Thursday, October 26, 2006

Ties that bind....

A few summers ago when my Daughter Amanda was a Senior in High school, one of her best friends tried to kill herself with an overdose of pills. Since I had become "MOM" to many of my Children's friends, her friend knew she made a mistake and called me at home to tell me what she did. I immediately flew to her house and let myself in to find her semi-coherent enough to tell me what she took and how many she thought she took, I called 911 and waited for the Paramedics to arrive. My intent was to follow her to the hospital in my truck but I actually arrived at the hospital before the ambulance did (go speed racer go!!!! lol) I gave my statement to the police officer that responded. Whenever there is a suicide attempt the police department has to be notified.

While I sat in the waiting room, waiting for them to finish pumping her stomach, her Mother arrived, I had never met the Woman before and I wasn't sure how she would react to the fact that I was her Daughters confident and not her. With tears in her eyes she thanked me for always being there for her Daughter especially this time, her Father's reaction.......let's just say he wasn't thrilled with yet another hospital bill, didn't even ask how his Daughter was doing........nuff said!

The reason I am revisiting this time is because even though 2 years has gone by and the girls don't keep in touch that often, I received a card in the mail yesterday from Amy and I wanted to share it with you.

Dear Kim,
I just wanted to write you a note to say that my prayers are with you and I know you are strong enough to pull through this. Thank you so much for taking us under your wings, you've treated Me, Krista, Matt and all of Amanda's close friends like your own and you're truly a unique, caring, loving, thoughtful, trusting and most of all understanding Mom to us all. Without you I don't know who I'd turn to during my sisters addiction and hard time and with my bipolar, because you've been in the same situations, which my own Mother doesn't quite understand. Thank you for being there for me, and I hope I can now be there for you. I know you can survive this because you have survived life and are the strongest Woman I have ever met and you're a God Send to me and I hope one day I can be the same for my daughter's best friends! Thank you for being in my life and also for saving it, I will never forget that day, I will never forget your love, Iwill never forget you! Thank you for being you and don't let this letter get you down.

We love you always,
Amy

With a letter like this life just can't get any sweeter! She is doing better and her realtionship with her own Mother is stronger, her Father has quit drinking and they are healing old wounds and they both have sent long their prayers and good wishes that I have a full recovery too. So far this morning I'm feeling really good after yesterdays chemo, but if I don't post for a few days then know that I am resting and will be back soon!

Love,
Kimberleigh

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

You never know who you touch and just how strong that impact is, until they say so.  Sadly, some people never take the time to  express their feelings.  That was very kind of Amy to take the time to write, and so eloquently.  Take care...
xoxo ~myra

Anonymous said...

How rewarding that must be, to get a note like that.  You deserve it.

Anonymous said...

After a letter like that the one question you should never have to ask is ......what is my purpose in life. I love you my irish broad

                           ~~~Robin~~~

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Anonymous said...

 Do you remember that movie, Pay if Forward.   You are living proof that it works.  Take care

                      Julie

Anonymous said...

Take care of yourself.  Sending you healing thoughts!-k

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful thing you did!  You saved her life!  And now she will be there for you as you take this journey...very sweet...rest up.  Jae

Anonymous said...

Kim,  I'm glad you posted today.  I was wondering how your"day-after the 3rd treatment" was going.  Amy's note about says it all.....you are a very special person.  Hang in there.  I know you will be resting for the next couple of days.
Smiles,
David

Anonymous said...

Kim, what a beautiful letter she wrote you, how nice that you were abfole to be there for Amy during such a scary situation, have a good day Lisa

Anonymous said...

Well done Kim, it was good of you to take that role upon yourself.

Anonymous said...

that is a beautiful letter!  have a great weekend!
tina

Anonymous said...

How very sweet!  Says alot about YOUR character......
Ash

Anonymous said...

That's a beautiful letter!  So sweet!
Hugs,
Dana
http://journals.aol.com/rainy35/RoadToSuccess

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful letter!  Linda

Anonymous said...

Sometimes it makes all the difference in the world to know that what you did was worth while.
Jude
http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay

Anonymous said...

That is great that you were there for your daughter's friend in her time of need.  So many times we as parents cannot be the "person" our children need and in that event it is wonderful when people like you are there to lend your heart, ear, whatever to them.  You never know what your influence can do in a child's life.  I try and keep that in mind with dealing with any child I come in contact with because you never know when that child may need an "angel".  That is so sweet of her to send you that card and that just goes to show that you touched this girl in a place that is a very special thing.  I hope you continue feeling well this round.  Just hang in there.  Love ya! Brandy

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Anonymous said...

That was a beautiful letter to receive.  I hope you are ok after your chemo and will be back soon after a rest.  Terry

Anonymous said...

Love this entry!
So glad you were there for this girl...
she is right...you saved her life!
My mom was always like mother hen to
all of my friends , as all my friends stayed at
my house all the time...they thought i had the
coolest mom around... =)   I think that makes
a mother/daughter bond even stronger...when your
mom is so good with your friends....I know i always
appreciated and respected mom more for it.  
Hope you have a relaxing weekend...I will be thinking
about you.... =)

Hugss..~Terri~

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Anonymous said...

Kim, know her letter touched your heart, know reading it did mine. She'll never forget your being their for her and I'm sure that has changed her life for the better knowing someone didn't judge her, but saw that she was taken care of. Bless you dear. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.   Take care....Arlene (AJ)

Anonymous said...

That was soooooooooooooooooo beautiful....God bless you for being there for the children...
love ya,
carlene

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Anonymous said...

A hug, and a giggle.

Anonymous said...

That is just wonderful!  I bet you keep that letter in a special place where you can take it out from time to time and re-read it.  What a very sweet and thoughtful young woman.

Love,
Sheila

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful when we receive feedback that our actions have had a tremendous positive impact on someone else's life.  You are one of the rare persons who can look beyond their "own" and reach out to others...God will bless and cradle you..heal and be well my friend...Sandi

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful friend you were to this young lady. The note she sent you tells it all. Glad to read you are still in there plugging along. Wishing you well as always, paula