Some People!!!

I have been amazed by the outpouring of love and care.  It is helping me to keep going.  I have also noticed that those who seem to best know how to comfort are typically those who have been "there."  In that desperate place.

Friends have been amazing.  Some have helped out with the boys.  Some have visited us in the hospital on frequent occasions.  Some send us encouraging notes on a regular basis. Many have made meals, some more than once.  Some comment frequently on my blog or facebook (thank you!).   I have friends I haven't seen since high school bringing me meals and sending me care packages.  All of these things are so touching to me.

My four year old son has two incredible teachers.  I didn't know HOW incredible they were until recently.  I didn't really know them very well, but as soon as I told them what was going on, they began acting as if they have always loved us.  They inspired other parents to provide meals for us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for a whole month.  They volunteered to watch all of our boys for our anniversary so that we could have a night out together.  (Our "night out" turned out to be in the hospital with Andrew, but at least we got to be together.)

They took the boys to Chuck E. Cheese and spoiled them with pizza and tokens.  The boys came home with a gumball machine full of gumballs (their chosen prize) and a very happy memory.  Then when John and I got home, we found a vase of flowers, a bottle of wine, and an Anniversary card.  I was so moved.

When John got home to relieve them, one of the teachers told him that when she was little, her brother died of leukemia.  She remembers what a difficult time it was for her parents, going through treatments, and trying to take care of their other children.  She wanted to make it easier for us.   I'm tearing up right now, writing about it.

It made me realize how easy it is for me to stand on the sidelines when things happen to other people.  How easy it is to stay isolated and focused on myself when others around me are struggling.  This experience is teaching me just how important it is to provide care and support for those in the midst of pain.
One day, I will pay these kindnesses forward, many times.