My heart is so full of warmth and love having just finished reading your cards and expressions of care. It has been a marvelous day for me, with rousing worship, beautiful music, hugs, smiles, and kind words. Your outpouring of love at my farewell party deeply touched my heart. One member asked me today, “Where are the tears?” Well, they are running down my face now as I write this and reflect on you all and what you mean to me.
I want to say thank you to each of you, for your expressions of love. The “sport theme” farewell was just perfect. I love the photo memory book and am grateful for the gifts to World Hunger Relief in my name. Each of the gifts presented today will be cherished forever – both the serious and humorous. And a very special thanks to the children that drew pictures and made cards.
For all those who worked on my farewell – thank you. For you that were able to attend the celebration – thank you. And for each of you that I have encountered through this time at St. Mark – thank you for sharing your life with me. I have been enriched, and I am grateful.
And then there’s the other side – having to say goodbye. I got a card that said while looking at a label on a bottle, “See, there are no cats in catsup! And there is no good in goodbye, either.” Yet, there is joy in having shared our lives together for these past eighteen months. Thank you, and God bless you.
With much love,
Pastor Linda