When Push Comes To Love

Note:  I want to start the morning with this wonderful piece of information:  Leigh emailed me to say that last night Tabitha and Allison were finally released from the hospital, and are home surrounded by family.  Leigh says the baby is not completely out of the woods just yet, but that the doctors have found a combination of medicines that is working.  She wants to thank everyone for their continued wishes, hopes, and prayers.  Pish, Leigh.  That's the least we could do.  :O)  Kiss the baby for us and please let Allison know she will continue to be in our hearts, and our hopes that the road is much smoother from this point on.

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"That's the least we could do."

I often wonder what is the most?

It's not uncommon for human beings with big hearts, empathy, sympathy, decency to say the words, "Whatever I can do, just tell me" when someone is down on their luck or in distress.

"Whatever"?  As in anything?  Well, we all can acknowledge deep down that when push comes to shove there are usually some parameters, comfort zones, etc that "Whatever" pushes up against when it becomes a reality.

Maybe we prepare a meal for someone.  Give them a ride.  Babysit.  Even give them some money if we can afford it.  But our efforts are typically tempered with how much our own routines, comfort, schedules, heck - even privacy - will be dicked with.

It doesn't make us bad, it just makes us human.  Especially in these harrowing times when so many are struggling to keep their own heads above water, it is difficult to attempt to tread water while rescuing someone else.

But that's just what DGMS regular Jamie has been doing.  In her case, push came to love, and I am completely humbled by her example of actually doing "whatever" it takes.

I had mentioned in a past blog how I had my friend who fell on hard times move in my home.  Things haven't been easy for my family and especially hers.

Here is my story:

My husband is a disabled firefighter - he lost half his lungs in a fire back in the year 2000. He still works as an EMT, but he has to be careful to not be around any smoke, chemicals etc... as it can cause a severe asthma attack. He is on inhalers & medications for life. We pay for the medications ourselves because he was a part-time firefighter & not part of the union. So no firefighter benefits for him. When he gets sick, he almost always gets pneumonia & ends up in the hospital for a week or more & then off work for another week or more. That equals lost wages & past due bills - which all adds up. But we have managed. Struggling as we are.

When my best friend was locked out of her home by her abusive fiance & had no where to go & two small children, I told her - what is mine is yours. So she took her few belongings & we turned my basement into a mini apartment for her. So my family of three turned into a family of 6. Its been hard. Harder than I thought - utilities have gone up, grocery bills, etc... and with the holidays coming, things aren't looking good. She helps financially what she can - but with prices as they are - it doesn't go far.

I am not one to ask for help- EVER! But if your readers could find it in their hearts to make sure that her kids can have a decent Christmas - I would be grateful & extremely humbled.

With our Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus efforts, we will be helping make Christmas brighter, not only for Jamie's friend's children - a 4 year old son, a 5 year old daughter - but for Jamie's daughter, also 5 years old, as well. 

Every donation - regardless of size - can help.  The permanent link to donate is on the left hand side of this page.  Just click on the gift in the open hands for directions.  Or you can go directly to Paypal and send your donation to lsharp03@aol.com . 

(To date we have raised over $600.  I have already begun using our funds to shop for the children whose stories I have been sharing.  I promise you, as the cheapest person alive, I am being a good steward with your contributions.  If there is a bargain to be had, a coupon code to use, a twofer to take advantage of - believe me, I will leave no link unturned.  :O))

It is easy to talk the talk.  But honestly, how many of us could walk the walk like Jamie?  Her burden is great, but her heart is greater.  Let's help her keep taking those difficult steps forward.

Comments

[Ame in upstate NY]

Of course now I am crying in my coffee, but that is a wonderful way to wake up on a dreary, snowy Sunday morning. Such wonderful news about Tabitha! And Jamie - you are an inspiration to us all.

[ChickyChick (Kathy)]

Yay for Allison, Tabitha and Leigh - I am so happy our prayers and well wishes were answered...this is an excellent example of the power of prayer and even better, that God isn't stingy with his miracles. Leigh, I'm so glad that God is watching out for your family.

Jamie, you are an inspiration to everyone. Your kind and selfless deeds are humbling. Thank you for sharing your story. My sincere wish is that with a little help from your friends, you and your extended family have a very Merry Christmas.

I want to point out once again, Freecycle (in my area) has been helping out with local families in need this Christmas. I've seen quite a few posts to "help a needy family", so please, if you have something you aren't using anymore, check Freecycle, maybe you can make a needy family's Christmas wish come true. Thanks Blogmunity!

[audreyf]

Jamie, I am a firm believer in "what goes around, comes around"! You certainly deserve great blessings--your friend is definitely blessed to have you and your husband!

Woo Hoo! Tabitha's home! YAY! Nothing against hospitals, but HOME is a great place for warmth and lots of healing love!

As Chicky stated, Freecycle is FABULOUS! There is no telling what you can find there, but it is definitely worth the look!

[Rhonda in NC]

Allison and Tabitha's story make this season even brighter, giving us more to be thankful for. Welcome home!
Jamie, you are a true friend and a hero. I firmly believe that you will be blessed for all of your kind acts. This would be a much better world if there were more people like you in it.

[Julie G]

OK...one more family in need, so I'll make one more little contribution to the fund.

Thanks, Jamie, for being such a wonderful friend. Blessings to all of you.