Gratitude

I have been hesitating to do this post because I KNOW I'm going to leave someone out, but I do need to acknowledge everyone who has been so good to us over the last ten days:

--My mother, who jumped in her car at 9:30 p.m. that Sunday night and made the mad dash to Indianapolis to be with my kids so I could go be with my husband--AND who then took the kids home for a week to shield them from what was happening. My kids are happy and unworried, and I know it's because of you. Thank you for also being my sounding board and cheerleader and for everything else you've done (helping me rip the carpet up in J.J.'s bathroom so I can begin the process of having it modified for him, for instance). You are the best--when I grow up someday, I hope I'm just like you.

--My father, who had a bleeding ulcer that left him five pints of blood low but who still managed to play with his grandkids all week and who even talked me through lighting my water heater pilot light from his cell phone while he was laying in a hospital bed. I know you feel guilty that you weren't able to help me with some of the stuff around the house this week, but you shouldn't at all--just take care of yourself, okay? You're always there when I need you most and you have nothing at all to feel guilty about.

--My sister, who was sick with the worst stomach flu of her life when J.J. had his stroke. Katie waited until she was sure she wasn't contagious and then jumped in with both feet, watching my kids and driving to Plainfield last Friday night to buy me dinner. You are an awesome sister, Kate.

--My mother-in-law, who still calls every evening to check in on her boy and who has managed to hold it together this far. It's not been easy, but we're going to make it through.

--J.J.'s Uncle Randy, who drove J.J.'s mom to the hospital and who even managed to find the time to relight my water heater pilot light (it's like carrying the Olympic torch, folks--everyone got involved on this one).

--Brian and Donna from R.W. Armstrong, who both visited within two hours of my calling in to RWA to report J.J.'s stroke. Heck, Brian even beat me to the hospital that day! Your concern and offers to help were much appreciated and I am so grateful to see that J.J. is so appreciated by his employer.

--J.J.'s great uncle Paul, for also checking in on us that first day in the hospital and for praying with both of us in that scary time.

--Our friend Nova, who has proven herself very worthy of being called my best friend. From the visits to the phone calls, from the shopping for a new garbage disposal with me to patting my shoulder while I cried in church on Sunday, from the casseroles to the casseroles (hey, there's a lot of them, I can't get past that!) you are the bomb diggity and I feel extremely fortunate to know you. Oh, and your husband, who was out of town for much of this mess, rocks out loud too. Mike, don't think I won't be utilizing your Anthem connections at some point to straighten out any insurance issues I have!

--Our friend Ross, who entertained J.J. by telling him dirty jokes and who has offered to be my resident "manly chores" expert...thanks for being there. I know it's been a rough year for you too--if you need me, please don't hesitate to call. We can cry on each other's shoulders, k?

--Our friend Sue, who lives on the "left coast" and who gives me someone to call in the middle of the night. Thanks for continuing to check in on us and for being there.

--My two best high school friends, Sara and Megan, for dropping everything and braving the extremely poor directions given by Mapquest to come up and keep me entertained and laughing even though you have families of your own and lots of stuff you could have been doing. Next time let's visit somewhere else, though, okay?

--My friend and coworker Katrina, who brought us the most awesome dinner on Monday night. If you ever open a restaurant, we'll so be there. You've had a lot on your plate, so the fact that you found time to do this means a lot to me. Thanks so much.

--My friend and coworker Palak, who has done everything from bringing me special aromatherapy stuff to help me sleep to making a flower arrangement for J.J.'s room to trying to organize a drive to collect money at work to purchase a gift card for us until I got wind of that and put the smack down. You are one of the kindest, most considerate people I've ever met. Thanks for being there.

--My friends and coworkers Lashonda and Brittney, who knew I was having a bad day yesterday and who came back from their lunch hour with a bouquet of flowers for me. They really do brighten my day!

--All the countless people who have sent emails, left comments, signed my Facebook wall or called me. I won't even attempt to name you because there's no way I will remember everyone. You know who you are, so please, pat yourself on the back for me!

--RWA and INHP for the beautiful planters. I'm trying to keep them alive, but if I don't succeed, please know that we still appreciate the sentiment and that will live on.

--All of my coworkers for giving me the space I need or the support I need depending on the day. I am truly blessed with an awesome work family.

--Everyone at the kids' schools. They are going to need some support too, and I thank you for loving them and helping them through this time.

--Basically everyone I've come into contact with in the last ten days. Everyone has been so wonderful, I am totally back to being a Rogerian (psych humor!). Thanks for restoring my belief in humanity.

--And although I sound like I'm giving an Academy Award speech, I'd like to thank my God, who is giving me the grace to get through this at all.