Sunday, January 23, 2011

Overwhelming Gratitude

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So, I was out to dinner with a couple of my friends in a neighboring town last weekend and a lady stepped up to our table and apologized for interrupting and then went on to ask me a question that surprised me.

She asked, "Are you Lesterlou?"
I told her that I am.
Then she went on to tell me, "I read your blog. I'm Matchbox Mom (the name she uses to comment on my blog) and my kids still pray for you and your son."

Keep in mind that I have never met this lady, she is a stranger standing there in front of me... UNTIL she told me her screen name. As soon as she said that she is Matchbox Mom, I felt like I was greeting an old friend. I have never met her, but I know her from her comments on my blog... comments that I have always been grateful for. She has been loving and supportive without even knowing me personally. And her kids PRAY FOR US?! WOW! She knew my real name as well and I got her real name. I had to thank her.

This was a humbling experience for me and I want to thank Matchbox Mom again for going out of her way to introduce herself to me and for the prayers that they have offered for Aaron Jr and me. Thank you Matchbox Mom.

Now, I will share that this is not the first time I have been approached. I have been approached by people in the past telling me that they read my blog. I don't remember names and I didn't write about those other times because I did not want to seem like I feel like I am so important that people recognize me... but this time, when this lady told me that her kids still pray for me, I knew that I had to share my gratitude for the amazing people who have followed our story, whether they know us or not. I could name names of some of the people who have commented on my blog sharing their love and their support for us. People I know personally and people I do not know personally... and I can tell you that each and every comment that I have ever received showing support and love has been received with gratitude. And to read comments from people telling me that they are praying for us... and then hear that straight from this lady's mouth that they pray for us... WOW is all I can say. SO grateful.

The wonderful thing about comments that I have received is that... while family and friends are such a huge support to us each day... at night when I am awake in the middle of the night and I feel lonely or down, I can get on my blog and read back through comments that have been left on my blog. They lift my spirits. I cannot say thank you enough times... Thank you all so much... for prayers, for kind words, for love, for support, for kind thoughts, for caring. Thank you.

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7 comments:

LL said...

this makes me smile...I love that she had the courage to approach you.
You are loved and thought of often!

Kristi said...

Wow, that is bold of Matchbox mom. I would have scared. I too have actually been told from a lady that moved back into our ward after a year or two that when she saw you at the church (when you were visiting here) that it was strange seeing you because she and her boys follow your blog.
I will have to introduce you when you come back up.

Allred Mom said...

What a wonderful tender mercy! Quite often, it's the multitude of little things that help us get through the big things.
Fortunately, through it all we have the Savior walking beside us. We see and feel it by those who cross our paths.

Anonymous said...

I can imagine it makes the comments and support even more real when you meet one of the people behind them.

Love,

Jane

Matchbox Mom said...

Leslie!!! It was so nice to meet you that night! The funny thing was that I wasn't sure if it was you until I saw your wedding ring & then I knew for sure! It was such a pleasure to finally meet you. You are as beautiful in person as you are here. We love you to pieces. Please let us know if there's ever anything you need.

Tami

Leslie said...

i'm so glad i was wearing my ring then. that's so great. thank you again.

Lisa said...

ahhhh yes. i remember 'matchbox mom'. that is neat that you met.