"Often out of crisis comes this enormous wellspring of generosity and motivation."
~ Josh Fox
We know from past experience the truth of this quote. I retain many of the 100+ angels that were sent to me when I had cancer. Although I am a confirmed agnostic, I do believe that the prayers offered when John battled Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, contributed to his survival, if nothing else, because he knew he was being supported, even by people he did not know. And that contributed to his will to survive, in spite of a poor prognosis.
Even with our past experiences, we are profoundly touched by the outpouring of concern and offers of assistance we are receiving from across the country. Many have asked what they can do to help. I know there is plenty of advice out there that you should just do what you can because people in the midst of crisis often don't know what they need. We certainly don't know the extent of what we might need yet.
Some folks have gone through a challenge of their own and have a sense of what might be helpful. A card from old friends who had heard our news through the grapevine came unexpectedly and that was touching. Several friends have sent well wishes and prayers - always welcome. A friend and a family member who have special medical expertise continue to provide translation of medical terms, insight into possible treatment, and research into other options. Another who knows me well, knows how I tend to think and react, is a good sounding board as I contemplate important decisions. Sometimes, a simple offer...like "what would make the day easier today and can I get or do that for you", as one dear friend recently queried, may be the sweetest gesture in and of itself, needing no response other than thank you for the offer. And anything that brings a smile, or better yet a laugh, is a treasure.
But it is more than fine with us that you offer and then wait for our requests. We are leaving tomorrow for MD Anderson in Houston. We will make more specific requests once we have more information. For now, your prayers, moral support, positive thoughts and wishes are deeply appreciated.
Some folks have gone through a challenge of their own and have a sense of what might be helpful. A card from old friends who had heard our news through the grapevine came unexpectedly and that was touching. Several friends have sent well wishes and prayers - always welcome. A friend and a family member who have special medical expertise continue to provide translation of medical terms, insight into possible treatment, and research into other options. Another who knows me well, knows how I tend to think and react, is a good sounding board as I contemplate important decisions. Sometimes, a simple offer...like "what would make the day easier today and can I get or do that for you", as one dear friend recently queried, may be the sweetest gesture in and of itself, needing no response other than thank you for the offer. And anything that brings a smile, or better yet a laugh, is a treasure.
But it is more than fine with us that you offer and then wait for our requests. We are leaving tomorrow for MD Anderson in Houston. We will make more specific requests once we have more information. For now, your prayers, moral support, positive thoughts and wishes are deeply appreciated.
You take our love and positive thoughts with you. C'mon MDAnderson magic. We need you now. oxoxo
ReplyDelete