Gratitude....

I am overwhelmed. Truly overwhelmed. Santa will be visiting the Brenn Hill family after all! I have been tearing up all day. People that I haven't seen in years have sent gift baskets. People that have have their own struggles have offered assistance to a family they don't really know. It's amazing! I have had emails and Facebook comments galore. Everyone praying and offering support. You can't believe how much this means. When we decided to move to Seattle, my first thought was leaving our wonderful family and friends. This has weighed heavily on my mind. How much I'd miss them. This has reaffirmed all of those feelings. Before Briggs got sick, I was so wrapped up the move. Worried about everything (you know me...), now I can't believe how trivial those thoughts are. My sweet little nephew, not a bad temper, not a cross word, is fighting for his life. My sister-in-law, god bless her, hasn't left his side. Sleeping on a fold-out bed, 26 weeks pregnant with their first little girl. My brother-in-law, a born worrier like me, has been so strong and even. What an inspiration they have been. When Brigg's was diagnosed, we all wanted to know about this awful Medulloblastoma. I've read so much on the Internet and it's down right depressing. These kids are suffering, my nephew is suffering. Suffering from a horrible disease that takes away so much. Cancer doesn't discriminate, it can happen to anyone. But Brigg's is a fighter, and he's going to kick it! When I was growing up, I had only ever heard of one person having cancer, my wonderful Aunt Shanda. She has battled both ovarian and breast cancer and is still fighting. Later, I have had a few friends here and there who have been affected. Not anyone I had been very close to, that is until this year. This summer one of my best friends, Angie, had her sweet mother-in-law, Shanna diagnosed with breast cancer. We prayed for Shanna, she had surgery and her cancer is gone. Not long after this, my own dear mother-in-law started her battle with breast cancer. Again, we prayed. We were lucky. She was diagnosed early, and received radiation therapy. Right as soon as we learned the good news that she was in remission, my uncle Wade was diagnosed with lung/liver cancer. He had just begun his fight with this disease when Brigg's got sick. My mother-in-law and I had endless conversations about cancer. Little did we know how much we would learn. It isn't fair. It doesn't discriminate, it can hit anyone. My heart just aches for Brenn and Sylina, but I hope with prayer, positive thought and love they can get through this. That is what my dear friends and family have showed this past month. I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for all of the love. Here is a list of all of the amazing things that have happened (not in any particular order, since everyone has been equally great!)
* My friend Valorie, (who I haven't seen since high school), took a beautiful gift basket to PCMC. It was filled with fun stuff for both Briggs and Quayden, including a balloon that Briggs absolutely loves. Valorie was at the hospital with her darling little Simon, who has a birth defect that has him visiting Primary quite a bit. Thanks so much Valorie for taking time out to make their day a little brighter! You are a wonderful person!
*My cousin Tobin, his wife Diana their great kids, Kyra and Archer. I can't say enough how much I love these guys! Kyra is quite an artist, and as such created a get well Christmas tree card for Briggs! Its so cute. I have it hanging on my bulletin board (until it can get to Briggs), and walking by it makes me smile! I'm sure Archer helped, so thanks guys! Tobin and Diana very, very generously donated a sack of Santa toys and a check for a very substantial amount of money. I know Brenn and Sylina will be so grateful. Thanks for all of your support guys! I love you and am proud that you're the only "brother" I've ever known. And Diana, I'm so glad you married Tobin!!! I love you too!!! My very great (not because she's my GREAT), aunt Mardee was so kind to donate funds to the "Santa" fund. Thanks so much Mard for once again helping us in a time of need. We love you! You're one of the classiest people I know....
* My BFF Angie. Angie would give you the shirt off her back and she has proved it time and time again. Her selfless acts are truly awe inspiring! She has helped me plan, execute and (almost) deliver this whole "Santa" project. She knew my in-laws were low, and immediately brought a delicious dinner. She has been on the scout for great gifts for my family, as well as another deserving family. Her love shows no bounds. I love you Angie! You are truly a gift to me! As she said to me today, "helping others is what Christmas is all about". Angie's fabulous sister-in-law, Holly has been very generous in her help, prayers and funds. Thank you Holly! You're great!
* Our next BFF's Jon and Darci, as well as the entire Nix construction team. Their wonderful donation will be so appreciated by the family. You guys are truly the epitome of friends. Jon was Bruce's best man, and has always proved that title. He always steps up to the plate to help out. And Darc, you couldn't ask for a better BFF. She is loyal, kind and always there when I need her (which this year has been alot!). We love you guys so much!!!! You're the best!!!
*Joan and Dave Erickson. What a great family they are. Almost like Colter's second (or first!!), family. When Joan found out about Briggs, she immediately stepped in to help. Erickson claims made a substantial donation to help the family. Thanks so much for your prayers and well wishes! You guys always help in whatever way you can and I love you for it! You are a true Christian Joan!
* My great sisters Jeni and Nikki. They have donated a bunch of stuff!!! I don't want to go into specifics now (little eyes), but Santa is going to be carrying an awfully full pack, with some pretty stylish stuff! You two are so great and I love you so much! You're the very best aunt's in the
world!
* My Mom. Again, can't say specifically the very cool things Santa is bringing, but some of the best are coming from my sweet mom. She has been praying and thinking of Briggs since the diagnosis and has been a huge help. I love you mom!!!! I hope I'm half the mom you are....
* Our friends the Ivins family. Kasey came over today with a very generous donation. Thanks Kasey for your love and support. You have always had a great heart and I love you for it!
*The amazing, awesome, fabulous Kari Toponce! Keri is one talented chick! She was Mason's second grade teacher and we just couldn't let her go. Her blessing's and love for Briggs have been so wonderful! She created the most adorable book for Briggs. When I saw it for the first time, I couldn't stop crying! Thank you Keri for creating such a wonderful, heartfelt gift that Brenn, Sylina and especially Briggs, will treasure forever! I love you!!!!
* My buddy Jackie Empey, who again, I haven't seen in a long time, but immediately offered her help. Thanks for the donation Jackie. I'm so glad to know you!
* Our very good friends, the Payne family. Chris, Jen, Jake and baby Kaci generously stepped in and offered some very cool toys for Santa to deliver. You guys are so wonderful! We are so grateful to call you our friends!
* All of my friends and family on Facebook and otherwise who don't let a day go by without telling me how they are thinking and praying for Briggs. Your prayers are so important! Keep it up!
* Most importantly, my own beautiful babies (I'm sure Justine and Colter don't appreciate being called that, but they will always be our babies!) All the love and support you guys show your little baby cousin is truly beautiful! Maybe we ARE raising you right! Even little Emma talks about Briggs everyday. She can't wait until she can play with him!
Ok....I've got to quit before this post is two pages long! This is just my little neck of the woods. If you go over to Briggs carepage , you can see all of the love and support that has been showered on Brenn, Sylina, Quayden and especially Briggs. It is so wonderful! Every day and night we are praying for Briggs and we hope everyone can do the same. Thank you (could I say that ONE more time!). I couldn't end this post without saying how thankful I am for my inlaws, Vern and Joyce. Quayden has been staying with them since Briggs was hospitalized. They have taken such good care of him and are an inspiration to me with how strong they have been. We love you!!!