Thankful

It's Sunday night, at 8:48 p.m., and I am sure our church service is still going strong right now. I am home because my husband is still recovering from his surgery. I am pleased to report that the surgery went well, but it will be days before we know if it was successful. Sam's pain is slowly fading and he is able to walk on his own. I'm so relieved to see him get his strength back. Thank you Jesus!

I wanted to take the time to thank a few of our wonderful church family for their help in our time of need:

Ari and Jaimee Prado: Ari took my husband to his surgery and waited for eight hours until he was released to go home! We did not think the surgery would take so long, but it not only went over-time, but the recovery was a little long too. Ari's precious wife, Jaime stayed with Ethan at home while I ran around crazy to pick up Sam's RX, etc. etc. When they saw that Sam was in pretty bad shape, they insisted on staying the night at our house to help me through the night. I don't know what I would have done without their help, and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

Moses and Victoria Moreno: They brought over a delicious tri-tip dinner with all of the fixings! Little did they know this is Sam's favorite thing in the world to eat - he loved it! In the hustle and bustle of life, Victoria and Moses graciously took the time to bless us and I am so thankful.

Rev. Jesse and Sis. Linda Gutierrez: Bro. Jesse delivered Sis. Linda's DELICIOUS soup complete with tortillas, rice, hot sauce and dessert! All I can say is we almost finished it all in one sitting. It surely was soup for my soul, and I believe Sis. Linda is one of the greatest cooks ever!

Jason and Leah West: I probably got 2 hours sleep total on Friday night and Leah graciously came and took Ethan off my hands for the entire day so I could tend to Sam without distraction. What a relief and a blessing! Leah is a trooper and she deserves a BIG FAT vacation and maybe a few pairs of shoes (wink wink)! She and Jason were extremely busy preparing for the bus outreach team's holiday party, but they still took our son anyway because they knew how much I needed help. How thoughtful AND unselfish is that?!

Kellee Hopper: Since Leah and Jason did have a holiday party in the evening, Kellee took Ethan off their hands. She took him out to see Christmas lights complete with a trip to the ice cream parlor. I know he loved her for that! When she brought him home, he was actually not that excited to see us and wanted to leave with her. It was so sweet. (Kelle, would you like to take him for a week?(kidding)

Nina and Uncle Phil: My aunt and uncle visited us briefly on Saturday and bought Sam a cane. It sure came in handy and Sam has it by his side at all times. This truly was a blessing in disguise.

Sis. Filo Tikoluto and sweet Aseri: They came to our house on Wednesday and made it sparkle! I can't even begin to tell you how greatful I am for the hard work they put into my house. It was such a blessing to walk in to a fresh clean home.

Sonia Hernandez: Sonia brought over her famous "Red Chicken." We absolutely LOVE this dish! I can't even begin to say how thankful I am for Sonia. She has been a great help to us in more ways than one. I just have to mention that she watches our son for us during the week when I am at work. She and her family sincerely care for our son, and it gives me such peace. In return Ethan loves the Hernandez family and that speaks volumes!

Last but not least, thank you to all who have called/emailed/text to check on Sam. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers, but I am especially thankful for my church family and friends. You all have been such a blessing and I don't know what I would have done without the help and meals. May God bless you all with the desires of your heart for being so gracious to us!

Love,
Moni