I called in sick two days of work. So I think I will have to accept the fact that between the physical ailments and/or the emotional stress this causes, I'm just not going to be able to work a 40 hour week the days after treatment. And that is OK!
It's an amazing thing that this terrible disease, which affects so many people and can cause so much pain, can also bring one to such as state of gratitude. When I think of the love and grace that has been extended to our family I fight back tears (because you know I'm mostly Dutch and I cannot let people see me cry =).
To all of you who have made this all bearable (hopefully I didn't forget anyone):
The Dykstra family for bringing French Dip on the day of treatment. Jessica Louwerse (you should ask her for her Salmon Chowder recipe!), Kristen Bierma, and Mandie Dykstra who brought dinner on Friday and completed the evening with pedicures! Lori Bingham who so strategically provided beef stew the day after a cold, windy, rainy day at the cross country races! The Henke family for providing tacos with FRESH salsa! And the Kuipers for providing enchiladas, which the kids even ate because they weren't too spicy! Laura Tucker, thank you for coordinating it all. I have honestly only cooked one meal in 10 days!
The gift of meals extends way beyond this last 10 days too... Fred Thompson for an awesome chicken dinner, Beth Nightingale for super spaghetti, the Henke's (again) for the catch of the day-grilled salmon, Sharon Visser for chicken enchiladas & spaghetti sauce, Krista Sandhoefner for breakfast burritos. A basket of bread fit for Paul Bunyan from the Partlows. Wait, it still doesn't end..... gift cards to Papa Murphy's, Subway, and Olive Garden (which is yet to be spent...do we dare wait till the Dimond restaurant opens?) from the Tans's and Gardiner family.
It's not just dinners either. To those of you who have been helping provide rides and entertain our kiddos a special thank you to you as well. Narda Butler, Denise Hopewell, Mandi Dykstra, Jessica Louwerse, Carla Dudley, and the Harvey family...
It's not just dinners and transportation but huge surprises that come in the mail and help financially! I think they know who they are so I will keep that private. May you know how grateful and humbled we are...
Not to mention a pastor who shaves his head! That was very brave, Dave VanBerkel...
Family friends, the Velderman's, who know all too well that when I have "extra" time on my hands and should be resting, instead, get a little bored and decide to hang family photos that were taken a year ago. In all honesty though I usually start the project and Joel has to finish them! Thank you for the Michael's gift card to make this happen...Erin Jettenburg for sending reading material that made me perpetually hungry! Flowers from Hurtado's, Kotelman's and Laurion's to brighten my day. Monica Grossman for sharing her headwraps, Sharon Visser for her head shaving expertise and a swanky new fedora, Co-workers who have to deal with all my sick days...
My mother-in-law, Nancy, who provided a lifetime supply of hats and bandannas. My Aunt Sue and her church (I'm sorry, I can't remember the name of your church Aunt Sue) who knitted a prayer shawl...
Joel, Naomi, Emma , Katie Alley, and Mike Alley who run in races wearing I "heart" Stacey's Boobies" pink shirts (sweet Emma even wore it to practice one day & was kindly told it wasn't appropriate at school =)...
Sydney who loves to give me makeovers with all the makeup from the American Cancer Society...
Parents, brother and sister's who provide airline tickets, entire new wardrobes, manicures, and pedicures...
And to all the prayer warriors out there...I cannot imagine doing this without all of you. May my good Lord bless you and keep you and may HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU!
And this is the crazy thing... I just may have forgotten someone! To you, know I'm so filled with gratitude!
Stacey
Love you!!
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