I will start by thanking everyone so much for your generous donations this year! I am happy to report we have enough that were able to help three extra families from the Pocatello area. I wanted to help some families from this area because it’s kind of home for myself and Shannon, and I really want to start growing the Foundation in other communities. One of the families was recommended by a good friend of Kristi’s in Pocatello, and the other two were submitted by Chelsea Jensen.
I contacted the three families and we decided to meet at Walmart on Tuesday. I told them I would meet them at customer service, and I would be wearing a SWF white shirt. (I might as well advertise while I shop, right?) I was sad when the patient submitted by Kristi’s friend sent me a text telling me she had treatment the day before and wasn’t feeling well. She told me she didn’t feel well enough to go shopping. I had her list, so I told her I would do the shopping and bring it to her house. I told her I understood completely, and I let her know when I was finished and on my way to her house.
Now I would like to tell you about the two families nominated by Chelsea. The first family was a Mom with five children She is going to school and works with handicapped children. She just had surgery and is going through chemo treatment now. The second family has a nice twist to it. When I first decided to select three families, I remembered my Mother-In-Law telling me about a family in Marsh Valley that has an eleven year old daughter with cancer. I had called Berna Deane and told her I wanted that family to be one of the recipients. When Chelsea sent me the two names, this family had been nominated by a lady who had been this young girl’s schoolteacher. Evidently, Heavenly Father wanted to make sure this young girl was chosen.
We met at customer service and started our shopping spree. It was so fun for me to shop for little kids again and I always enjoy watching other people shop with their kids. It’s so cute to see their little faces light up when they are looking at the toys. I ran into the other two families a few times and I could tell they were having a great time. We finished our shopping and we went to Panda Express for supper to complete a perfect evening.
I really enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know them better. Their courage, strength and faith are so inspiring to me. I want all of you to know this is only possible because of your selflessness and generosity. Your donations and support allow me to enjoy these amazing rewards and blessings. Words cannot adequately describe the gratitude I have in my heart for all of you. Thanks for reading.
Next week: Annual Utah Trip
P.S. Do you want to know what I’m the World’s Best at beside Limo Driver and G-Pa? Spending someone else’s money.