Thank You

As many of you know, my life changed in an instant on October 6. In the days since, I have been reminded in the biggest way of just how much love, kindness, and goodness exist in this world.  The outpouring of love and support has been nothing short of overwhelming. I have found myself crying several times a day just thinking about it. From the bestest of friends who organized this fundraiser, my family, to my students and their families, my fellow teachers, Parker House family, friends, and so many members of our community, I have felt your love in ways that I will never be able to fully put into words.

And then there is Piper and Addy❤️

As a mom, there is nothing in this world more important to me than knowing that my kids are okay. Through all of this, you have wrapped your arms around them in ways that I will never forget. You have checked in on them, lifted them up, kept them in your thoughts and prayers, shown up for them, helped get them to their games and Girl Scouts, and reminded them that they are surrounded by people who love them so much. You have given them comfort, strength, and a sense of normalcy during a time when so much has felt anything but normal. Truly, if there is one thing I could ask for in this world, it is for my children to be okay. Because of all of you, they have felt that they are going to be okay, and I cannot adequately express what that means to me.

Please know that every message, every kind gesture, every prayer, every donation, and every thought sent our way has meant more than you can possibly imagine. Your generosity has touched not only my heart, but my soul.

The recovery process is slow, and I am learning to take things one day at a time. As moms, we spend so much of our lives taking care of everyone else, keeping all the pieces moving, and making sure the people we love are okay. Slowing down, letting others take care of me, and accepting that I cannot rush this process has been a humbling experience. It is not always easy, but I am learning to give myself the same grace and patience that I would so readily give to someone else. Through it all, I am deeply grateful for the love that surrounds me and my girls.  

Above all, I am deeply, deeply grateful to be here. To be alive, to have the opportunity to continue healing, to see the faces of the people I love, to thank you in person, and to give all of the people who have carried me and my family through this the biggest hugs. There is something so profound about being reminded of just how precious life is and how much it means to be surrounded by people who love you. I look forward to the day when I can see so many of you, give you the biggest hug, and thank you in person, because a simple “thank you” will never feel like enough. From the bottom of my heart, I am so thankful for you and I appreciate every single one of you more than words will ever be able to do it justice.

Christine, Piper, and Addy