Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving.  We finally made it home last night just after 8:30pm.  It was 27 degrees at home when we got home.  

Rebekah was really happy to be home, as were we.  It is good to sleep in your own bed.  Although “sleep” was apparently going to be a misnomer.  Rebekah was up sick multiple times throughout the night and needed bedding changes a couple of times.  

Sarah remained with Grandma M last night.  It didn’t seem right to pick her up on our way home, which would have involved waking her, only to bring her back home to go to sleep.  Assuming we can make it our first Thanksgiving stop today will be at Grandma M’s anyway.

Obviously Thanksgiving is really special for us this year – as is every day actually.  We are extremely thankful that Rebekah is still alive and with us.  We don’t say this callously or off hand so please stop and think about it when you are with your friends and family today.  Think about the things that upset you or you work so hard on throughout every week and then think about the things that REALLY matter.  We have found out this year they are not necessarily the same.

As stated last week we are really scared of starting something by giving out specific thanks here but we just can’t seem to get away from it today.   We are especially thankful for:  

Dr. Olson, Dr. Norwood, Suzanne, Gina and all of the staff at the oncology clinic at Emmanuel Children’s Hospital as well as the absolute hero nurses:  Jody, Melanie, Heather, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Ron, Katie, Megan, Debbie, Sue, Lindsee, Betsy, Wendy, Nichole, (and those we are mind-blanking on right now).  These are the people who have all worked together to keep Rebekah alive and us comfortable.

The Dunham’s who have been taking care of Sarah for most of our hospital stays and loaning us their vacation home.

Mike and Tara Shannon who faithfully have been taking care of our home while we are away.  They have been quiet, behind the scenes troopers who have been there from day one (which not too many people have).  Tara even realized that we were coming home yesterday and that the house was under 50 degrees and called to ask if she should turn on the furnace for us.  (We generally try and heat by wood only to save heat but thought turning on the furnace till we got home might be a good idea…)

The Banks Fire Department who has been putting up with daddy’s absence from his responsibility to the department and the community as well as their donations and support of the breakfast.  Specifically to Capt. Mark Hornshuh for his support in so many ways and the Herb family for their repeated, ongoing help.

All of daddy’s clients, adoption agencies and other attorneys he works with for keeping business coming and understanding our situation.  Specifically to Robin Pope and to Cathy Dexter and Susan Moffet.  

Angela, Steve, Joe, Homestead Buffet and Pepper’s Mexican Grill for their help with fundraisers that have kept us going.

Kory’s Foundation who, with no exaggeration, has made it possible for us to continue to be a family together through all of this.  Bob and Becky Alonzo (Maggie’s Aunt and Uncle) for donating their time and money to carpet the new playroom AND much more of the house.  HelpingHands and Our Place Christian Church for work days and installing Rebekah’s play structure.  

All of those who have donated funds or provided other assistance through www.HelpRebekah.com

And of course our family, especially Grandma’s and Grandpa who have done just about anything and everything from giving money and buying things to visiting to mowing to…  

We know that we are absolutely missing a lot of people here so please see the gratitude page at www.HelpRebekah.com for even a more extensive listing of those that have been invaluable to us and made the last 7 months even possible.  

And to be open and honest here, what really REALLY hurts the most is that we can not even imagine how we can repay or make up for what all of these people have done for us.  If you know any of them and can help us repay them, even with just more thanks, PLEASE do so.