Now that I've written about my love for my mother, I want to take this column space to offer some observations from the last few weeks.

First, my family and I need to thank so many people for so many acts of kindness in the days following mom's death.

These acts have continued until the moment before I began to write this.

It is when you live in a community like our's that you learn the value of friendship and you learn how truly connected we are to each other.

I could begin to list names here but there are so many and I would not want to leave anyone out.

I do want to thank my Advocate family.

They're concern and support has kept me going these last few weeks.

They have made sure that this newspaper went on without me here and when I have been here, but my mind elsewhere.

They have offered an understanding shoulder to lean on and in some instances to cry on.

I owe Dennis Palmer a very special thank you for what I consider to be one of the finest columns I've read when he wrote about mom. I know my family and I will cherish his words always.

We also owe Sheriff Diane Harris and the Sheriff's Auxiliary a thank you.

Sheriff Harris, who grew up with my mom, was quick to arrive on the night she died to offer her support.

I distinctly remember one of her deputies arriving at the house and when he came to me to offer his sympathy, there was such a look and feeling of concern coming from this young man.

That concern continued throughout the week in numerous visits and an impromptu escort by the sheriff to the Crenshaw County church where we laid her to rest.

We felt it only right that she and other members of her department sit as close to family as possible for to my mother, she has always been like a sister.

We also want to thank the fine people from Dunklin-Herndon Funeral Home who took the time to do the little things before, during and in the days after the service. First rate and first class can only be adjectives to describe these fine people. Charles, Debra, Derrick and Don, thank your patience and dignity.

Momma loved flowers of all types and the arrangements and plants were simply wonderful remembrances of so many friends and loved one. Our local florists outdid themselves. A special thank you to my personal florist for your thoughtfulness.

I need to offer a special thanks to Tim Hattaway.

Had it not been for him that horrible night delivering the saddest news in my life and then making sure I made it home, I would not have made it there on my own.

I think that his telling me news of such horrible magnitude will always make me believe he is one of the bravest people I know.

These are but a few of the people.

You all know who you are and how much you mean to me.

"You might think it went unnoticed, but I've got it all here in my heart."

I'll never forget you.

So this has been a learning experience all around. It has been the darkest part of my life and as I've told several, many have seen me at rock bottom.

But many have also reached out and helped me back up and then held a steady hand to support me.

And when I have stumbled and fallen once more, they have done it all over again.

As I said, I can't list you all, but know you'll always have my thanks.

Jay Thomas is managing editor of the Greenville Advocate. He can be reached at 383-9302, ext. 136 or via email at jay.thomas@greenvilleadvocate.com or write P.O. Box 507, Greenville, AL 36037.