((((Velveteen Rabbit)))) Special love and prayers to you!

[Theodora]

I'm so sorry to hear that "J." will be leaving and hear your pain at having to face another significant loss in your life. You are wise to know that this WILL require a grieving process AND wise to know that you will NOT being doing this "alone!" Please do continue to reach out to us TOO, in addition to keeping this in prayer, and know that you do have our support and prayers.

Though I wouldn't want to get your hopes up, like Jerry, I was also wondering what God might be preparing for you BOTH through this experience. I must confess that the FIRST thought that popped into my mind was the old saying "Absence makes the heart grow fonder!" It COULD also be that "J." will recognize what an absolutely LOVELY treasure he had in your love for him when he's not able to take it so for granted. In any case, do know in your heart that you ARE a true treasure and don't allow this person's lack of perception to shake your self-confidence. (Don't take his move too "personally" either!)

Know that I will be keeping you in thought and prayer.

Hang in there!!!

Much love--

Theodora

[Velveteen Rabbit]

Hi Theo,

Thanks for your gracious and loving message. I had a hard time sleeping last night, as you can imagine. Sooo many thoughts and questions were running through my mind -- "What about this? What about that? How will I handle this or that?"

At 2:15 a.m. I finally turned on my light, read my Bible, prayed, wrote in my journal and just asked God to get me through the night. I did sleep okay after that and woke up feeling a little less panicky. My mom came by about 20 minutes ago, too, and asked how I was doing so I got to talk about it a bit. The next few months will be challenging -- not only for me personally because of my friendship with him, but also for our church because he had recently taken on some big roles in the ministry (he had no plans to leave anytime soon). But the church has been through situations like this before and God continues to bless us and provide for us. It's HIS church and He will take care of it.

As for the idea that J might miss me when he goes... it sounds nice but I really don't expect that to happen. Much as I hate to see him go, this move makes sense for him and I think he'll stay there and be happy. He'll be closer to family and his roots. I feel this is more a case of God really clearly showing me that I need to move on.

Anyway, I have SO much work to try and concentrate on this week. I should get started. Thanks for your prayers, your love and your support. I'll check in again later.

Love,

VR