Helpers

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”        - Fred Rogers

You may have heard this quote mentioned during 9/11 or the Boston Marathon incident. Such a beautiful way to view a tragedy, to focus on those who are doing something positive. During this very trying time in our lives, many of you have served as our "helpers." You have blessed us abundantly by acts of kindness large and small. 

It has become very evident to me that, although it often feels like nothing can be more painful than our battle, we are not the only ones hurting. One of my greatest memories after my mom passed away was that although my world felt like it had just ended, everyone else continued life as usual. I wanted the world to stop and acknowledge my pain. I felt like time should stand still. A life lesson was quickly made clear... Life goes on, fortunately and unfortunately. The beauty, however, is that each of us can play a role in making those days of suffering less painful by simply demonstrating kindness and being a "helper." The person ahead of you in the Starbucks line could have just been diagnosed with cancer. The cashier at the grocery store may have just lost her husband. People all around us are hurting. Every interaction we experience can be an opportunity to serve as a blessing to someone who is desperately in need of a smile. 

One specific act of kindness we recently received took us by complete surprise. My sweet pastor's wife from my home church in Portage, Sis. Fielder, put together a hat box for Elise with the help of some of the ladies from the church. A cute little fox hat, a gorgeous jeweled knit hat, trendy little beanies, old fashioned hand-knitted bonnets, french berets, and even a "blossom" hat! 

We are so thankful for each of the ladies who contributed to this incredibly thoughtful gift. Thank you for blessing us during this time. Thank you for being a "helper."