God Bless the Givers (Day +3)

They say it is more blessed to give than to receive. Jason and I believe that statement. For years we have been receiving and, although we are grateful, we would rather be the people who are giving to others. We know what it is like to need something or to ask others for help, and it is humbling. Hopefully, one day, we can be the givers. Until then, thank you all for  giving to us. It has made all that we have been through become an opportunity to learn, grow and make new friends, and it has definitely made our situation better.

Since Jason’s health problems returned five years ago there have been many who have given to help us. For all of the meals, treats, small toys, gift cards and financial blessings, thank you! One of my favorite gifts since coming to the hospital this time has been the Chocolate Cherry Hemp body lotion from my cousin Nancy (Oh my gosh, I could eat it with a spoon). And so many people have prayed for us, given us financial help, brought us food and gifts . . .

In this hospital there are many givers. If I may, I would like to take the time to show you a couple of amazing examples of giving. I hope they will serve as inspiration to you. I hope all of us are helping our friends and family who are on difficult journeys. But what could you do for a stranger? Personally, I find it easier to give to strangers than to friends – of this I am not sure why.

While I was enjoying a momentary break to sip my hot chocolate and look for photo opportunities I noticed a basket that I had seen over the years and I wanted to inform people about it. This particular basket was filled with all sorts of beautiful, crocheted hats, free to take for any cancer patient (Jason is often treated in the same areas as cancer patients). In the past, I have seen similar baskets filled with scarfs and mittens as well. The tag on the basket says “Peggy’s Hats for Cancer.” These hats are incredibly popular on this floor of the hospital. When walking past patient rooms you will see nearly every woman and some men wearing them. They have become some kind of fashion statement among those who are fighting a war for their lives.

These hats are nothing fancy or extravagant. They are not spun from gold or embellished with expensive accessories. They are just hats. But I cannot tell you how many people have taken from this basket to cover their baldness or to simply keep their heads warm after the chemotherapy has stripped their hairs from their heads. I have seen similar baskets in the children’s hospital, in the chemotherapy units, and obviously in the inpatient hallways.

What a simple way to show people you care. What a unique way to help others and spread some love while making people feel well.

Another wonderful example of giving is through those who are willing to walk directly into your situation and offer you healing through the arts. Last year, Jason and I made friends with Kevin and Laurie. Kevin was undergoing a transplant and we were able to ask them questions about the procedure and also just chat about life. I couldn’t believe it when they told me that they are from Gays Mills, WI, a town my family and I would visit every year during their Apple Fest to sell our artwork. Even stranger that they have an orchard that we have frequented!

Their daughter Amy, a music therapist, was able to help write and compile songs written by cancer patients and their caregivers. There is a lot of talent in this CD, and the stories the lyrics tell are incredibly touching. The words will give anyone a great insight into the emotions and struggles that these people have felt and endured and, thanks to Amy and others like her, their stories can be told through lyrics and music.

Thanks to Laurie and Kevin, who also have their own songs on the discs, Jason and I have a copy of the CD. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gift for someone who has been through or is going through serious and life-changing events such as cancer, or if you wish to peek into the hearts of those who have faced tremendous obstacles. You can purchase the CD on the Gundersen Lutheran hospital website here: http://www.gundluth.org/cancer/hope-grows

If you are willing to help others, be creative and use the gifts you currently possess to make a difference. Perhaps you can crochet hats or write music or maybe there is something else that you can do. Don’t be shy about helping others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy,
do it cheerfully. - Romans 12:6-8

*On a more personal note, Jason’s headache from yesterday lasted 27 ½ hours before he no longer needed painkillers. This morning he is feeling better and even ate breakfast. Hopefully his Tacrolimus level has lowered. When they do resume his regimen for the drug they will lower the dosage.