A Thanksgiving Gift

Josh and I were out and about today, running some errands.  We picked up some books and his laptop from work finally (where the cleaning lady wished him a good recovery).  We then went to Wal-Mart, where don’t usually go for groceries, but we only had a few things to get, and went there because we also needed to buy an ink cartridge, thus it would save us a trip. We also picked up National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on DVD because it is one of Josh’s favorite Christmas movies.

As we got to the check out, the lady ahead of us didn’t leave the store but kinda of just stayed at the end of the lane.  As I was about to pay for our shopping trip, the lady that was waiting there, jumped in and said she wanted to pay our bill!  She told us Happy Thanksgiving and that we seemed like a nice family and to pay it forward.  We thanked her, and cried some in the check-out lane at Wal-mart (that’s a first!).  She told us someone last week had paid for her breakfast and she just wanted to do something nice because life’s been good to her lately.  Our bill was about $80 (and included ink and a movie).  Eighty dollars is a big deal to us!  We are on a fairly tight budget.

We are so grateful for the random stranger who helped us today at the Wal-mart. She did not know that this blessing came at the perfect time for us, a time that has been very taxing emotional, physically (especially physically), and soon financially.  We didn’t tell her either, mostly because I think I would’ve started blubbering like a baby.  She did not know Josh had a broken sternum and hasn’t worked for almost two weeks, and that our car was totaled.

This blessing made me think of another time we were randomly blessed.  It was our second Christmas together, and we were expecting twins in four months time, and we received a Christmas basket with gifts and money.  You can read about that by clicking HERE.

Josh and I have been very blessed and taken care of since his accident.  Friends have called, made or ordered (pizza) for us, watched our kids multiple times, bought us a humidifier at 11 o’clock at night, and one friend has lent us their mini van since Josh’s accident happened, an enormous blessing as we’ve had to take both girls to the doctor, Josh to the doctor, pick up prescriptions, and get some groceries.  It has been wonderful. Thanks you guys so much!

We have also been blessed with great family.  My dad (who was randomly coming through) watched the girls while I brought Josh home from the hospital, even though it meant he had to clean up Lisa’s puke twice.  Josh’s mom came up the first weekend and brought food, heating pads, antibiotics, and lots of love.  She used to be a nurse for many years and definitely knows how to take care of Josh better than I do.  She also got up with the girls so I could get some sleep (they have not been sleeping great due to sickness and stubbornness for the last two weeks).  We have also received phone calls from family members, and cards in the mail.

Josh has even received cards in the mail from his co-workers and also the high school football team, who is going to State!  They must miss him at work I’m sure, but his students better be ready to get back into gear once he does come back.

I don’t know how Josh and I can ever repay all the people who have helped us in our short life together.  We have received so, SO, much and have not yet been able to repay nearly as much as we have received of others.  So, if anyone ever needs anything from us, please ask.  We know you deserve it for all the time, money, energy, love, and prayers you have given us through our 3 years of marriage.

Thanks everyone, and may we all indeed have a very Happy Thanksgiving and remember all those who bless our lives in so many countless ways.  We love you guys!