Just wanting to say thanks...

Ok, so I had the best of intentions.  I have a stack of thank you cards that I sincerely would love to sit down and spend time on, thanking each and every one of you for the gift cards, meals, blankets, craft supplies, slippers, hats, coloring books, stuffed animals, notes, cards, money, and many other wonderful heart-felt gifts you've all sent to help Abby and us through this.  However, as you can imagine, it's been a challenge just keeping food in the fridge and the laundry done.

I know no one expects a thank you card from us right now, but we want to make sure each person knows how much we appreciate your thoughtfulness.

So we say a very sincere "thank you" to each of you who have reached out to us with a gift, even if it is a simple card with words of encouragement.  It helps tremendously in the practical sense but also in knowing we aren't alone in this.

There's a cool story in the bible where Moses is trying to keep his arms and staff raised up so that the Israelites can remain victorious in battle.  Eventually, his arms get too tired but every time he lowers them, the battle turns and the Israelites start getting beaten.  His two friends, Aaron and some other guy I can't remember right now, stand with him and each hold up an arm.  Although Mark and I  can't compare ourselves to Moses, you all are our arm-holding friends.  When we feel like we are being defeated by despair and exhaustion, one of you steps in to hold us up and help us toward victory.