DON'T GROW WEARY MY FRIENDS......

Hello my friends. It has been a while and my apologies for not updating. As you know, things have been crazy -- Tropical Storm Fay, finally a full week of school and homework, Election news, Labor Day weekend -- you know, the crazy things that happen in your own lives.

This battle is long and I'm still fighting as hard as I can. I couldn't do it without my support from all of you. This email is dedicated to some very special people locally.

I give a SHOUT OUT to some of my local helpers/supporters (this is definitely NOT everyone - I would never get to bed tonight):

Jeff
Where would I be without you? You are my soulmate, my number one supporter and my life. Thank you for all the hard work you do for our family and your dedication to us. I am so honored to be your wife! Thanks for standing by my side since Feb and for the last 15 1/2 years.

Rovenia
You are a wonderful woman and I thank you so much for being there on the early mornings when I've needed you. I'm so glad we've become friends although I would have rather picked better circumstances! I'm so glad we're practically neighbors too. It's wonderful having you so close by. You've been there since the first doctor's appointment and the bad news, the tests and all of it. Thanks for sharing my burden.

Amy S.
Girl you continue to amaze me with your ability to do so many things and still have time to help me and continue to ask to do more. You have so much on your plate and you just give and give without asking for anything. Thank you for being my friend and taking care of my guys, especially Brandon. I think he missed you this afternoon. Thanks for all your support since February too and sharing my burden.

Armillda
Your weekly notes are awesome and I appreciate them so much, especially knowing the trials you have in your life these days. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and wisdom. Thank you for taking the time to write me a note each week and for keeping me in your prayers. Know that you and H. are in mine. I'm so glad he's doing better and I saw you at church, but didn't get a chance to say hello.

Gail T.
What can I say? You're a super mom! When your girls can't make it, you fill in. When I need help, you're there. Thanks so much for being there. I've enjoyed our newly formed friendship and I think your girls are great too (Please tell them that). I'm happy your house sold and that you're getting settled -- are ALL those boxes unpacked yet? he he Thank you for your willingness to help us out before we got to know each other very well.

Nancy
I'm so glad we've gotten to know each other better recently. You're a true sweetheart and I look forward to your help at the house in the next few weeks. It's awesome when Gunner can come by and play with A. It makes him feel like such a big boy. Give A. a shout out from me as well! I so appreciate your thoughtfulness and willingness to help us.

Sharon
Thank you for all you do. You lifted me up in my first dark hour after the call with the initial diagnosis. You've helped a lot with the boys and you continue to encourage me. I know you carry many people's burdens with your responsibility and you and J. amaze me with your ability to do as much as you two do. Just know I pray for you too.

Ginny
I'm so glad we've become friends! I enjoy your emails and phone calls. Thanks for helping with the boys as often as you do. You're a super sweet lady and I love your smile! Thanks for your prayers and know that you're in mine too.

All of you keep me encouraged (as well as all my family and friends in cyber world). Thank you so much for being so generous with your time and your selflessness to come over, help with the boys, or just call. You are all wonderful Christian women and I know that my family is in good hands when you come over to care for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I only hope that I can return the favor to you or someone else in the future.

I don't know if any of you understand how hard it is for me to call you and ask for help when I need it. I am much better at calling to ask how I can help someone else! I have always been very self sufficient and proud. It's hard to be humble and accept help, even when it is needed. I have learned so much from this experience. Thank you for being my friends and for being able to sacrifice time away from your families to help mine. God bless all of you!

I dedicate this verse to you and everyone who has sent a card, email, called, spoke to me or prepared/furnished a meal for us since February.

Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV)
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

LOVE YOU!!