Family

Two weeks down! WOW! has it really only been two. Isn't it amazing how our lives and world can change in the span of two or three weeks. 

Luke has felt good for the most part and been able to help get the field ready for tomorrow's game against Minnesota. 

Thursday, Luke will undergo the procedure to "obliterate" the spot on his liver. These are the Doctor's words. Of course the terminology made Luke smile. To obliterate means to destroy utterly; wipe out. This is our prayer.

Today is a sentimental Saturday. Family has been at the forefront of my mind and on my heart lately for obvious reasons. Family by blood and family by love. 

There has not been a day since this journey began, that one or more of you, (our family) have emailed, dropped by, called, texted, made a meal, mowed a lawn, delivered wine, brought clothes, made cookies; most of all prayed for Luke and Katie as well as Ben, Hannah, Erin; Danny and I.   Family!

Today, I had the privilege of hanging out with some of my family at my niece Anna's baby shower. It is always great to see what amazing adults our nieces and nephews have become. We of course started telling some of the same funny stories about when the kids were little that we have told over and over again and started thinking how every day occurrences of the past have become the sweetest and funniest memories we choose to relive and retell. We didn't know we were making memories, we were just living life. 

Christine (my niece) shared that there were some of her children's friends at her house and that she had shared the story of Luke's illness with them. Together, they decided to create cards of good wishes and prayers to send to this special man they didn't even know, but because of their love for Christine, they wanted to do what they could.  Family!

When I got home from the shower, I walked in and there were a variety of goodies on the counter. With tears in his eyes, Danny shared how Janice, his sister (the family messenger) had delivered items for Ben, Hannah and Erin. There was also maid service for Luke and Katie and a family outing for all of us when Luke feels better. As I opened the card, tears began to build. You see these personal, thought out gifts were from all of Danny's siblings as well as all of the cousins of Luke. 

Family!

What I have observed, learned, experienced is that family is more than a noun. It is more than a thing or a person. Family is a verb. All of you know how to "do" family. For you, family is an action word. 

Thank you for being our family, for living life along with us, and for creating memories. We are so blessed!