Nothing fancy today just some words that come from my heart!
Last year, evil invaded our homeland. It was the first time I think I ever felt a strong vulnerability. I cried as we all did for days and days and asked the same question everyone asked… "Why did this happen to us?" I would like to express that my heart is with the family and friends of all victims of last years terrorist attacks. There are no words that I can type that can possibly begin to explain how much I wish this had not happened to our country....to the unexpected, the innocent, and the ever so brave. I feel like before this horrible tragedy I was so unaware of what could happen in this country. Almost like I took my freedom and opportunities for granted. The heroes of these attacks simply went to work like we all do everyday - like any other day, but were then faced with the ultimate decision of turning back or rushing forward putting their own lives at stake to save others, yet none looked back. I'm not a poet, I'm not a writer, and I'm not even a person who feels qualified to write words regarding this subject. I am however, someone who wants the world the know that I myself was guilty of needless unkindness if nothing more than a little road rage in early morning traffic.
Now when I'm stuck in traffic or find myself in a long line at the grocery store I make it a point of reminding myself that I am lucky to have the chance to be in my car at all, or to be stuck in that line and have another day, another week to love my friends and family. The next time you find yourself with your feathers in a ruffle, do a little closer observation and ask yourself…Is this really worth the energy I will need to exert to feel this anger. Instead take this time to experience some new music on a radio station you wouldn't normally listen to or make the effort to speak to the person in front of you in that long line. You never really know they may end up your life long friend.
We only have so much time here to love one another, let's not sweat the small stuff. I promise to try and make this world a better place and I hope everyone who reads these words will do the same. I believe we're all really doing the best that we can, but that's not to say we can't try a little harder every day in every way to find the peace we all need. God Bless each and every one of you for doing the best that you can!
Below is a copy of an email I received last November. Of all the thousands and thousands of emails and letters I received this is the one that made me sit on my living room floor and cry for hours. Here I was a silly girl trying a crazy plan to meet the man of my dreams and I receive something so priceless from a person who has so many other things he could be worrying about. His subject states "Worth the Trouble" His trouble made me realize that my adventure, my dream, and my search were justified. When I look back and people say… If you don't end up married won't you regret spending all that money?" My answer to them is this… "Receiving this email and having the chance to get to know someone so selfless makes it worth every cent" There will only be a few moments in your life when you say to yourself… I really made a difference. Before I did this crazy adventure I had never really felt that way. I believe now I have inspired many, I have humored thousands, I have spread the desire for lasting love. When asked why I did this? Because I am inspired, romantic, silly and creative and if no one else noticed, one man in Ohio did and that made this all worth while. I am not ashamed to say, I am proud of myself because I believe I have helped to make a difference.
From:
Lynn Faulkner
To: Theresa@MarryTheresa.com
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2001
Subject: Worth the Trouble
Theresa,
Ignore those who say only discouraging or negative things about this project or anything else you do. Those dullards simply suck the life and energy from the inspired, romantic, silly and creative.
The true love of your life is possible to find.
I met mine in freshman English in 1970. She was 16 and I was 19. We dated and were together for 10 years while I finished growing up and got really serious about committing my life totally to another. We married in 1981. It was the happiest day of my life.
The past 20 years have been a joy. I loved her completely and she loved me with all her heart and blessed me with two fabulous daughters just as wonderful as their mother. The four of us have fun together, get silly together, work hard, achieve much together and love each other with true understanding, good humor, gentleness and care. I have been living my life's dreams.
Unfortunately, my lovely wife was in the World Trade Center on September 11 for a one day business meeting and now will never come home to us. Our daughters (ages 13 & 19) and I are forever heartbroken but determined to honor her memory and have created a foundation to carry on some of her charitable work. Your family in Dayton may have read about it in their newspapers.
The point is simply this: Instead of focusing on the 30 or more years ahead of us that we will now never have, I choose instead to thank God for the thirty years we had. Your web site describes an openly honest, bold, adventurous and delightful young woman. Your photos show an "outside" just as refreshing and lovely. What's behind doesn't matter. What's ahead of you is full of promise and unlimited possibilities.
Don't despair or settle for less than someone you REALLY love and who will return that love with equal intensity. Demand someone who will truly love you with all of the considerateness, respect, faithfulness and basic tenderness you are willing to give and therefore deserve. And then return it without reserve.
When love works it is AMAZING… wonderful. It is simple yet it requires hard work and occasional selflessness. It requires a partner who gives as much as he receives and still tries to give even more. But it is also the ultimate pleasure and success and children, if so blessed, make it only that much more wonderful and fun. Kids are the frosting, your soul mate is the rich, delicious home made cake that lies beneath.
Please
don't think me preachy just encouraging. Sort of a cheerleader for
old-fashioned marriage and commitment. I watched my parents still
holding hands and kissing romantically till my dad passed away at
age 80. It happens. Just like your mature lady friends describes.
It is less frequent today because most people are simply too ME
oriented. It takes two people who are equally YOU oriented for it
to bond into a real marriage. But that bond, when it happens, is
amazingly strong and eternal.
I sincerely wish you the best of luck on your quest for a loving and attentive husband. He will be a lucky man to find you and you're a pretty special lady for helping him find his way to the only place where his heart and soul truly belongs.
Call or email if you're ever weakening in your resolve and need a live testimony to the power of love.
God Bless, Theresa
Lynn Faulkner
Dear Lynn,
What a selfless act for you to take the time to write me such a beautiful, meaningful letter such a short time after your tremendous loss. I will forever remember this letter and I will forever be flattered that you felt it was "worth the trouble"
God Bless you, Lynn Faulkner. You are an amazing human being. I wish you and your daughters all the happiness life has to offer.
I have researched and found the link to your foundation. I hope everyone will take a look and make a donation no matter how small.
