Since my diagnosis back in August, my family and I have been blessed beyond measure with generosity, care, and comfort of so many around us. We have had the unique opportunity to experience the Body of Christ at work, individuals sharing their love, talents, gifts, and time to help us through this difficult time. It is simply impossible to adequately thank all of you who have contributed to our well being, but I would like to give it an attempt, though feeble it may be.

To those who have given so generously of your finances – THANK YOU. We have received so many generous gifts, and many of them anonymous (since you won’t let me thank you, I’m especially hoping you anonymous givers are reading this post). I have been able to pay copays ($60 for every doctor visit, $250 for every CT scan, $140 monthly for just ONE of my prescriptions, and various other medical expenses), pay babysitters (2-3 times a week), and buy scarves and hats for my cold, bald head. And I haven’t had to think twice about these extra expenses! I can’t tell you what a burden is relieved by your financial generosity. Life is stressful enough without having to try and squeeze more out of an already-tight budget.

To those who have loved on my kids – THANK YOU. My mom and my mother-in-law are amazing women who have done a ton to help care for my kids, but they can’t do it all. And many of you have stepped up to help me by watching kids so I can nap, getting them to and from school (I want to give a special shout-out to my dad for driving Ella to and from her classes almost every day), showering them with gifts and hugs and love. There is nothing that speaks louder to this mama’s heart than when you love on my Josephine, Eleanor, and Eowyn.

To those who have helped clean my house – THANK YOU. By the time I was diagnosed in August, I was experiencing pretty significant pain in my back. I couldn’t bend over, even a little (not even enough to spit into the sink after brushing my teeth, it was that bad). This rendered me incapable of doing any cleaning, laundry, dishes, etc. But you have kept my house from falling into complete disarray! Someone out there anonymously gifted me 6 months of a twice-a-month professional house cleaner (what an amazing gift!!), and many of you have volunteered hours of your time to simply pick up, vacuum, tidy, and change sheets, all while stepping over dogs and kids. And here’s a special shout-out to Diane S. for doing my laundry EVERY WEEK! She picks it up on Tuesday and returns it on Wednesday, washed, dried and folded. Don’t be jealous.

To those of you who have fed us – THANK YOU! Since September, you have provided meals for my entire family three times a week. We have never eaten so well! Between my physical pain and the fatigue brought on by treatments, I don’t have much energy in any given day. What I have, I try and devote to my kids and husband. I wish I could express what a huge gift these regular meals are to me, specifically. Everyone here enjoys them, but the freedom I’ve been given from having to plan, shop, cook and serve is an amazing gift. And also, a special thanks here to Pat W. for doing my weekly grocery shopping.

For everyone who has sent us a note, whether through email, Facebook, texting or snail mail – THANK YOU. We are so encouraged by your encouraging words!

For everyone who has prayed for us – THANK YOU. For Caleb and I, this is the most important and special thing you can do for and with us. Pray. I have definitely felt the presence of a “great cloud of witnesses” (please excuse my lack of context and probable misuse of this phrase, but just go with it). I have felt you with me on the good days and the bad, at every doctor’s appointment and at every procedure. Your prayers are coveted, and appreciated more than you know.

And for every other gift we have received – THANK YOU. Do you know there was a small group from our church who decided to love on us during Christmas? They provided a wonderful, zillion-course turkey dinner; they came to our house with a Christmas tree one night, along with cookies, hot chocolate and Christmas carols! You should have seen my kids dancing along. They put up our Christmas lights on the house. And they even provided Christmas gifts for the kids and us. Again, for this exhausted mama, what an amazing blessing.

I must take a moment and give a couple more specific shout-outs.

My Dad. He drove me to and from every one of my 15 radiation appointments back in September. He drove me to every one of my chemotherapy appointments. And he often brought me lunch, so I wouldn’t have to have hospital cafeteria food. As I mentioned before, he’s Ella’s school chauffeur as well. And he’s done all of this with a smile on his face.

My Mom. I don’t know how to describe all that my mom has done (is still doing) for me. She’s at my house 3 days a week. She helps me pick up messes, feed kids, watches kids so I can nap. She helps get dinner started. She often collects the laundry that we pass off to Diane on Tuesdays. She comes to all my doctor appointments, my second set of ears. She’s also a friend, a sounding board, an encourager, and having her around to talk to is extremely important. And that barely scratches the surface of all she does for me. If I could buy her an island, I would. She deserves it. She’s amazing, and I have been incredibly blessed by her selfless giving these past months.

Caleb’s parents. Bob and Pam. My in-laws live 2.5 hours away, so they aren’t able to pop over here as easily. But they have also been a huge source of help and encouragement. They’ve come down several times just because we needed help with the kids. They stay at our house and sleep on couches! My father-in-law fixes things around the house and takes care of the landscaping. My mother-in-law gets up early with the kids and helps get them off to school. She takes care of meals and also lets me nap. When I was first diagnosed, my parents were still on vacation in Colorado. Bob and Pam came and stayed with us during those first shell-shocked days and just took care of things as they needed taking care of.

My sister has flown out here once a month (from Colorado, where she lives, for some dumb reason). She helps around the house, but she also offers friendship and good times and hanging out OUTSIDE my house. I am blessed by her, and all my friends like her, who help me feel a little more normal.

Julie P is a unique friend in that she has struggled with as much medical nonsense as I have (actually, much more). She is a great spiritual encourager. She is also great at helping me navigate doctors and medicines and medical decisions. She makes me laugh, which I desperately need sometimes. And she’s been through a lot of the side effects and various medical conditions that I face now. What a treat to have someone to be sick with! Well, you know what I mean.

I’m sure there is much I have forgotten and people who also deserve to be individually thanked. I’m sorry if you feel left out. Can we blame it on the copious amount of drugs? And the fact that as I’m writing (during my regular nap time) I’m half asleep? The thank yous could go on and on and on. I am so blessed and so encouraged by all of you who have come alongside Caleb and I as we face an extremely difficult time. We, quite literally, could not do it without you.