... I don't really want to skip around in telling my story, but this entry I will.
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Ever since the cancer diagnosis we have had a support group that has lifted us when we were down, laughed with us when we were up, and did everything they could to help lighten the load. People are so good. Come to think about it, we have had this kind of love and support our entire lives. I suppose we have just both surrounded ourselves around amazing people. I have always had great friends. The kind that could never be replaced and never forgotten. While Rich was in the hospital after a week of finding out about the cancer friends/family were planning a yard sale. That yard sale was HUGE! That was
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just the beginning of their hard efforts to make our life easier, and to show love and support. It is hard to be weak, curl up in the fetal position and feel sorry for yourself, your husband, and your kids, when so many people are loving and cheering you on. So many people have told us at different times how inspiring our story has been... I only hope that each person that has had a hand in our life over the 20ish months know how inspiring they have been to US. People are so good, I don't know how better to sum it up. We have been prayed for by people we have never ever met, we have been given cards, emails, books, donations, fundraiser's, hugs, advice, kind words, etc. People are busy. Life is busy. But still we have been a priority for so many. The love has been so overwhelming (in the best way ever) that I have noticed I let it in bit by bit. I have never really been on the receiving end like this, and I can tell you all that my strength, hope, faith, and smiles do not come from Heavenly Father alone. He has sent me so many angels here on earth. I am SO blessed! Some 'friends' of mine are doing the 12 days of Christmas for me, it is so fun, and sooo sweet. I don't even know how to sum up what it has done for my heart and attitude. I am being spoiled! Also, my children were honored, in their dads memory, by being invited to shop with a cop. They felt a little weird about it at first, and then allowed themselves to just feel the love. The cops were awesome to them, and they shared stories of their dad. They both had a great time, and we, as a family, can't wait to pay it forward next year and be helpers! ((I will have to teach them how to wrap first)) When we got home we were surprised by a house FULL of food. New shelves, stalked top to bottom. A new freezer, stacked from top to bottom. Hungry? Come on over... :) Although I was mortified by the condition of my house ((it may or may not have been a pig sty at the time)) but my heart was bursting. It almost seems like a dream.. Averi's school has done some amazing things for her (us). We are just so blessed!! How are people so good? You all inspire me to be a better person, to do more good, to be better. We have been blessed in ways I never would have imagined. Thank you all so much for caring for and loving my family. We really are stronger because of you all. You lift me when I am down and remind me that even though I feel alone sometimes, I am no where near alone. God knew I would need an army of love to survive this trial, and he sent me all you. Thank you, so so much. I promise that once I get out of the fog I too will give like you all. I will share my life with paying it forward. I will do it on behalf of Rich, Keaton, Averi, and myself. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! <3 I love you all! T-Bone strong, forever. ~Christel
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Ever since the cancer diagnosis we have had a support group that has lifted us when we were down, laughed with us when we were up, and did everything they could to help lighten the load. People are so good. Come to think about it, we have had this kind of love and support our entire lives. I suppose we have just both surrounded ourselves around amazing people. I have always had great friends. The kind that could never be replaced and never forgotten. While Rich was in the hospital after a week of finding out about the cancer friends/family were planning a yard sale. That yard sale was HUGE! That was.png)
just the beginning of their hard efforts to make our life easier, and to show love and support. It is hard to be weak, curl up in the fetal position and feel sorry for yourself, your husband, and your kids, when so many people are loving and cheering you on. So many people have told us at different times how inspiring our story has been... I only hope that each person that has had a hand in our life over the 20ish months know how inspiring they have been to US. People are so good, I don't know how better to sum it up. We have been prayed for by people we have never ever met, we have been given cards, emails, books, donations, fundraiser's, hugs, advice, kind words, etc. People are busy. Life is busy. But still we have been a priority for so many. The love has been so overwhelming (in the best way ever) that I have noticed I let it in bit by bit. I have never really been on the receiving end like this, and I can tell you all that my strength, hope, faith, and smiles do not come from Heavenly Father alone. He has sent me so many angels here on earth. I am SO blessed! Some 'friends' of mine are doing the 12 days of Christmas for me, it is so fun, and sooo sweet. I don't even know how to sum up what it has done for my heart and attitude. I am being spoiled! Also, my children were honored, in their dads memory, by being invited to shop with a cop. They felt a little weird about it at first, and then allowed themselves to just feel the love. The cops were awesome to them, and they shared stories of their dad. They both had a great time, and we, as a family, can't wait to pay it forward next year and be helpers! ((I will have to teach them how to wrap first)) When we got home we were surprised by a house FULL of food. New shelves, stalked top to bottom. A new freezer, stacked from top to bottom. Hungry? Come on over... :) Although I was mortified by the condition of my house ((it may or may not have been a pig sty at the time)) but my heart was bursting. It almost seems like a dream.. Averi's school has done some amazing things for her (us). We are just so blessed!! How are people so good? You all inspire me to be a better person, to do more good, to be better. We have been blessed in ways I never would have imagined. Thank you all so much for caring for and loving my family. We really are stronger because of you all. You lift me when I am down and remind me that even though I feel alone sometimes, I am no where near alone. God knew I would need an army of love to survive this trial, and he sent me all you. Thank you, so so much. I promise that once I get out of the fog I too will give like you all. I will share my life with paying it forward. I will do it on behalf of Rich, Keaton, Averi, and myself. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! <3 I love you all! T-Bone strong, forever. ~Christel
♥♡♥ Love you guys!
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