what goes around comes around

from my vantage point this is a story about love, trust, adventure, sacrifice, joy, commitment, hope, dreaming, and the pursuit of happiness.

five years ago is a particular time i was in need. there have most definitely been other times of need, but for the majority of my life i have had friends and family that have surrounded me with support. five years ago i found myself in a pickle. i had an extremely dangerous blood clot, was pregnant and did not have the financial means for the blood thinners i needed [an extra 2 grand per month]. i waited in the hospital with nurses not wanting me to even get up and walk to use the bathroom [though i was a tough cookie and did it anyway, with their approval of course]...i was waiting for grants to come through from the medical suppliers in the uk, i was waiting for paperwork to be processed so i could get the help i needed from the state, i was waiting and wondering how on earth this was going to work. the grant never came through and i just had to stay in the hospital because it was less expensive to be there than pay for the medicine i needed. friends and family helped care for the girls, eric took off work to be a single papa for a spell and yet, i still couldn't come home. long story shorter and point of this whole thing: friends, family and people i didn't even know offered us help financially to get me the medicine and get me home with my family. people i didn't even know, with nothing coming their way in return. incredible.

i feel it a wonderful honor that in the past number of years i have had the opportunity to give to people in need with nothing in return, like 'made for china', handing out socks and black hoodies in pdx through our old church up there or nest. there are many wonderful ways to help others weather at your local homeless shelter, mission, straight out on the streets, or plethora of projects you may find online.

i watched my brother and his family say good-bye to their bosom friends, church family, home town, stability in job, blood family and a whole lot of unhappiness in pursuit of a dream. i had the wonderful adventure of helping in the move since the movers bailed and my fam needed someone to drive the extra truck from CA to MN. i heard stories of new friends, family bonding, challenges at work, heartache of loneliness, trust in something bigger than what we see, silly kids jumping off back decks, renewing of spirits and running in corn fields. i listened to a commitment of integrity and felt pride knowing hearts were being followed even when others didn't agree. i see my family [my brother, sister in law, neices and nephews] working hard to make ends meet. i see my family being blessed in so many ways creatively. i see my family continuing to connect even during very challenging times. i see joy, peace, contentment, creativity, laughter, sacrifice, gratitude.

i wanted to share their retrieval project with you. a way to help some people you don't even know but with a little something in return. a piece of art work for 40 bucks helping a sweet family of 6 get their belongings after living without for quite some time. what goes around comes around....that's what i say when people ask me why i do some of the things i am priviledged to do.
~peace~