I think this has been the
longest stretch between blog posts, but life has been just a bit hectic around
here during the past three months. Dealing with my dad’s heart surgery and
recovery, LVAD education classes, writing CarePage updates, and starting a new
school year has left no time for writing blog posts.
As the Thanksgiving
holiday approaches, there are many things I’m thankful for. A wonderful job, my
new dog – Toby, the gift of salvation, and my loving family are some things
that come to mind. This year I’m certainly thankful for medical technology and
the staff at the Meijer Heart Center. I’m also very thankful my dad is here to
celebrate this holiday and is gaining strength each day. But there’s something
else that I’m especially thankful for this November – the gift of community.
Throughout the last two
months, my parents and I have been enveloped in love and care by friends,
colleagues, and relatives - the Community of Christ. I have always felt part of
a community, but I now have a much stronger sense of what Christian community
truly means. So many people have been the hands and feet of Jesus to us.
The friend who provided a hot meal, cooking in the
crockpot and ready to eat, when we arrived home after a long day at the
hospital on the day my dad was discharged.
My fellow staff members, who brought me and my
parents numerous home-cooked meals, frozen and ready to microwave, during the
busy weeks of preparing for school conferences and driving to Grand Rapids to
visit my dad in the hospital.
The friend who took care of my dog for several days
surrounding my dad’s surgery, so I could stay in Grand Rapids with my mom. This
same friend also stopped by my house several different days to let Toby out
after work when I needed to go right to the hospital after school.
The lady who came and spent a morning helping my
mom and sister clean the house after the flooring was installed, so it would be
ready for my dad.
The many people who have written messages on the
CarePage updates and sent cards, letting us know they have been praying for us.
The parents of my second graders, who just last
week filled my freezer with meals, so I don’t have to worry about cooking as I
try to balance helping my parents with preparing for school.
Friends who have continued to inquire how my dad,
my mom, and I am doing.
I have been moved to tears
by these thoughtful acts of kindness from people who have reminded me in tangible ways what it truly means to Love one another and to live in Christian community.
Thank-you, Lord, for this wonderful gift.
