~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
Today, around 4:00 pm, the doorball rang - Fed Ex. My dogs start barking and I close my office door and roll my eyes - why do they ring the bell anyway? I don't have to sign for the package and I'm on a conference call!
At 5:30 pm, I stepped over the box and left to get Ellie from daycare.
At 6:00 pm, I got back home and after shuffling the kids inside - I grabbed the package and opened it. Inside was a superhero scrapbook and rolled up papers...so I opened one of the paper rolls. It was a very thoughtful, inspiring note from a colleague. And another. And another. I grabbed the kitchen counter - overwhelmed (there's that word again)...
A couple days ago, I received an email from the Claire Parker Foundation. They are a wonderful group that sent a care package to us when Levi was first admitted to the hospital and they send us gifts monthly along with Bible verses via email. For the first time, I responded to the email from Claire's Mother, Connie...I don't know why but at that moment I was feeling alone. I was having a pity moment and told her sometimes it's hard for me because people get to go back to their lives, go about their days, and here I sit unable to move on....Levi is unable to move on - he's treatment is three years long. Three years of chemo. And then, you are not considered 'free of cancer' for 10 more years from what I've read online. So people move on, but we are 'stuck'. Connie responded (which I wasn't expecting!) and said how it's hard to be in our shoes but reminded me that's it's also good that people can move forward unhindered by pediatric cancer...and she's right. Of course, we all move forward after tragedy or pain strikes - we have to and we should. Levi should. His cancer should not define him....if anything, it should be his STRENGTH.
Circling back to the package from my colleagues....that email that I exchanged with Connie was yesterday. The package of positive, caring, touching notes - showed up today. I have always believed in God. He knows my heart. I don't know how or why my friends from work sent me the package RIGHT NOW but it arrived right when I needed it most....and reminded me that I DO have a lot of people praying for me. Their families are thinking about Levi - their kids are writing him letters, sending him superhero tattoos, and hugs. Our family and friends are there --- even when I don't realize or recognize it....that's so reassuring and comforting to me.
And the notes in the package! The notes! The kind words - the positive energy - the love - the thoughtfulness that went into each one....as I read them, I felt my "positive energy tank" being refilled. It really lifted me up which will help in preparation of the difficult treatment ahead for Levi and our family.
So here I am at 9:30 pm...filling so grateful. When I took a job at Wells Fargo 11+ years ago, I had no idea that the biggest reward wasn't the job itself but the people I would work with and grow to love.
To my colleagues: thank you for being our cheerleaders! Thank you for sending your positive energy! I read EVERY note and I will share them with Levi at night when we read. Each note was so thoughtful....I just don't know what to say besides thank you over and over. Your support keeps us going. It keeps a smile on my Levi's face. Thank you over and over again. I owe all of you!!!!!!!!!! You have NO IDEA how much your package means to me --- thank you and virtual hugs to all!
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