words

To hurt or to heal, words have so much power. The last several days I have witnessed firsthand their incredible impact. From the words of love and compassion issued by hordes of visitors at Ray's wake... to an incredible, inspiring "love story" tribute delivered by my precious cousin to hundreds and hundreds at her husband's funeral... to the thousands (yes, thousands) of memories, condolences and messages of love and encouragement sent via email... to the mailbox overflowing with cards and letters. The words of love and kindness and healing go on and on and on.

Half the crying I did this weekend was in response to these beautiful words, and it got me thinking, Why do we wait? I'm sure friends and family told Ray that they loved him and that he was a great guy at many points throughout his life, but how many times did he receive a letter in his mailbox that said these things? How many times did someone take the time to compile a list of the things that made him special when he was well?

Over the last three days, not one person I talked to or visited with was focused on themselves. Not one. Every word, every thought, every gesture was of genuine love and compassion for another. In the worst of times we were all corporately, finally, living out the greatest commandment. Why can't we live it out in the best of times?

Recently I read about a father who sent his daughter a postcard every day she was in college. Some were mundane, some were kind of silly, all of them were daily reminders that he loved her. The story 1,000 Postcards is encapsulated in a 10-minute radio segment that is worth a listen. It's a wonderful example of how much five minutes of writing time can mean to the person who receives the card.

The last three days have inspired me in many ways. Maybe the biggest is to start sharing the words in my heart with the people I love. On paper. Just because.