Strangers? Friends?

May 22, 2009

(Airica burying Alyssa and a beach stranger/friend)

Today Airica was still climbing uphill, doing great, being silly, and getting better and better.  My dad had been taking care of Alyssa for the past few weeks and had to go back home on this day.  It was a hard day when my dad had to leave.

He had been doing so much for us all.  First of all he was taking care of Alyssa.  Trying to keep her life somewhat normal.  He would take her to school in the morning then head to the hospital to bring us food or whatever else we needed.  He was even doing our laundry and bringing us clean clothes.  He would chat with Airica, give her love then head back to our house to pick up Alyssa from school then bring her back to the hospital so she could see me, Christopher and visit with her sister.  Then they would head home make dinner and try to keep a normal evening routine.

I know this was a huge challenge for my dad, and a very hard, confusing life for the then 10 year old Alyssa.  I am forever grateful to my dad for dropping everything and doing this huge gesture to help out our family in such a difficult time, in such an amazing way. He had to go and we had to say our goodbyes.  He did get a hug and some awesome Airica time as we sent him on his way.  

When my dad left, a whole bunch of people came to us and wanted to help.  It was amazing.  We really only knew a handful of people, and not very well, because we hadn't even lived in California for a year.  That was the amazing part!  A neighbor that we didn't really know took over bringing us food, the neighbor that Airica went to church with took over helping with Alyssa.  Then people started arriving at the hospital that I had never seen in my life.  Bringing gifts, food, cards, and wanting to see Airica expressing their love and concern.

 Airica had touched lives so much, that these people loved and cared for her, and I didn't even know them.  They would tell me how they knew her, some were from school, but most were from church.  Then they would tell me some wonderful story of love, compassion, or act of kindness that Airica had done for them.  Airica could make friends with anyone and everyone she would meet.  It was a wonderful gift that she had.  I was overwhelmed and so proud of this wonderful person, my daughter, making these grown-up relationships and being loved by so many.  It was a moment when I found out that she was listening to all the things I was teaching her, she was growing into a wonderful young lady.

Airica had been in the hospital now for about a month.  I have met a whole other side of her.  When we came in I was holding her hand and comforting her and worrying about my fragile child.  Today that image I had of her has transformed.  I see this beautiful, brave, young lady who can handle anything because her strength is miraculous, and her heart is so full of kindness she has made all these strangers to me, friends that love her.

Thank you dad, and all the countless selfless others.