Thank you
This short entry is for you, yes the ones reading my vignettes.
Oh, I don’t know who you are, unless you are one of these who leaves a reminder to me that you’ve been here and have had a response to the words that I have struggled to assemble into some semblance of order.
It’s funny, I sometimes agonize over the words like a child trying to fit a shape into a toy; twisting and turning the words; trying different combinations until, like the small plastic shape, it pops effortlessly into the slot that was specifically designed for it. In the process, hopefully I can capture the mood and ambient meaning well enough that you have a small but lucid window into my situation.
I really appreciate the time you put in to commenting back. I read every one of them.
Thank you for reading along.
Stephen Host
Stephen,
I have been one of those reading and not commenting. It has been a long time since we camped in your yard...it has been a long time since a lot of things.
Like you say, we watch from a distance, feeling what we feel....while you live what you live.
I am not usually short on words or passion, but the words fail me today.
Today I just want to say that the more transparent and honest you are, the more I see the one who made you, and through the pain and questioning I hear the voice of his son. I, like you, am still crying out for the full package.
Know we love you and you are in our hearts...blessings on you and your family!
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Only people who have had the pleasure of spending time in your room can appreciate what it takes to get your thoughts down into print. I'm have trouble getting my thoughts and I have all two of my fingers free to plunk away at will. By the way Alanna Unrau says that her and Mark think of you and keep you in their prayers. Alanna says that when she goes for walks in the woods and sees the trees she thinks of you. Thanks again for all the inspiration that you have given through your web page. I look forward everyday to seeing if you have added to them.
Your Friend
Dwight
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Stephen,
I have read all your entries and check everyday to see how you are. I can't tell you how much I pray for you and your family. sometimes all day long. I have had so many dreams about you and God walking you all through this. Please know I am praying for you and am touched by your words on this website.
Kim
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Stephen, if only you could feel a physical embrace for every time you are thought of and prayed for. If only we knew how to better communicate the care and concern and appreciation we have for you.
If only words, thoughts and love could heal...you'd have been healed long, long ago, my friend.
Please forgive us for our inability to express ourselves well enough. Grief brings silence because for many of us there are insufficient words and ways to say them. Silence brings more grief because it makes you wonder if anyone cares. Be assured...you are cared for...very, very much so.
So we continue on with prayers for you to the one who hears and understands our inner longings and groans. Our hope in him remains.
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Hey Stephen, first off I want to apologise for taking so long to get in touch with you personally. Our mutual friend has kept me apprised of your situation. Over the past 2 weeks I've read all of your stuff as well as some comments. Buddy, you've inspired me, or was that God? Having known in in your more robust state, I try to reconcile the pictures you paint with words with what I remember of you (physically). It's not such a stretch, but you still have to marvel at the capability of the body to resist death even when the mind has surrendered. The words 'In Gods' time' do pop up. I want to thank you for being so candid with the rest of us. May God truly bless you as I'm sure He has many who read your blog. I'm sure I'll see you on the other side, hang in there.
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Hi Stephen,
Peter and I (with our two little girls) live just a few houses down the street. We want you to know that we often think and pray for you - especially when we drive or walk by your house. Our first encounter with your family was when Angela came by and greeted us when we moved in about a year ago. She was the first person we met from the neighborhood and what a friendly young lady she is! I also had the privilege of meeting Ian who gave us a quick tour of Frogland. What beautiful children you have!!
We regularly check your blog to see how you are doing. Thank you for your honesty and openness. Please know that your blog has spoken into our lives.
Thank you,
Peter and Darlene
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Hey Stevie Weevie,
You know I always read your blog, don't you? I love you, buddy... now and always. Who else would dare call you Stevie Weevie?
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Stephen,
A visit to your blog is a daily appointment for me. You've helped open a door in my heart to seek more of what God would want me to do in my life.
By the way, thanks for getting me the job at Toews. Sorry, that was, like, 17 years ago. I'm a little slow.
Blessings,
Jim
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Hello Stephen,
I don't know how many years it's been since I've seen you - quite some time. Kent has spoken of you often over the years, so I have always known what you have been up to. And now I find myself checking your site often for updates, never really sure if I should leave a comment or not. So, tonight I thought I would just let you know I've been here, and I have been really moved by your writing. I did realize that you had a knack for writing from a young age when we recorded, "If I wanted to be Friends With You, I would Have Bought a Dog," in Kent's basement. Seriously though, thank you for putting your thoughts up here. You are in my thoughts and prayers . . .Scott Jacobsen
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Hey man, haven't talked to you in awhile. Your blogs are simply incredible, it's amazing to see what God has done in your life. I don't tend to write much but I wanted you to know I feel honored to have known a man of your caliber, you're in my thoughts and prayers always. God Bless.
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Hey Braden,
Remember staying in my basement with your sister, Crista? How are you anyway? You were always someone whom I respected and have thought of many times.
Judi REimer
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Hey precious
It rains in Denmark today - it's a good day for both sadness and redemption.
Multiple sweet thoughts
Charlotte
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Hey Steve,
As you know I'm shy so I don't comment on this thing much but I do read it every time you post something new. I mostly just e-mail you instead
Much Love,
Maja
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As many others have intimated; you are in our thoughts daily. Thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable. Your posts reflect a depth that touches us all.
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I find you're just as eloquent in your words as any classic book I've ever read. Thank you for letting us be a part of this journey.
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Hi Stephen
We are in Saskatchewan. We are friends of Connie and Alvin and our daughter Mary is with Kelsy in Austria and David is rooming with Derek. This is a note to let you know that your rants and rambles are read with awe and we are responding with prayer that you continue to have peace with all your decisions.Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Jan and Ken Stirling
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Hi Steve!
Bruce saw your mom today and asked about you, she gave him this website address.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jacqueline, your absolutely beautiful children, Angela & Ian. We love them sooooo much! We are so happy that Nick & Ben have such terrific best friends. We are honored that they spend as much time at our home as they do. Nick says he misses playing computer games with you! He says that he still wants to try to beat you! LOL
We miss you and your smile around the firepit in our backyard! We miss your knowledge of a darn good bottle of wine and the enthusiasm to drink it!
One day... again soon my friend... we love you!
Allison & Bruce (Nick & Ben)
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Hi Stephen,
Its a while since we've been in touch, but Barb told me about your blog.
I have been amazed about how you are able to describe about what is happening to you, and am in enormous respect of you and how you are handling it.
I too am sending a prayer for you. I am thinking about you a lot. You are an inspiration to others.
David
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Hello Stephen:
I admit I don't look here as often as I wish and only because of the sense of foreboding that I feel, the frailty of life so often unseen and taken for granted slaps us in the face at that most unusual times. One moment we rejoice in the newness of a birth and the next our heart and yes our soul, ache with longing for just a moment more. We are selfish, each and everyone of us demanding more from the one who is withstanding the greatest of feats.
I admit I am selfish, wishing more... even now a tear, eyes glassing over, remembrance of what was and what should still be. I love you Stephen, I know it has been years in fact decades since we last physically saw one another, but you have always remained with me. Through the darkest of times there was a light, which God placed within you, I thank you for the gift that is you and the abundance of hope, faith, friendship and indeed love, that you give to everyone around you, every day.
God Bless you Stephen and your family. Know that you are thought of more then you realize.
Love ya .. Paula
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Hey bro
Don't mistake my silence for detachment. We talk enough for you to know how I feel. You should know that I check your blog almost every day hoping for some further insight into your struggle. I know how difficult it is for you to write even a few sentences. Thanks for the effort you make to share your situation and thoughts with all of us who care deeply for you.
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Smiles to you, Douglas
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Stephen, it was my pleasure to see you and I would love to chat with you! Is Monday after supper free? Tonight, the sky was so vividly blue and the moon so clear! I thought wouldn't it be neat if Stephen could just wheel himself out onto the deck and see this beautiful sky for himself? But then, maybe you can see it! You're insight into life is INCREDIBLE! Thank you for THANK YOU!
\o/ Gail
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Stephen,
Don't know if you remember me. You have no reason to do so and it really doesn't matter. Angela is in my daughter's class at school; Taya.
Anyway, you are in our hearts every day. We often pray for you, but we usually don't know what to pray, so we just talk to God about you. Thank you for your open candidness. We miss seeing you at the Vineyard. Taya says she "hope God will make you well again"... the faith of the children. I guess that's why Jesus wants us to be like them.
I pray for a more comfortable night tonight. Talk about sharing in Christ's sufferings...
Peace,
Judi Reimer
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I am thankful God is working his magic through you Stephen. Your writings continue to educate, inspire, and move me (and I am certain countless others) towards a stronger relationship with my creator. Thank you.
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