Thursday, April 26, 2012

Overwhelmed by love



I went for a long walk with a friend yesterday. When we got back to the parking lot, she handed me a gift.  It's not my birthday, so why a gift?!?  I opened it and a collection of cards poured out, one embossed with a friend's name...a far away friend this friend does not know. I was confused, and she was smiling wide. Two big envelopes were wrapped in tissue. I opened the first and saw these words:

CONGRATULATIONS!

You are the recipient of an almost all expense paid trip to Kentucky to participate in

the CiRCE INSTITUTE Conference

The Contemplation of Creation

July 18-21, 2012






I cried.  And cried.  And cried.

A group of friends have given me this gift...just because.  I am overwhelmed by their thoughfulness and their generosity.  OVERWHELMED.

I have been in a state of shock ever since.  I am going to CiRCE...I am going to hear Wendell Berry speak...I will meet the ClassEd ladies...I am going to CiRCE...I get to travel with my walking partner.  I AM GOING TO CiRCE.

I am walking around with a dazed look on my face.  If surprise was the goal, I could not be more shocked.  Thank you, dear friends.  I cannot wait for July!



** Added later:  Second envelope had confirmation of my flight to Kentucky.  Sorry to keep you hanging, Alison.

11 comments:

Susan said...

Hi Di! What a fabulous surprise - and such a blessing to have friends who know you so well, to know how to bless you in a special way.

Enjoy! Can't wait to hear all about it.

~Susan

Alison said...

What a lovely gift! What a thoughtful heart-felt gift.

But you left us hanging. What was in the second envelope?

Skeller said...

I could NOT be happier for you. What a perfect gift!!

Staci Eastin said...

What a wonderful gift!

Pilgrim said...

I am glad for you, Diane. Kentucky is a beautiful state, and Berry is a national treasure.

elizabeth said...

How very lovely!!! so glad for you! :)

tonia said...

Oh friend. I'm so very happy for you. Now those are friends worth treasuring and nurturing!

I was just popping in here to say that I am praying for you today...for you and all the wee ones (they're still small, right? none of this growing up stuff for OUR kids) and all the big things arriving for you this year. Much love.

chris said...

great news! i'm happy you found out some months before, so that (once the shock wears off) you can bask in anticipation...

Donna Boucher said...

How great to hear you like your surprise!!
I was just worried it would conflict with the wedding.
It's been so fun being part of ths for our lovely Di!!

stephseef said...

I just came back to read this again because it made me so happy the first time. :)

Love,
The Embossed One

Diablo 3 Gold said...


everything you accomplish is definitely so magical and delightful. cherished this. sell diablo 3 gold



Runescape Money

Four Years Later

COVID:2 Collage  Four years ago today we all came home for the lock down. Middle school classes conducted by zoom on the deck, college cours...