharing in your own written words is a personal, priceless and powerful inspirational gift. If I was told I was to die soon I would start by writing one letter to all my friends and family sharing how important they have been to me throughout the years. Next, slowly, I would try my best to write individual letters touching on my personal relationship and what they meant to me. Write what’s important to you; write from your heart. If that seems too difficult I would search for the perfect card and write a shorter note in hope to help them ease their grief. I would most likely share that I will always be with them in heart and spirit. That I am only a mere memory away. And that whenever they think of me, I will be there. I would ask that each remember the good parts of our relationship and not the sad times. I would ask them to pay their kindness forward to someone else in need. I would share that we all must go and that it simply was my time to move on. That death is a part of life and there is no escaping when God calls us home. I would ask my friends and family not to cry too long over me because that would only sadden me. I would tell them I am everywhere, and when they need me I will be there in every smile, flower, slow moving stream of water, calm clear night, brightest star, and also will be there in every storm they experience.

I will pray for your safe journey. Please take care of yourself and feel free to write to me here or on Facebook. I am here for you.

Wishing you all my best…

Karen