Photo Friday Update: Good in the world
20th July 2009
I have to take a moment and share what Sarah did.
Sarah and her son Jack Colin won last week’s Photo Friday: Messy contest. Jack’s prune-covered face scored his parents probably the most coveted prize we’ve had so far: A free house cleaning.
Sarah emailed me this morning and said she wanted to donate her prize to Kelly (Doodle’s Mom) instead. Kelly’s husband was recently diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, a disease that has caused his kidneys to stop functioning (you can read about it here and here). The family, which includes two young girls 6 and 2, has dealt with this sudden illness, chicken pox and roseola in the past few weeks.
But the real reason Kelly so desperately wanted to win:
“…is because of Alex’s PD catheter. He will have a home dialysis unit installed in our bedroom – it’s the size of a small washing machine or a really large microwave. The room must be kept clean so as to not get bacteria in his wound which would lead to a nasty infection which could make him even more sick. We will have to wear a mask every. single. time. we handle his catheter, to prevent the spread of germs. We also have to find a clean place to keep his supplies. Even if they just come and vacuum and dust this room, I’d be ecstatic. I have panic attacks when I think about how unclean my house is and, for the sake of my husband’s health, how much cleaner we must keep it. And I wonder why I don’t sleep at night.”
Sarah said “I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the prize knowing someone else needed it so much more. I’m happy enough with being able to say I have the messiest baby in Durham!”
And so two moms collide in a gift of graciousness.
Thank you so much, Sarah. Kelly — enjoy!
Possibly related posts:
Carly, I can’t stop crying. Thank you to you and Sarah. You have no idea how much this means to me, to us. There has been so much going on recently and I feel like I’m on my last nerve. I’ll write to Sarah later when I’m not such a wreck. Thanks again …
Carly…this is why your blog exists – the fact that it connected these two women is truly amazing! Reading this story will make others happy too, and hopefully the ‘good will’, will just continue to roll!
Beautiful. For every nasty thing we witness or hear about there is a beautiful gesture that restores the love in our hearts.
What an amazing thing to do.
I am at a loss for words! That is truly wonderful!
This is great. We need more people like Sarah in this world
)
That’s so wonderful! Thank you Sarah!!
WOW great gift Sarah…. That is absolutely amazing….
Kelly, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you struggle through your latest challenge. Sarah, a truly amazing gesture.
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Sarah (and Carly), thanks again …
http://doodlesmom.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/when-words-are-not-enough/
Wow, this totally made my heart melt.
That is really beautiful
Carly,
Thank you for sharing Sarah & Kelley’s lovely story with us. I feel like we spend so much time reading/blogging/hearing about the *bad* stuff all around us that it’s nice to know that people still do genuinely lovely things for each other in the world – and let’s be honest – wouldn’t it do us all some good to hear about those things?
Kelley – enjoy your housecleaning, Sarah – good on ya sister!
Peace,
Tricia.
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