A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity...

Dearest Michael~

You know that I am struggling with people's reactions to your death.  I want to honor you every day and I know you live on in so many hearts...not just your family and your friends but in oh, so many lives that you have touched thru the years, and I am finding that it is the near strangers who are having an easier time talking about you, and some family members and a lot of friends who are not.  And I am having a difficult time with that because I want to hear your name spoken...I want to know that they are thinking of you...that they miss you...I want you to come alive in conversations...I don't want to dance around your name and make the situation awkward.  I know that they think they are protecting me, or maybe even themselves, but I just don't understand it and I just don't like it!

I miss you every day~some days more than others and though I am learning my way to being alone I'd give anything to have you here with me...

Forever love,
Karen

Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort:
Deal graciously, we pray thee, with those who mourn,
that casting every care on thee,
they may know the consolation of thy love,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen