Help at Home

 

Stuffed Bell Peppers; BBQ with *Baked Beans, Potato Salad, and Rolls; Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Deviled Eggs and Slaw;  Chicken Parmesan with Steamed Green Beans and Green Salad;  Fried Chicken with Green Beans, Turnip Greens, Rice and Gravy, Fried Green Tomatoes, Squash Casserole.  Deer Sausage. Watermelon,  fresh picked blueberries, fresh tomatoes, bananas.  Plus, *brownies, almond cake, cookies, more *brownies, pound cake. 

Does that make you think of a family reunion?  It does me!  But that’s not the case here.

I’m two weeks post-op from my third rotator-cuff repair surgery.  Second on my dominant side.  It was obvious 5 months ago that I’d experienced another tear. Lots of tears were shed between then and now knowing the reality would involve a hard fix. 

Here’s the thing, the How to Prepare for Rotator Cuff Surgery manual had a long list of what to expect.  Things to do before, day of surgery, and things to do after.  Top of the list of after-surgery guidelines:  YOU WILL NEED HELP AT HOME. 

No problem.  Mr. Man signed up. 

What I wasn’t prepared for was the out-pouring of help from others.  Since surgery, over two dozen families have served us.  Loved on us so beautifully. 

Evidenced by that long list of amazing food!  The three of us have eaten so very, very well. *Jacob ate more than his share!!  And it made me so very happy!

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Mike is thinking I need to have surgery more often!  He is kidding.  He BETTER be kidding!  The last 12 months have brought on too much as it is. Yet, over and over again friends and family have been the hands and feet of Christ. 

Besides all of the mouth-watering food delivered to our front door, we received calls, texts, gifts cards to local restaurants, big surprises, and little happies.  More offers of meals. And cards, many beautiful cards.  Two friends sent sweet cards (pictured) saying, “I thought Jacob might like this card, too.”  And he did! 

Sometimes, it’s awkward being on the receiving end of a blessing.  Even when you need help. Years ago, a precious Sunday School teacher I had, talked about something similar.  When sometimes pays you a compliment or does something nice for you, don’t feel like you have to deny or make them feel as if they shouldn’t, because it is undeserved.  Instead, receive it as a beautiful flower and at the end of the day, take your bouquet and offer it up to God.  He is the giver of all good things. 

Whether it’s a meal or offering an ice machine I’d need for aftercare, it is easy to say, I’m fine. We’re fine. That is often my first response. I’m reminded that serving others is a win-win. With the exception of a couple, I would not know these families if not for Jacob. What a gift they have been to us through the years. 

I look forward to being able to pay it forward one day.  It brings me great joy to do for others.  Maybe this will give you ideas of how you might help a family in need (NOT US – we really are good!).  If I’m making brownies for others, I’ll need to hide them from Jacob first.  Or make a double batch.