My parents taught me that hard work, perseverance, and faith in God are the building blocks for a successful life. In the past, when things have been tumultuous, I’ve tried to work harder and trust that God would provide. When we received the news about Juliana, I had to change my strategy at little bit.  The doctors advised that I couldn’t do anything to fix Juliana’s heart (which broke my heart, too), but that I should try to minimize my stress going forward.  This meant that I had to stop picking up extra shifts and trust that God would provide for our family.

A few short weeks later, my dear friend Heather came to me and asked if she and my colleagues in the HLA lab could arrange a fund-raiser to help defray some of the costs associated with Juliana’s birth, surgeries, and recovery time.  It was very humbling to accept her offer because I’ve always wanted to be a strong, fiercely independent woman.  I have never been good at asking for or accepting help.

My sweet friends from HLA (Heather, Jen, Kristin, Diane, Mike, Angela, & Steph) worked tirelessly to arrange a dance in honor of our family, which took place yesterday. I can’t even imagine the volume of work that they put into this day. I do know that they spent 14(!) hours baking the day before the event & that was just a fraction of the time and energy that they each committed.

Friends and family came out, danced, laughed, and provided some much needed emotional support in addition to financial donations. Those that couldn’t make it sent well wishes, prayers, and donations through a GoFundMe site that Heather set up.

I have been struggling to find the words to say "thank you" to our friends and family (& some complete strangers) because no words really suffice. Here is my best attempt:

You have provided us with more love and support throughout this journey than I could have imagined. You have prayed for us. You have helped to bridge a financial gap created by my working fewer hours. You have been a shining light when the world seems strangely dark. I write this with tears streaming down my face because I am overwhelmed with gratitude. You have been the answer to some of our prayers.

I know I can never repay a fraction of the kindness that you’ve showered us with, which is hard for that fiercely independent woman inside me... but it is good for me to be humbled, because it reminds me that we can’t make it alone. Thank you for being there, and for being a reminder that in the darkness, Jesus is still holding onto us every step of the way.

I will never forget what you’ve done for us & I will carry your kindness into the future; this is my promise to pay-it-forward whenever I can. Thank you. I love you.