Day 78: Giving Life

Grandpa and Maisy- April 2011

Mom and Dad just left Fort Collins on Tuesday of this last week. They came to help us out with Maisy's surgery and for her baby blessing. "It's always fun when Grandpa comes, hooray, Hooray. He always says the nicest things and in the kindest way. He has a wrinkly twinkly smile, he's jolly all the day. It's always fun for everyone when Grandpa comes". We decided that Maisy has Dad's moon eyes.

This was Dad's first chance to meet Maisy but we are grateful for the love and support we've felt from afar. It was so good to see Dad and Gracie wondered the day before they arrived why Nanny usually never lets Grandpa come. Let it just be said, that behind every great Nanny is a Grandpa who is usually working just as hard at home as Nanny is working while she is away. We're happy that Nanny finally let you come too!:)

This post is multi-faceted, because there are many ways that dad gives life. First, Dad is the father of 8 children. I really appreciate his sacrifice more each day. I appreciate dad's involvement in my life and his example of service and love. (I could write a novel, but this is where I'll stop with this, because I think it deserves more detail and a different post).

Maggie and Neil Donating blood for Maisy- April 2011

#2 Dad gave life to Maisy last week by donating blood for her surgery. I thought it was really neat that he was there when she needed a blood transfusion and they used Dad's blood because they had already used mine. That was a very personal and helpful way to bless Maisy's life after surgery.

Dad donates blood often, even though the iodine or other iodine substitutes irritate his arm and leave a rash for weeks. This is also impressive because Dad is the king of the "double stick" because they never seem to get his veins right.

Grandpa and Maisy one day after open heart surgery

#3) Dad gives life to dreams. He has always been so supportive of all of our dreams and has helped find ways to achieve them (sometimes financially and sometimes through lending support and encouragement). I think of missions, study abroad programs, college, master's programs, ensemble, marriage, jobs and more.

#4) Dad gave life to our yard by planting some tomato plants in our backyard and some flowers in our front yard (I know Mom helped too). It reminds me of Dad working hard to make his yards look beautiful.

#

#5) Dad also gives life to small, furry stuffed animals or toys. I don't have a picture of Dad doing this, but I have always loved watching dad make a toy lizard or a stuffed animal move its way up dad's arm. This might also be worth its own post, but it never ceases to make me smile (and maybe squirm a little). I love Dad's menagerie of little tricks that keep life light-hearted.

Thanks for coming and helping us out! We love you!

Mom and Dad at Pasquini's in Denver- April 2011