Last week, on the 3rd anniversary of our son's passing (the very day, in fact) we received a package at our door. With trembling hands, we opened it only to discover a cross stitch of our son patterned after one of our very favorite images of Mitch. Meticulously woven by different colored threads, it looked like a photograph.
A compassionate follower-turned-friend gave this to us as a labor of love and a token of her affection. I remember first becoming aware of her when I saw her post photos of her family wearing#milesformitchell t-shirts as they participated in our virtual runs. They would make hand-drawn posters and gather as a family to take pictures, expressing their love and support. I was so humbled by her love made visible.
So, when Natalie and I had the pleasure of finally meeting Vanessa Bryson and her son in South Carolina when we gave a keynote at a conference a few weeks ago, I felt like I was seeing a long-lost family member. She was just as loving and kind in person and she seemed online.
A day prior to this package arriving we received a smaller package that contained a loving hand-written note, a few first place ribbons she won at a competition along with the proceeds of her winnings to be used for flowers at Mitchell's headstone. My wife and I wept over her incredible gesture of love.
This beautiful work of art ... this love made visible ... will hang in our home as both a reminder of our son whom we miss so much and the amazing people that live on this planet; people who care enough to reach out and love complete strangers. Thank you Vanessa, for your love and friendship and for being such a tender part of our healing journey.
When Mitch was a tiny baby he knew just how to make me smile. In those early years I remember driving to the intersection where Natalie served as a crossing guard, surprising them with a quick hello. Baby Mitch sat in his car seat content with life and just glad to be alive. Natalie, his faithful mommy, would read books to him as they waited for children to cross the road. Mitchell always seemed excited to see me, but I was even more excited to see him. I'd jump in their car and we'd just talk. Mitch would look at me and smile - and that always seemed to turn a good day into a great day.
This morning as I thought of him, he did it again; I felt his smile in my soul. Today is going to be a great day.
I remember doing an audio interview with Mitch when he said, "Well, at least I have today." I loved that. I wrote it in my journal and I wrote it in my soul. I vowed from that moment on to always be grateful for today.
So, in keeping with Mitchell's words, I was grateful for today. It has been a day of love and reflection, peace, and mourning. Above all, this has been a day of gratitude.
My friend, Darrell Robinson, who helps me manage our Miles for Mitchell page, posted the following quote and invited those who follow that page to try to meet one of its challenges, in honor of Mitch.
I loved these words so much, I wanted to share them here. If ever there were a philosophy my son taught me, it is this. I pray to always be grateful for today and try to live by the following:
"... mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.
Write a letter. Give a soft answer.
Encourage youth.
Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.
Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge.
Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand.
Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else.
Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more.
Express your gratitude.
Welcome a stranger.
Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Speak your love, and then speak it again."
-Howard Hunter