People Do the Nicest Things!

I've always had a good opinion of people.  In my experience most people are kind and thoughtful.  But I had no idea. . .

 When Brendan wanted to donate an air-hockey table to Primary's playroom, I figured he would get some help from friends and family to help purchase it.  I was totally unprepared for the incredible generosity that flowed from so many people!

Rachel counting up the donations for the table and playroom.

 The help from RC Willey in getting us the air-hockey table for their cost, then the incredible donations from all of you, gave us the privilege of donating over $1,000 to the Young Zone Playroom.

There was a team of playroom volunteers to help set up the table.

 Brendan did his part.

 That left the rest of us to just stand and watch. . .

 Brendan couldn't wait for the table to get set up so he talked LaNae into a make-shift game on the craft table.

 A foosball game with Loren while waiting. . .

 Finally, it was done!  Brendan played the first game on the new table.

 This week, Brendan was given the opportunity to participate in a study to look at the molecular structure of his tumor.  Even though he will have to undergo another bone biopsy, he was willing to do it to help researchers understand this rare type of tumor better.  I'm so impressed with Brendan's willingness to help others understand this type of cancer and develop treatments down the road.

Brendan signing the study consent forms.

 The power went out at Huntsman just before Brendan's radiation appointment.  Since it takes a lot of power to run the radiation machines, we had to wait awhile for the machines to warm up again before he could get his treatment.

 So we went to lunch.  Brendan kept hurrying us -- he had no interest in eating just then, so he wanted us to hurry so we could go check out the sweet shop.

 Since he was so impatient, we sent Brendan in to look at what they had and see if there was anything that appealed to him.  He went in, looked around, and came back out and waited for us.  When we were done eating, we all went in to oooh and ahhh over the beautiful treats.

 While Brendan was looking, he was told that a lady (who had just left the shop) had already paid for him to get something.  People do the nicest things!

 Then it was back to Huntsman to see if the machines were back up and running.  When Brendan climbed out of the car, this man on his Harley parked next to us and began talking to Brendan about his treatment.  This guy had been through treatment 3 years ago and was encouraging Brendan -- telling him to hang in there and wishing him luck.  So nice!

 It was a good sign that the lights were back on at the Huntsman Institute.

 Brendan is feeling better and better every day.  The pain is almost gone -- (except the "normal" aches and pains that he says he doesn't notice anymore.)

 A few minutes out in the sunshine before heading in for a nap.

 Brendan wasn't the only one who needed a nap this afternoon!

I'm so incredibly overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness, the kindness, the generosity of so many people.    For instance, my day started out today with the doorbell ringing and someone pushing a sack full of Pringles cans into my arms.  "For Brendan," he said as he walked away.  "He can share if he wants to!"

I came home Wednesday to a beautiful bouquet of lilacs in my kitchen.

A neighbor thoughtfully took our garbage to the road when I forgot.

Dinner has been brought in off and on for almost 7 months.  That's a lot of meals!  And it is a huge help when things get busy and overwhelming.

Gifts, cards, comments, calls, texts, prayers, games for the other kids, a pedicure, having my bathrooms cleaned, yard work done, visits -- the list is endless.

Once again, I have to mention the gathering on Sunday with neighbors, family, friends, strangers.  This had to be one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for us.  With candles of light and hymns of strength, it buoyed us up like nothing else could have.  Oh, how I wish I could have spoken to everyone there that night.  But, like most angels, you slipped away unseen -- but surely felt.

People do the nicest things!