Week 3 - Day 1

This was me a few minutes ago. It's cold here. Or at least I was cold. Plus, if you look closely you can see that I am pained a bit. Uncomfortable is the best word I can come up with. The pain doesn't really rate the 'official' pain chart of 1-10. But uncomfortable works. It might be the 2 foot tube sticking out of my hip. It might be that I am taking only Tylenol and Advil during the day. It might be simply that it is cold out. I was trying to watch Mike put the SkyFort together, but decided it was time to blog. This week I want to talk about some of the ways my life is different.

Of course there are no major revelations, but some more subtle things that are different. From the beginning of this blog I have talked about how important my friends and family have been to me during this journey. I could never have gotten this far without their limitless support and encouragement every step of the way. I will be eternally grateful to them for all they have done for me and my family. I think I have the best circle of friends. When your friends become your family and your family becomes your friends you are truly blessed. And I have been blessed a thousand times over.

So just how have these wonderful people helped us? That's a great question since it is always hard to know what to do for others who are in a tough situation - UNTIL you have been there. It's the big things (thank you Aunt Dot) and the little things. It's thinking about what might ease the burden a bit, like preparing a home-cooked meal; offering to watch my girls; cleaning my house; sending a note or card or even a heartfelt message on FB; making a phone call or a special visit; sending a bouquet of flowers or fruit; creating art; or sending prayers. All of these things make a huge difference. And I am grateful to each and every one of our friends for all they have done to help us. I will certainly know better how to help next time I have the opportunity to help one of them.

Just this morning at 7am one friend dropped off tonight's dinner (chicken, mashed potato.... comfort food) for us along with some delicious blueberry crumb bars (I couldn't wait Marcy). I know how busy everyone is and I am so appreciative of what they are doing for me.

Last week I went in to get my long awaited haircut from Debbie (Options Spa) and she gave me the cut. I never would have expected that. She said that she couldn't make a casserole, but that she could cut hair and she did that for me.

I still get tears in my eyes when I think about all the thoughtful, heartfelt things that people do. You wouldn't believe the incredible food that my friends have sent our way. I am including the recipes at the top of the blog so that everyone can enjoy them.

So, today my life is different in the sense that I am aware of who my friends are and just how much they mean to me. Sometimes life gets busy and you lose touch with those people you truly care for, so this has served as a reminder not to let that happen.