You know what's even COOLER! (all puns intended):
(Be sure to click "Read More")
Getting a freezer to put it in:
Many thanks to Glen and Lindsey Newsome and the kind folks at Antioch Baptist Church and our good (great) friends Dave and Amanda Milloway. This is a pretty unbelievable gift and certainly physically the largest gift we've ever received. The only way we could think of to adequately say thanks was to put this up on the most public forum we have available, so here it is.
The freezer and it's contents are currently being stored in Dave and Amanda's garage, but based on some measurements, I think we actually will be able to squeeze this in our storage room. (Hooray!) Not only is the food going to be incredibly helpful during this time when we barely have enough hours in the day to shower and sleep, much less cook, but Bekka now has a place to store milk for an extended period. She's doing a pretty good job of filling up WakeMed's freezer, let me tell you.
The freezer wasn't the only large gift. We also received a substantial donation from many others sneakily arranged by Dave and Amanda. We have such unbelievably generous friends. Financially, yes, but even more so with their time and their love.
Bekka and I never envisioned being on the receiving end of such generosity so soon after Ollie passed. We'd planned to BE the ones helping others, but sometimes the universe throws you nothing but curve balls and you have to close you eyes, swing, and hope you make contact. None of this was supposed to happen nor was it even remotely expected, but it's where we are. Gestures like this help us all see the good in humanity and demonstrate faith and generosity in a very tangible way. You all have added lightness and warmth to a period of our lives that has had more than it's share of dark moments. Even if we don't know you and have never met, just know that we are incredibly grateful and moved. You will be in our thoughts and in our prayers of thanks for a long time to come.
Thank you.
Isaak and Penny will be blessed to know such wonderful people and are already blessed just to be in the same world.
Posts
Yep, you do have great friends; you two and your 3 sweet babies make it easy for folks to want to help :)
ReplyDeleteLucy
"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world." NIV Romans 1:8
ReplyDeleteKnowing what wonderful friends and even strangers our children have, makes it a little easier to be 3 1/2 hours away from them. Grant and I have been constantly amazed at what all people have done for Neil, Bekka, Oliver, Penny and Isaak over the past year and a half. It's been amazing to watch how 3 precious little babies have brought together such a multitude of people who have joined in love and prayer toward the common cause of helping not only Neil, Bekka and their children, but the entire Mastin and Mize families. We've seen such an outpouring of love and faith from so many people. Sometimes it's just too much to comprehend the goodness in so many hearts. Neil, Bekka, Oliver, Penny, Isaak, Amanda H., Philip H., Tim, Karla, Grant and myself, all send our sincerest appreciation to each of you. "To God Be The Glory great things He hath done!"
Love,
Nana Pam and Papaw Grant
Neil, I can't think of two more worthy people. You and Bekka have been paying it forward for quite some time. Every day I remember your kindness...when I turn on our hall and dining room light or step out on the porch or flip the switch in the bathroom. Your infinite help with Cady is still very much appreciated ... helping us to get ready, putting together the crib, hosting a shower and then helping after she was born, buying diapers/formula, keeping her in good shoes, etc. You guys are REALLY GREAT people and you deserve to have loving children to adore. We just want you to be happy and enjoy the acts of kindness of which you are so worthy.
ReplyDeleteRobin & Roy
p.s. thank you Bekka for the coupons!
p.p.s. hope to see you soon, today was a good day, if we have a few more, we'll attempt to make contact!