Thursday, March 17, 2011

Deep Heartfelt Gratitude

I can't even begin to express how much the love and support we have received as of late has touched me. People have been crawling out of the woodworks to offer their time, prayer, hope, financial support, babysitting, ears and shoulders, anything and everything I could ever imagine. I am shocked and overwhelmingly moved by all of this. This has been such a difficult and soul crushing few weeks. I know for a fact I wouldn't be where I am mentally and emotionally without all of you. The weight of these days are too heavy for our little family. Luckily we have legions of kind souls willing to each take some of our burden. I am forever in your debt. Below is a very incomplete list of just a few of the kindness we have experienced as of late.

My mother has spent weeks on and off caring for my boys while we tend to Linus and all of his needs. She even made the 6 hour trip in the middle of the night when Linus crashed last week. My father came to support us at the hospital during Linus's surgery and drove in immediately when Linus went down. He stayed the weekend and made sure we ate and drank and slept properly. He even went out and bought us camping pads so we were more comfortable sleeping in the waiting room on the nights that we didn't get a bed at Ronald McDonald. My sister has watched the boys several times throughout their lives and more recently has taken care of them while Trina and I switch out for our shifts at the hospital. All of my siblings put their bosses and lives on notice that if we need them in any way, they would drop everything and come.

Trina's mother and sister have both flown in and worked themselves ragged helping us care for the boys, the pets and the house day and night. Her other siblings are scheduled to come visit at separate times so the help is spread out over time giving us better long term coverage. Her family also chipped in to hire us a maid to help us with the house so we could focus on our boys.

My coworkers know we have to make the 2-2.5 hour round trip to the hospital every 2 days so we can switch out so they passed around the hat and collected money to help us pay for gas.

The Erika Kate Foundation , an amazing charity, has provided us with both emotional and financial support during these trying times.

Several very good friends (Fiona, Kasey, Vada & Stacey to name a few) have come by the house to help us care for the babies, have come to the hospital and helped us care for ourselves and have made themselves available day and night to listen if/when we need to talk.

Friends and family have started a FaceBook event: A day of prayer for Linus & group: Linus Prayer Circle. To my complete shock and amazement more than 900 people have joined one or the other. My inbox is filled daily with friends, family and complete strangers alike wishing us well.

So many of my family, friends, blog friends, fellow triplet mamas & heart baby mamas text, call, email, message me, leave comments or write me daily. These thoughtful words help me through the hard times. I cherish every single one.

My friend, Hope, made 3 gorgeous blog buttons to share with anyone who wants to post them. They'll help spread awareness for CHD and Linus's fight. Not to mention plaster my adorable child's picture all over the internet for everyone to admire. How can you not fall in love with that face?

My dear friend Traci sent me the most perfect painting of a Robin's nest with 3 blue eggs and made a donation to the Erika Kate Foundation in Linus's name.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry of Bath United Methodist Church sent Linus a beautiful handmade shawl. Betty Harris, a woman dear to my Aunt's heart, prayed for him as she crocheted it. It was then passed around the congregation so they could all touch it while they prayed for comfort, love and compassion. Since it arrived, we have received so many compliments on Linus's "blue blanket." I can picture him curling up with it for years to come.

Dozens of doctors, nurses, techs, therapists and volunteers at Texas Children's have made it their personal mission to care for Linus and keep him as comfortable and healthy as they possibly can. They continually go above and beyond what is in their job description. So many of them have stopped by his room to check on him and chat with us when they were off the clock or not "assigned" to him. You can really tell how much they love our little guy.

I could keep writing all night, but I won't. It's late and past my bedtime. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone listed and to everyone who's not. You all have made the last 5 1/2 months bearable and we would be completely lost without you.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

(through tears) What a moving display of kindness. It is amazing to see how many have put energy, hope, prayers or some other act of love and support out there for you and your family. I will keep cheering you all on and that sweet baby boy for healing.

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you and your family. Your story has touched me since the day I read about it on the triplet board, and follow every update. I'm on bed rest here at St Lukes, and pray about little Linus daily. I know it's not much but when my family does come visit they would gladly bring you things you might need (food, etc). Just let me know.

Dawn

Michaela said...

Wow, it's just amazing how much support people are giving you and I hope that it will continue that strongly.

I think of Linus and you every day.

Loralou said...

I have been reading your blog for 2 years and have been right with you the whole time. I have added a button to my blog for Linus.
I don't do prayer, but I can hope for you all.

laura w said...

continues hugs- the power of a mothers love can move mountains. this is proof!!!

N said...

♥ So so so much love to you. I'm on the FB event page (though I'm not generally a praying type, but you all are in my thoughts every single day); it seems like so little, but so many of us are looking for even a little bit that we can to do help. I am so thankful that you have so many people there physically who can help with the boys and with you guys taking care of yourselves. Is there a restaurant near the hospital or something like that, to which a gift card would be good?

boombamama said...

YAY TEAM LINUS!!!!!

txmoms2b said...

If there is anything we can do to help y'all out in any way please let us know. My wife and I are at your disposal as well. We are team Linus!!!

B said...

I'm in Houston! I've been reading you since Trina was pregnant and never realized that we might be close by. I'm a single Mama and can't help financially, but I'd love to help in some other way. Let me know if you need anything. I'll be thinking of your little family and sweet Linus.

Heather said...

Still praying for all of you. Linus is a handsome and amazing little guy. Every time I see one of your pictures of him it makes me smile and send another prayer for him for healing and comfort. I am wishing the best for all of you.

Langlais Family said...

Linus continues to be in our prayers. Eli even prays for him every night at bedtime. I'll have Dave light another candle for him at church tomorrow. I feel so connected to you guys since we sort of made this crazy journey together. I'm not sure what else I can do for you from all the way up here, but if you need anything, let me know.
Renee

Sabrina said...

Lots of prayers for Linus, you, Trina, Dexter, and Simon. It's wonderful that you have so much help, lots of prayers!

paradykes said...

Your family is in my daily prayers with extra helpings for baby Linus. I pray you all know peace and that little Linus is healthy and home with his mommies and brothers very very soon. The Team Linus button will grace my blog!

2 Chicks 1 Hatchling said...

Thinking of your little family every day. Sending all the hope we have for Linus' quick recovery.
Big hugs to you all.

JS said...

Through tears also...I have been keeping up with you and have kept my friends and family updated through FB because they do ask about Linus since he was born. Your story reaches far and wide, girls.
I am so touched by what everyone has done for you, and just wanted to add my continued love and thoughts. I wish there was more I could do from Florida.
Thinking of you all...

The Zombies said...

kindness still exists which is amazing to see, especially directly to such kind people as yourselves..

Floral said...

Glad to see you have so much support. Here are hugs and hope from far away.

Teaberry said...

I began reading your blog ages ago-- I've been following along and also sending out positive vibes for Linus. I put a button on my blog, too. I've been thinking about him (and his family) meaningfully every day.

Chrystal said...

I started reading your blog after being invited to the pray for Linus event. I have since read every blog starting when you began ttc. your story has touched me deeply and I pray for your beautiful family daily since hearing about you. God bless you all. I'm so glad you have such an amazing support system on your side.

Amy said...

My family and I will be praying!!

Alicia Wilson said...

I just hear about little Linus this morning thanks to Megan Alvarez, who sent me the prayer invitation on FB. Your story has brought me to tears, especially after looking at pictures of all three boys. (Adorable names by the way.) My prayers are with you all. Your story is a testament to the world's evolution of pure love overcoming the bounds of discrimination. It's inspiring. I'd love to help out with a small donation to your family. I can't give a life changing amount, but I'm sure some extra cash would be helpful. My prayers for your family will continue. From one stranger to a beautiful family of strangers in need... may God be with you!
Love,
Alicia Wilson (Alicia BooKoo Wilson on FB)