A week ago, I got a phone call from my mom. She was in tears. She called to tell me that there were about ten ladies out in front of our house when she pulled up, weeding our very-weedy garden. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude and love, but I told my mom that I was not at all shocked; the goodness of the people in our neighborhood and ward is astounding. We have received their kindness and goodness over and over this year. And you amazing sisters and family and friends never seem to get tired of serving! What Christlike examples you all are to me! My mom said she didn't know who any of the ladies were, and I was disappointed that I could not thank you, but then I realized that some things are meant to be anonymous. So I hope that this simple, blanket thank-you is enough but not too much. Your service to our family has really touched our hearts and helped us to feel the Savior's love.
The notes and texts you sent were so appreciated. The gifts for Jake were very kind and thoughtful - and he loved them! The meals you provided have been a huge blessing. The time you spent with our children while we were gone made all the difference. They were so emotional to be without their parents, but having grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends who listened to them, played with them, took care of them, and prayed with them really helped them get through. Not to mention, it made things so much easier on Matt and me knowing that they were in good hands.
Thank you, Granny, for being willing to fly across the country to help take care of Hyrum so we could spend all our time with Jake those first few days after surgery. And thanks to Hyrum for being a happy baby boy.
Thank you to those kind Saints we met in Minnesota. You were all so eager to help us out, even though you'd just met us. Thanks for that stick of butter, for those casual but encouraging conversations, for the offers to help with Hyrum, for the visit from the resident anesthesiologist, just as Jake was about to go in for surgery. Before the surgery, we met with a social worker and told her we were LDS. Her response was, "Mormons really know how to take care of each other, don't they?"
Thank you to all you Minnesotans who welcomed us to your town with open arms. You were some of the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met. I found myself saying, "If I didn't already live in the best neighborhood in the world, I think I'd want to move here." Thank you for all your charitable donations that really helped us out in our time of need.
Thanks to the incredible doctors and nurses who took such good care of Jake. It was comforting to know he was in good hands.
Thank you to the Ronald McDonald House, who not only took us in and let us stay until we left, but provided everything we needed for a pleasant stay and then some. Thanks for the food, books, blankets, crafts, activities, encouragement, and helpful suggestions. The Ronald McDonald House's slogan is "The House that Love Built." Every time I read that, I could feel the love. It is amazing to see the miracles that occur when people give freely to help one another - and the greatest miracle of all is how it touches and changes our hearts - both those who give and those who receive.
Thanks to all of you we met at the Ronald McDonald House. You have truly changed our lives for the better and given us hope, and we hope that we have done the same for you.
Thank you, Jake, for showing so much courage in the face of so many tough and painful things. You are my little hero.
Thank you, dear Matt, for all you do for our family - for the love that you show me and our children. Thank you for fighting every day to provide for us and make us happy - and I know that most days now are a fight. You are amazing. Thank you for leading the way in reaching out to others, helping those in need, and expressing gratitude.
And especially, I want to thank my Father in Heaven, who has watched over us through our entire journey. He has let us know that He was with us every step of the way. And He didn't just help us to make it through - He spoiled us with love, with kindness from all of you, with good health, with opportunities to learn and grow in the gospel, and with a miraculous surgery and recovery for our little guy. We are so blessed!
Thank you all!!! We love you!!!
Laura
