Boudreau Family Adventures: September 2012

To all of you who love us, fought with us, lifted and encouraged us, we thank you! Your very presence brought us strength, hope and your love gave us our reason to fight. You have touched our lives deeply, we will be forever grateful for you.

No names, but you will recognize yourselves:

* When you heard I was diagnosed with cancer, you rallied around me and my family expressing love, support and encouragement.

* When we called, you came right away to give me and my family as many priesthood blessings as we needed.

* You posted on my Facebook the song “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” by Martina McBride, to help motivate me. (: And it did!

* When I took a leave of absence from work, you reassured me my substitute was only temporary and not to worry, but to concentrate on getting well.

* You provided dinner, sometimes more than once or twice, nourishing my family in more ways than you can imagine. What angels you are! :-))

*You sold more “No One FIGHTS Alone” wrist bands, than I thought possible. You will never know how much this helped us.

* You faithfully wore the wrist band you purchased. It deeply touched my heart every time I saw you wearing it.

* When my hair started to fall out, you came immediately to my home, sparing me from having to go to the salon. You gave me a cute haircut lessening the trauma of losing all my hair at once. You came again when I lost my hair.

* You offered to shave your hair.

* You sent cards and letters, which enabled me to revisit your encouragement and love whenever I needed it.

*You came to the hospital, sacrificing your time to be with Joe during my surgeries.

* When I was in the hospital to have surgery, you came to visit.

* During my hospital stay, you sent or brought me beautiful flowers and plenty of goodies to eat.

* A bouquet of “Get Well” balloons were tied to a cute dragon fly garden light in our front yard when I arrived home from the hospital after having surgery. Before going into the house, Joe carefully walked (actually carried me, I was very weak) over to the balloons so I could get a better look at them. Standing in total silence gazing at the balloons, Joe looked at me and I looked at him, we both had tears running down our checks, we were so moved by this kind act.

* You gave me a “buckeye” nut. Folklore says if you carry a buckeye nut in your pocket and rub it when you’re in need of good luck, it will be granted to you. It is considered a good luck charm. And it works!!!

* You drove me to my appointments and stayed with me, sometimes for hours.

* You gave freely of your time to stay with me after my treatment making sure I had everything I needed when Joe was out of town. ß-This is love.

* You brought me Haagen-Dazs bars (which I am now addicted too!)

* You generously gave to help pay for my fight.

* You left beautiful flowers on my porch.

* You came to check on me after my treatments, visiting with me sometimes for hours. How did you know that’s exactly what I needed?

* You sat with me and held me while I fell apart. You not only let me cry—you cried with me. You listened while I expressed my fears, while you secretly shared the same ones. Then you helped me pick up the pieces, reminded me why I was fighting, giving me the strength I needed to go on.

* Unable to sleep one night from chronic muscle, bone and joint pain, you massaged oils on my legs easing the pain enough for me to finally fall asleep.

* Not only did you do the laundry and ironing, cleaning, preparing meals, and all the chores I normally do, you took care of me, making sure I had everything I needed and was as comfortable as I could be.

* You gave me an inspiring book and a beautiful Willow Tree Figurine.

* You gave me a beautiful soft throw to keep me warm. I love it!

* You brightened my day when you left flowers and cookies on my porch.

* You left chocolate candy on my porch. And you’re right, chocolate does makes things better! (:

* You and your hubby made us a delicious dinner. You gave me a necklace that says “Keep Calm and Carry On”, a wonderful book and beautiful angel pin. You were always there when I needed comfort or a shoulder to cry on.

* You saved mine and Joe’s sanity, taking us out for treats and/or dinner. When I wasn’t feeling well enough to go out, you brought dinner in, eating with us at home. That was so much fun!

* You took me to the movies.

* You sent me a “Pajama Gram”. Cutest pajama’s I’ve ever seen!

* You gave me a beautiful Willow tree figurine. It helped me to stay strong and positive.

* Along with dinner, you gave me a beautiful necklace.

* You called or text often asking how I was and if I needed anything.

* You posted (on Facebook/blog) positive thoughts, encouraging me to hang in there, giving me the confidence I needed to keep going.

* You left a wonderful book on my porch for me to find. I love surprises!

* You wore a teal ribbon pin on your uniform to show your support.

* You sent me a kind thoughtful text on Mother’s day. I reread it often. (:

* You brought delicious Banana Nut Muffins. So yummy!

* You brought my favorite chocolate donuts from Maverick.

* You made scrambled eggs and blueberry muffins for my breakfast. Yummm!

* For those of you who called ahead asking Joe if it was okay to come visit and he replied, yes, but to see me you’d have to bring him ice cream treats…thank you! I had NO idea he was doing this. He thinks he’s sooo funny!

* You brought me a table runner pattern and fabric, giving me something to do when I felt well enough to sew.

* You gave me a cute tile with the words “HEY CANCER, YOU PICKED THE WRONG BROAD!” When I was discouraged and ready to give up, these words inspired me to adjust my attitude and keep going.

* When I forgot why I was fighting, you reminded me.

* You came because I sounded like I needed you.

* You offered to take this wicked disease, all my pain and suffering from me…if it were possible.

* You came home teaching and took us out to eat at Olive Garden.

* You offered to send pizza to our home for our dinner when I didn't feel like cooking.

* You allowed my husband to work from home. We cannot express how deeply grateful we are for this opportunity.

* You drove seventy five miles to bring us pizza, not once, but twice. You called often with concern and encouragement. Having lost your wife to the same disease, you were able to offer us the support and guidance that no else could give unless they themselves had gone through this same experience. You showed great courage. We are deeply grateful for all you have done for us.

* You faithfully prayed, not only for me, but my family, my doctors and nurses. You put our names on the prayer rolls at the temple. We have experienced positive effects of being on the templ's prayer roll and felt the support and concern of others.