Community

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.