thank you for bein' a friend...

The call on December 17th was so abrupt. I was at work at my desk that evening, around 9 p.m., when the phone rang. It was my Mom, letting me know that she was on the way to the hospital with my Dad. She had come home from prayer meeting at church that Wednesday evening to find him sitting on the floor in the doorway of their bedroom, dazed and unable to talk to her. Later, it was confirmed to be a stroke. But all I knew that night was that I needed to gather my stuff, my dog, put things in order and jet out of there to be with my family.

It's now about a week shy of two months later. My Dad has been rehabbing in a nursing home since December 23rd, still unable to speak at length, but making gains. During those first few days, however, there were more questions than answers, and progress was hard to find. It was difficult, to say the least, and I leaned on the Lord more than I ever remember doing before. And through it all, I was so grateful for the friendships that sustained me.

There were a lot of folks who sent their love, offered prayers, and showered me with concern. Folks from my dogboard, of all places, sent flowers to the hospital! Relatives dropped me e-mails of encouragement and co-workers offered to take on tasks that were originally assigned to me. I felt so blessed. And each day, my dear Fab Five friends, I was reminded of your care for me.

 

Beth, you were an anchor at one end of what was close to a lifeline during those first two weeks -- my cell phone. What a blessing to know that I might text you and moments later a request for prayer would go out to the Fab Five -- or to an even greater audience. Your constant encouragement via facebook and in your return messages warmed my heart. Krissy, the floral arrangement you sent was so thoughtful and beautiful. It allowed for a little bit of Christmas joy in Dad's hospital room. When we moved him to the nursing home, we made sure that arrangement went with him and it flourished until well after the first of the year, adding a bit of festive spirit to Dad's (very yellow) room at the rehab center. Susan, I wear the necklace you gave me for Christmas often. During one of the early days, when it seemed that Dad was always too lethargic and hard to keep focused, he reached out to grab that necklace. One of the first times he reached to get something. He seemed so pleased to know that the little pictures were of Pepito and Keekers. My Mom and I both got a boost of joy from it. And you were so generous to send that CD of music, as well. Wendy, when you gave me that set of luggage for my birthday, I didn't have to wonder long if it would be useful. I took it on vacation in July and was thrilled with its capacity and usefulness. But you cannot imagine what a blessing that set of luggage has been to me in the last two months. I spend three to four days in Columbus, and then back to Sugarcreek for five to seven days...sometimes I don't know how long I'll be in Sugarcreek. To have a nice set of luggage with the capacity to pack for I-don't-know-how-long has been a huge help. And you have to know how important that is to a girl who doesn't know how to pack for a two-.day trip and not take along at least four pairs of shoes!

It's not that I need "stuff" to remind me of you guys; I don't need "things" to know that you're praying for me and my Dad and my family. But, along the way, it's been a joy to see those visible reminders of your love and care for me. Thank you so much -- for the myriad of ways you demonstrate that you are my friends.