PDA

View Full Version : Read this to restore your faith in humanity!


lindrusso
12-18-2003, 02:59 PM
Once again I am overwhelmed and wanted to share this to help balance out the threads about not-so-nice things going on.

I just received gift cards totaling $360 (for Meijer and Walmart) in the mail from a Secret Santa. The post mark is local, so it must have come from friends in the area, but I really have no idea who sent these cards.

How amazing is that????

I will contact our local paper and see about printing a thank you in the paper - I know that many of our friends and neighbors read it and hopefully someone will see it.

As long as I am here, I'll give a quick update. Chuck started his chemotherapy treatments this past Monday and Tuesday. So far, he is tolerating the treatments quite well. One of the side effects, however, is cold intolerance. So far this has not been severe, but it is possible to experience throat spasms just from drinking a cool glass of water and pain just from sticking a hand in the refrigerator! Too bad he's doing this through winter in Indiana! :eek:

He's also a bit nauseous which he can treat with medicine and I'll make sure he does - he can't lose any more weight because he's already lost 25 pounds (10 of which he felt he could lose anyway) since August and is underweight. He's been going to work all week and we're hoping that he will be able to work through the rest of his treatments as well (he goes every two weeks for 6 months).

Fortunately he does not have another treatment until the 29th, so I hope he'll be able to fully enjoy Christmas.

We have had other outpourings of support from our friends and neighbors - a friend cleaned out our gutters, the neighbors offered to put up our Christmas lights and have told us they will come over with their snow blowers if it snows, offers to watch the kids to give us a break, and much more.

Anyway, I am feeling incredibly blessed and wanted to share these warm feelings with all of you. :)

Alysha

gertdog
12-18-2003, 03:03 PM
Alysha, thanks for sharing such a heartwarming story. What generous and thoughtful friends you have!

I'm so glad to hear that Chuck's chemotherapy is going well. I hope that he stays reasonably comfortable and that you and your boys all have a restful and enjoyable Christmas at home together. :)

ebobbitt
12-18-2003, 03:04 PM
That's such wonderful news! I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas. Your neighbors and friends sound like fantastic people.

jjsooner73
12-18-2003, 03:06 PM
Alysha, Thanks for sharing. I needed to hear something like this. :)

How wonderful to know you have people out there who care so much about your family.
Glad to hear DH is doing well w/ his treatments so far.

Happy Holidays!

Gecko
12-18-2003, 03:09 PM
Alysha I will be thinking of you and your family. I am glad to hear that things are going well and that your husband is managing the treatment. It is during the tough times that you find out about true friendship, and you and your family obviously mean a lot to your friends. May you have a wonderful Christmas.

SueK
12-18-2003, 03:10 PM
Alysha- thanks for posting - I think of you often and I'm glad to hear that things are going pretty well. I hope you and your family enjoy your holidays!
(((Take care)))
Sue

swquilts
12-18-2003, 03:15 PM
I'm glad to hear he is doing well. Have a great Holiday season!

Mamasue
12-18-2003, 04:21 PM
Alysha...this brought tears to my eyes...tears of joy for you and your family. There are wonderful people out there and it makes my heart fill with joy for you. I think of you and your family often and pray that 2004 will be a better year with good health and peace.

Hugs...Sue ;)

Meg O'C
12-18-2003, 04:22 PM
Alysha,
Good story :) ! Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear your husband is holding up well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Molli526
12-18-2003, 06:50 PM
Alysha,

That brought tears and chills. You and your family are in my prayers.

Shirley Panek
12-18-2003, 07:34 PM
Alysha - You and your DH continue to be in my prayers. I pray that the side effects of the chemo won't be too hard on your husband.

May you and your family have a blessed Christmas.

maizeyoats
12-18-2003, 08:04 PM
Alysha: You have wonderful neighbors and friends, what a blessing to your family. All of us on the BB feel the same way and you have so many prayers coming your way.

Jessica
12-19-2003, 08:05 AM
Thank you so much for sharing that heartwarming story, Alysha. You and your family are often in my thoughts and please do keep us posted on Chuck's progress.

MrsReber
12-19-2003, 08:21 AM
Alysha, that is so wonderful! See, what comes around goes around. There is no doubt in my mind that these people have good reason to be so generous. I'm sure you are a wonderful friend and neighbor. Glad to hear that things are going along well and hope that you and your family have a great holiday!

My sister had a similar story a couple of years ago. She lives in NC, away from family. A couple of years ago, her DH was laid off work. Not 2 weeks later, she was also laid off. They have 2 little kids at home, so they were in a bad way. For Christmas that year, their neighbors all chipped in and paid a couple of their utility bills! They had a neighborhood party and told my sister and BIL at the party. There are so many great people out there.

erinl
12-19-2003, 08:24 AM
MamaSue took the words right out of my mouth. Okay, I wouldn't have said it as eloquently...

It's wonderful that you are surrounded by such a warm and loving community. It speaks to what wonderful people you and your family are, as well. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas, and best wishes to you all in the new year.

Erin

KristinK
12-19-2003, 09:11 AM
Alysha,

It sounds like you have incredibly sweet, caring, thoughtful friends. I wish you and your family the best for a happy and healthy new year. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Beth
12-19-2003, 09:23 AM
Alysha, thanks for the good report. Makes my birthday feel warm and happy, even at its hectic pace. I have thought of you and DH often and will continue to send my support and best wishes. I'm glad hes' tolerating the treatment well, and I know where to send leftover Christmas goodies when our waistbands get tight! ;) :D

I'm wearing my sweatshirt with Angus and his painting on it -- thwe one from the inside cover of the calendar saying "There R Angelz Among Us", and it will remind me of you and your Secret Santas today. :)

HRJ
12-19-2003, 11:58 AM
Alysha, it is so nice to hear something like this -- as others have said (yes, more eloquently than I could), you are doubtlessly surrounded by warm, loving people who recognize how special you and your family are, too.

Glad to hear things are going well with Chuck's treatments, and that he'll be able to enjoy Christmas without the chemo interferring too much.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday,

Helene