Today makes the five-year anniversary of this tragic experience in our family.  Over the last five years, I have thought often about this woman and this letter I wrote at the time.  I still feel deeply grateful.

To the Wife of the Neurosurgeon at Primary Children’s Hospital,

I have spent the last several days thinking of you almost constantly. I have wondered what you were doing Wednesday night when you got the call that your husband was coming home late again. I have wondered what you were planning for dinner and if you dished him up a plate to warm up when he got home. I have wondered if he missed one of the kids blocking three goals during soccer practice while all the other dads were there cheering for their players. I have wondered if your heart hurt when you tucked the kids into bed at night, and they asked you to send dad in when he got home to give them a kiss.

I have thought of the last several years of your life and wondered just how many plates you have prepared to be reheated and how many bedtimes you’ve done alone. How many times have you consciously smiled so your reply sounded supportive and understanding? How many times have you selfishly wished that people would just stop getting hurt – partially for themselves, but also so that you could have your husband home with the family more?Continue Reading