1,000 Weeks — 7,000 Days

Dear Laura and Carolyn—

I look at the numbers and I can scarcely believe that nineteen years has slipped by since I last had the privilege of speaking with you and being in your presence.  Nineteen years is almost one quarter of one’s life!

For the last few years I have had this belief that this December would be the time of our reunion.  As you may have figured out, I am fascinated by numbers—especially the numbers 227, 228, and 426—our birthdays, of course!  You may know that I turned 54 years old this past February.  I realized then that “54” held special significance as it is two times 27 (2×27).  And as I included in the above graphic, 19 years is 228 months—also a number of significance!  Coincidently, this past Tuesday (November 30, 2010) was my 20,000th day on this Earth.  Looking forward a bit—February 04, 2011 will be the 1,000-week (7,000-day) anniversary of our parting.

While some folks may think all this number play is silly—and it may be—it has served to keep my hope and my faith alive for all of these years—perhaps it is the GOOD LORD’s way of saying that everything will be alright.  And for that, I am truly grateful.  Nineteen years of living without someone you care about very,very much is a very, very long time.  As I have noted in many of my previous notes to you, the pain I feel at your absence only grows deeper with each passing day, month, and year.

Click here to view this nineteen-year anniversary letter in its entirety.

I do want so very much to get in my van and drive down to see you on this anniversary.  But out of respect for you and your space, I will not make any attempt to pay you a visit.  In looking for someway that will allow me to feel as though I am doing something to mark the day, I will make my way to Ben Lomond Regional Park at some point during the day, sit for a spell, and reflect.  I have many wonderful memories of pushing you on the swings there—and of taking a hayride on a sunny autumn afternoon despite the fact that the visitations were supervised.  Should you decide to stop by the park on your home from work Tuesday, you will find two dozen roses by the swing set—with your names on them.  I can think of no other way to honor both your space and my heart.

Deep down somewhere inside you must know that I did not abuse you in any way.  You must wonder if all of the things that you have been taught about me are true.  I pray that by visiting this Web site you will be able to get a glimpse of what is in my heart and mind—that it might somehow give you courage to face whatever fears you might have.

As always, my door is open to the both of you.  Thank you to both of you for being such incredible blessings in my life!  May the GOOD LORD continue to bless each of you with much happiness and health!  Much love to you always!

Matthew Chapter 25:40 (King James Version)—

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”