This is the LOVE BOX.
The Love Box was delivered to our house this week by the Relief Society (our church woman organization). Our sweet neighbor Brother Jensen built this nice box for us. It is labeled "Love Box" and is put it on our porch. They brought it over and explained that it is there so that anybody can bring by meals, treats, messages or anything that they think my family might need anytime of the day. They can leave it in the box so that they don't have to ring the doorbell in case Tyler is sleeping or we aren't home. Plus, they don't have to worry about germs since this is a issue we are being really careful with.
This was one of the gifts that was given today. It is the most thoughtful idea to do this. I can't tell you how much it means to our family. It has opened my eyes to the word SERVICE and helping others. Each time I pass my front door I just feel LOVE and supported. I wish I could bottle this feeling up so everyone could feel it.
This afternoon one of our neighbors called and said dinner is going to be at your house at 6 pm. It was not a question but simply plan on it. I cried because I feel lifted and helped in a time that we really need it. I want my neighbors and friends to know that I love them so much and this gift is forever etched in our hearts. This box will be a reminder to me until I leave this earth of the love of others. It will remind me of the good in this world and in people. I would like to pass this box on to my future posterity and talk about this time in our life. I will be a better person from this time in my life.
Dear neighbors and friends- Thank you for your compassion and willing to serve our family. Its so hard to accept help, but we had a lesson in church on Sunday that made me realize that by serving others we are helping someone and also being blessed by being able to give service. The LOVE BOX... I shared this with my children as soon as it arrived. Gentry is inspired to make her own LOVE BOX for their home. They will put notes, and such inside their love box. The world would be a better place if we all had our own LOVE BOX.
I thought I would give you an update on Tyler. I know many of you come to my blog for inspiration. I am still crafting... just lately my time has been taking care of Ty and the kids. I have so many people who call, text or email for updates and I plan to keep my blog updated so that it's easier to communicate.
Ty actually feels better in the past couple of days than he has in a really long time. We can see the lymph nodes shrinking after his first chemo treatment. Thankfully, the pain has went away for now. We feel so blessed. I am seeing miracles. For example, we knew he was going to have to shut down his practice. Within a WEEK... yes, a week- he got a call from a fellow podiatrist who introduced him to another young doctor who was interested in talking to Ty. I am happy to say in just days it has worked out and in less than two weeks his practice is being turned over. I know God was blessing us with this so that we could focus on this next year. Ty is really dreading his next chemo treatment because immediately within hours of the first treatment was so sick and then was hospitalized for five days.
We had a long talk today and Tyler said to me, "I am dying of cancer but I am fighting it and going through treatment so it's gone." I said oh no... don't say it that way. He said, "But it's the truth." It's scary to think about, but then he said... "because of this I am a better person and I want to even be better." We talked about how things just don't matter in this life. You don't take them with you. It's all about the relationships- the love. I always thought he was amazing and now I see him changing into a more amazing (if possible) person. We have grown closer and are growing closer each day. I always think as I see couples pass me... "don't take each other for granted and love love love each other."
My "new normal" has me cooking special meals for Ty, cleaning more, laundry (yes, Ty liked to do the laundry), and balancing work while we shut down his practice. Mostly I am strong and can juggle it all, but his week has been hard. I have THREE events next week. Yes, next week is my BUSIEST week of all year and normally always is.
This is my week:
FLY to Florida on Monday-
Tuesday- I'm on HSN. It's the World Wide Launch of the TC Craftwell eBosser machine and I'm showing the NEW TC Stampmaker. Air times 1:00 am , 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm Tuesday Sept. 17th. I hope you will watch!
Wednesday- fly from FL to Nevada for my event Inspiration Unlimited
Thur-Saturday- my event (teach 18 plus hours)
Scrapest- Sept 22nd (flying through the night from NV to be there) *
MONDAY- fly home... REST and be with family
I am more than ever thankful for my company and that I will be able and in a position to to work and provide for our family now that Ty is not able. I never thought years ago that I would be in the position to bless my family in this way. This is a blessing for us. I am trying to figure out how to manage and balance it all. I just take it a day at a time. I am seeing many miracles and blessings around me. I am fortunate that the times I do need to leave and work, I have the BEST support team watching and taking care of my husband and children. My husband is still my biggest cheerleader and believes in me and the message I hope to promote and inspire in the crafting world.
I will say that although this is sad time and difficult for us, we are turning to the Lord and finding happiness in the simple things. This morning as I woke up, Ty reached over and just held my hand. It's these little things that I will never take for granted. It is the conversations we have with each other about how much we love each of our children and each other. We talk about the love and support of those around us- it humbles us. These are the things that mean the most.
