How Can We Help?

It's the question that everyone asks. Or, "Just let us know how we can help." And, how do we answer that question? Well, before this incident, I'd respond with our societal norm, "We're fine."
But now, my response is more often, "I have no idea how you can help. I've never been through this before..."

For the time that we were in the hospital (we've been home for a week, now), Jenn & I were in survival mode. Thankfully, we're not living completely paycheck-to-paycheck, so money wasn't a huge concern for us. Troy's an easy kid to look after, and our whole focus was spending time in the hospital with Alex trying to get some answers, or being at home sleeping.
Lots of family and friends have helped out with emotional support and prayer. A few asked if they could bring by food, which was great... though now we've got food stored in cupboards and on counters where it never was before - talk about overflowing in blessings! A few people have blessed us with money, which was nice. An old college friend and our neighbor mowed our lawn. A few family members have helped clean our house. THere's help to be had, that's for sure.

But, thinking about all of this today really made me realise that we are a culture that doesn't know how to accept help. It's a weird paradox. I know the people I know and are offering help are generous and sincere; but, we live in a culture where we are meant to be independant. "I don't need help, I can do it on my own!" is the battle cry of our society. Yet, when people like us hit times like we have where we really do need help, we have no idea what or how or when to accept it.


Alex is back in the hospital today. Aparently, he was throwing up all day (I was at work for only the 2nd day in over 3 weeks); and, an X-ray at teh Glenrose (where he's doing rehab) showed a possible ulcer and blockages in his bowel. Talking with the few people I have since receiving this news, of course I get the question, "How can I help?"
All I can think of is, "MAKE MY SON WELL!"

I really have no idea how you can help. I am about as independant a person as I know... except my wife! We are two of the most self-reliant people in our lives; so, to know where we need help is almost an imposibility. BUT, WE DO NEED HELP.

Please, if you want to help, pray/think about what you can do to help then offer it to us ("Do you need babysitting/house cleaning/yard work/money/etc..etc). I think that's the best way to go.

And, pray. We've had friends and family tell us that they haven't prayed in a REALLY long time, but they're praying for Alex now. Keep those prayers going. Pound on the doors of heaven with us. I know God is listening, but when/how He answers, I'm not totally sure.

Thank you all for all of your help. IT IS SOOO MUCH APPRECIATED!