Gratitude Re: Post Cards & Goodbye

I want to thank all of my dear friends here who have been such a comfort lately, although I have been silent in responding to all the comments. Thank you to each and every one of you who commented on my Grammy's passing; you have no idea how each kind word (and in the physical world, each hug) has helped bring me a little bit back from the heavy, dark depression I was in. She was the glue in my father's side of the family--no matter how much my Aunt pushed me away for being an "unwed mother" or having a partner at the time who was a transsexual, my Grammy was always there to make sure I was included in gatherings and felt wanted and welcome. She did everything for everyone, and never wanted help in return, although we often gave (or attempted to give) it. It's harder to think of maintaining some of my relationships with that part of my family now that she's gone, although I have my daughter, my cousins, and my tiny sisters to think about ... it's not all about me anymore, and it hasn't been for many years. Anyway, it was a hard loss, just as was the loss of my other grandmother: Grand Marie. Marie Cowan Bogert and Sherry Reavis were two of the most influential women in my life, just a short, shared second behind my mother. Their loss makes the world a little less real, and history seem all the more important. Someone suggested I plant my Grammy's favorite flower in my garden, but she was a practical gardner, so perhaps some local strawberries instead. And perhaps I'll ring them around a small flowering Gardenia to remember them both by.

Ah ...

And another immense thank you to all of my friends abroad who have not only sent post cards to Ana's school, but even themselves posted the same letter in their own journals and communities. Already, Anastasia reports having received a couple with her name on it. While I'm not sure of everyone's real name (sometimes I identify people better by their online psuedonyms), a great thanks to Lia whom Ana mentioned sent a card, and to those of you, like bzarcher who liked the idea so much themselves, that you posted it elsewhere. This means so much to the children who are not only studying the stamps, locations, and postal dates, but learning about art, geography, mathematics, AND that there are people in this world who care enough to do something small to make a big difference. Because Ana's school is one devoted to social justice and diversity, almost half of all of the students are far from wealthy. Some of them are from one of the worst neighborhoods in Seattle (in fact, the school is located on its outskirts), and would not have such an amazing educational opportunity if not for the determination of its founder to make sure ANY child who wishes to participate in its community has the opportunity. Their need-based scholarships and FinAid may not always cover every last dollar of tuition (they want to make sure adults contribute something to the community, no matter how small), they do help tremendously.

Anyway ... thanks to all who've sent kind words and/or kind postcards. All of your efforts and compassion are greatly appreciated.