In a week we of sadness, we have found blessings...

So I was really down in the dumps about going to the hospital this past week.  I was sad that Ellie will once again miss her Christmas Party at school and is unable to see her friends.  But then one thing after another reminded me that we were blessed.

This week brought many tears but not for Ellie.  My tears are for many other families.  I received two messages this week from fellow Brain Tumor friends that they are preparing for the end. I cannot imagine being told its time to make arrangements.  It makes me so sick that any parent would have to go through that.  Also a Brain Tumor camp family friend was told there is nothing more they can do.  Another Brain Tumor camp friend was told the tumor spread. I just don’t understand why the week before Christmas these families get this horrible news.  It actually makes me feel really guilty that I spent time talking about Ellie being in the hospital.  She is home and doing well and we are blessed. 

I just keep on telling myself no we are never going to be that family.  But the reality is that our day could come.  But for now we are going to pretend and pray that it never will. 

And then there was the tragedy on Friday.  I just keep telling myself why; God has enough Angels in heaven and doesn’t need anymore.  I just don’t understand.  It’s devastating.  Once again reminded me how grateful I am that I can hug and hold my children.  As much as this week has brought such difficult news it also has brought out some wonderful Christmas spirited things also. 

While I was in the hospital with Ellie I had Nick Zorn from Oswego ATA contact me and tell me they wanted to buy a big ticket Item for Ellie for Christmas.  I was in shock.  I have been struggling with this for a few weeks now.  When I took Ellie to the American Girl Doll store she looked at the dolls and said Mom I really want this one for Christmas this year.  I unfortunately had to tell her that it was too much money.  (Side note:  Ellie got a American Girl Doll two years ago from Santa, actually Santa won it in a raffle when she was only 2years old and held onto it. Best five dollars Santa ever spent) But then Ellie picked up the tag and said “I know you and dad can’t afford it but maybe Santa can bring it to me” I responded and told her that I thought it was too much money for Santa also.  Ellie being the sweet thing she is said “I know Santa can’t bring it but I’m just going to keep the tag just in case” Needless to say this moment has been on my mind for weeks.  But defiantly after Ellie's 3 ER visits, Tests, and stay in the hospital there was no way of squeezing funds out for a doll.  Luckily Christmas shopping was mostly done before this. Well then the blessing came of Nick Zorn and the Oswego ATA.  He told me they were going to collect money and purchase the doll for her.  I was so thrilled.  I cannot thank the Oswego ATA enough.   But our blessings and Christmas Cheer did not end there.

My Aunt and her friend came by this week with some gift cards for us that her book club gave us.  Once again so warms my heart that our family is in people’s minds and prayers daily.  But no the blessings still didn’t stop there.

On Thursday Morning I was going through the mail and saw a big envelope.  I opened it to a letter from Mrs. Claus and secret Elves.  They are once again are doing the 12 days of Christmas for the kids this year.  Ellie and Jake were so excited that every time the doorbell rings they are now running to the door.  It’s very cute.  Ellie and Jake are like hurry, hurry get to the door all eager and excited.  Then they get there and they are like it’s just the mailman.  But those sneaky elves have managed to drop off packages without them seeing these past two days.  Shhh don’t tell anyone but I have also been really excited when the doorbell rings. J  Thursday night was Game Night/Pizza and Friday was Movie/PJ night.  I posted pictures of the kids playing their new games and watching their movie in their PJ’s.   Please note Sam our dog got involved also. It is so nice to see them both so happy.  I cannot get over the Love and support Lemont has given my family.  I could not imagine living any were else.   I cannot thank the secret Elves and Mrs. Claus for all they have and are doing for our family.  In such a rough week of difficult news we are reminded that Angles live among us and not everyone is bad, there is still good in the world.

This week although was devastating it also brought many blessings and we could not be more grateful for such wonderful people in our life.