August 4, 2007

I received soemthing completely unexpected in the mail this week, and though it may seem like nothing to most people, it meant a lot to me. Someone sent me a $200 Walmart gift card. There was no note, no name. Which also meant there were no expectations and no judgements. Actually, I do know who it came from. I could tell from the business envelope it came in. And its from someone who didn't even know Joe, and hardly knows me. Someone with absolutely no ties to us. Someone who genuinely cares about my kids and me. Someone who knows how hard it is to raise three children on a social security check. No, its not much to most people. But it paid for formula and diapers this month.

I received things like this in the mail often after Joe first passed away, but its been at least 6 months since anyone has offered any help. In the beginning I think people did it out of obligation to Joe, not me. But in the time that has passed their sense of obligation has faded. So it completely shocked me to receive this in the mail.

Another recent blessing has been from our church, Calvary Baptist. I wanted Camryn to attend school there, but had no idea how I was going to pay for it. But I recently received a letter stating that there are anonymous church members who have donated money to pay for Camryn's kindergarten tuition.

It amazes me that there are people in the world who still care. The tragedy we have faced has opened my eyes in a whole new way. Its so easy for me to see people for their true colors now. Its easy for me to tell genuine people for the people who just do things for recognition. Never again will I be fooled by people who don't really care. There are a lot of people that cared about Joe, but when it comes right down to it, aren't really concerned about me or these kids. And as far as I'm concerned we're better off without them.

There are people who care about us, and those are the people I'm thankful for. They are truly a blessing, and my kids will grow up knowing about the awesome things they did.