Service

Tonight my friend and neighbor, Sunny Schriever, went above and beyond to serve our family.  Nicole had tubes put in her ears today and last week we were all sick with stomach flu.  Today Sunny called to tell me she didn't know we were sick last week and wished she could have helped.  She then told me that she wanted to bring us dinner tonight.  I told her we were good, but she insisted.  She told me her daughter had dance tonight so she was going to bring us take-out.  I protested her offer, but she insisted.  She asked if we wanted Cafe Rio, Rumbi, or whatever we wanted.  I told her how we love Cafe Rio, but then told her she could chose between that or pizza since pizza is Nicole's favorite.  When Sunny came to bring us dinner she brought Will and I Cafe Rio, a pizza for the girls, cookies, and soda pop.  I started to cry out of being so touched by her overwhelming generosity.  I still can't get it out of my head how Sunny and others have gone out of their way to serve our family the past week. 

There's more... Earlier today my sister watched Alyssa at the last minute so I wouldn't have to take her to the hospital for Nicole's surgery.  Perhaps I could have managed, but it would have been difficult to pay attention to both girls when Nicole needed all of my attention.  With 5 kids of her own, I know she is crazy busy, yet she lovingly served me in my time of need.

In addition, last Thursday both Nicole and Alyssa started vomiting in the morning and I didn't have any Coke or Pepsi for them.  I emailed the Relief Society to ask if someone could run down the road to a gas station and pick some up for me and within minutes I had at least 5 phone calls with offers to help me.  The first phone call was my visiting teacher, Kristina Woodbury.  I must say before I continue that Kristina is an amazing individual who jumps at opportunities to serve and always brings the Spirit into my home when she visits me.  Kristina not only ran to the gas station for Pepsi, but she went above and beyond to bring us dinner that night.  I might also add that Will also had Lasik surgery that day, so I had both girls throwing up and Nicole had the runs in addition to Will's surgery.  I was panicking and Kristina, as well as my mom (I'll get to her next) saved me.

As I mentioned, I was panicking last Thursday and Will needed me to take him and be with him at his surgery.  I really wanted to be there for him, but was worried about getting a baby-sitter for our very sick girls.  My options were limited and I called my mom for help.  Despite that she was already baby-sitting my nephews and niece later that day, she dropped everything to take care of my sick daughters. 

I can't thank enough those who served our family and those who offered to help us.  We are touched to be surrounded by such compassionate, giving individuals.  May they reap many blessings.  We are moved to also look for opportunities to give to others and appreciate the many charitable examples.