Thankful, Loved and Supported

Over the past few months, well really since November when Malcolm was first diagnosed, James and I have felt just so loved and supported by those around us who knew about his diagnosis. Our Bible Study groups have journeyed with us as we prayed for him, for us, for James' family. My family have journeyed with us and asked how he is and supported us with each update. My mother's group have been an amazing listening ear when things have been tough or the situation changed. They have listened, supported, cared. Our pastors have called, messaged, asked us how things are going. James' work have been amazing in understanding that he'd need to be up in Queensland at times and take time off work to be present with his family. All of these moments have been such a blessing to us all!

When Malcolm passed away, I called Mum and Dad and cried with them over the phone. Rach called me straight away from Scotland to chat and see if I was ok and to talk about it. I messaged my Bible Study girls and they sent messages of love and prayers. Kelly popped around with flowers and a card, Priscilla popped around with some flowers too. They messaged asking what they could do to help me organise Daniel's birthday. They offered to take Alexander for some time for me. Unfortunately I was out for both but it was possibly a good thing because I would have been in tears had I seen them. 

Anne took Alexander Friday afternoon so I could get my head around everything and try and organise myself. Cathy gave me a hug at pick up (even though Covid didn't allow it). She messaged me and dropped around a card. Mum and Dad changed their weeks plans to drive up to Queensland with the kids and I.

When Grandma passed away, I messaged my Bible Study girls again and they were so supportive and such prayer warriors for me. They held me up when I felt weak. Kelly offered to sit with Grandma if no one else was around (Auntie Sue and Jenny were so it was ok but I love that she felt she could offer).

Then while we were in Hervey Bay, James' work sent him a care package from his team. They asked me for his address and then gave him a box of goodies, including some gin. He loved it. His work team are like family to him so I am so grateful for their support over this time.

 When we got back home we found a care pack on the table outside from the Cleasbys for us. What a blessing!

 Mum and Dad had bought us bread, milk and butter and put it in the kitchen. Meant we didn't have to rush off to the shops to buy things.

Elise popped around with dinner for us - Butter Chicken with rice and beans and also for another night pea and ham soup. Perfect because it meant we didn't have to worry about cooking tonight or tomorrow night after the funeral. James and I were feeling that we were running on empty at this stage so it was so nice to not have to worry about these things like shopping and dinner.

 We had a box of chocolates delivered to the door from Jenny and Ryan.

 Flowers from the church family, 

 Flowers from the Dawsons,

 flowers from Carmen and Marcus,

 beautiful and bright flowers from Lani,

 a gift pack from the Management committee at preschool

 and chocolates from Louise.

 All of this as well as cards from others who we know and love. We also got some lorrikeet birds to put in our garden when the wall is finished - one for Grandma and one for Malcolm. This was from Anne and Angus and the kids. It's a way that we can remember that they're always watching over us which is a very sweet thought.

As you can see, we have been so supported, loved and cared for during this time. It has been a hard time to go through a funeral, to be grieving a loved one but not be able to hug and comfort everyone, but these acts of love and care have been a beautiful reminder that others are walking with us and holding us up. I am amazed at home God used my Bible Study girls - I messaged at any moment and they prayed. They have continued to pray for our family in the month after this hard time. I felt their strength, I felt their prayers answered, I felt God with me. I hope and pray that I can be as encouraging, supportive and caring as those around me have been for us. I hope that I can listen to the Holy Spirit to guide me in ways that I can take a stress away in a stressful time, that I can help someone who is going through a hard time, that I can pray for them and support them. I guess I just need to be open to those times, and listening to the Spirit.

 For now I am just grateful for all the love and support we have received. I know they say it takes a village to raise a family, but it also takes a village to support the family in the hard times and I am so grateful for my village around us, and also grateful knowing that Julie and Jenny also have their villages up in Hervey Bay.