I believe I might have named another post ‘overwhelmed’ this year but it doesn’t matter because I can’t imagine another word to use for my emotions right now. Not overwhelmed in stress but overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and generosity from friends.
One hour after posting my blog yesterday, “Good in Everything”, Neal and I headed to our friends home for a Christmas party. We walked into the home with a crowd of our mutual friends crying out ‘SURPRISE!’.
I was dumbfounded. Literally. “Surprise?” I asked Jodi, the host. “What do you mean surprise? Why?” It wasn’t my birthday or Neal’s. Why would they be throwing this party for us?
Apparently the day after the storage fire our friends put this party together in order to surprise us with new Christmas memories.
I’m overwhelmed still. Exhausted from the outpouring of love and fighting my instinct to push it away, overcoming the feeling of unworthiness. Why would do they do this for me? Accepting their support, gifts, and love is emotionally difficult because I want to immediately return the love. How do I accept and sit?
The onset of tears occurred all night and by the time I got in the car I couldn’t believe it was almost midnight. I felt like Cinderella who’d overcome so much.
My family as been blessed beyond measure. I am so grateful and thankful for our friends, who are our family, our community. I love you.
Blessings
Shannon