Have you ever sat down in tears, and thought, “I feel so blessed!” Well, today that was me. For a moment there were no words. No strife, no anger, no pain, no concern, and no worry. There was only immense gratefulness. A moment of humility unlike any other I’ve ever felt. I have always been a hopeful person, but I have never maintained a level of faith in another human being. From time to time they disappoint me. Some leave me devastated in their selfish wake. Today, when kindness brought me to the point of tears, I sat down and let them fall. All I felt was the love from the people who show me kindness.
It was then that I replayed the past year over in my head. A few incredible women popped out and as my tears fell, my heart warmed. If I have ever lost faith in kindness, that would be all but proven lately that more people are kind than they are not. For this girl, who has lived through the worst things imaginable; believing in the kindness of others has been my challenge. I’ve remained transparent even in the wake of pain that followed; all with the belief that is what God has called me to do. Believing in my own faith that if I did the right thing time and time again, despite that the outcome has not always matched in justice; things would work out in the end. Not that my choices have anything to do with other’s kindness, or that any of this is my doing; it’s just that it lend credibility to the astounding sense of overwhelming love I felt and why.
A woman named Kim Whiting organized several families to help us with Christmas this year. Well, with grandma’s and aunts, and uncles, and extended family here in Dallas; I just didn’t know how I was going to be able to do Christmas. The three new kids’ and both of mine in NOLA in college, meant for a difficult budget. Jennifer, the mom of the three kids sick, and money running out due to in home 24/7 care so she doesn’t have to be at a senior facility and you have one stressed out Rebecca. Kim came to the rescue and sent a lovely family to us bearing a ton of Christmas gifts for the kids. They’re a lifesaver! Sent from God above! Thank you Kim for reaching out to your network to help us! You have a huge loving heart.
That’s when it reminded me of a wonderful woman named Lynn Ellis who organized food deliveries when I was so overwhelmed with new after school activities and couldn’t afford the dinners or time to cook my own. It takes everything I have to put my pride aside and accept help. I usually the one who gives it. I was so humbled by Lynn’s generosity though and found her willingness to support Jennifer’s family and my efforts inspiring. She listed the family on a website that organized a community of wonderful moms who brought amazing dinners. I cannot express in enough words how incredibly helpful she’s been to my family and how profoundly proud I am to know her. Thank you Lynn for giving us such a precious gift of life; food. Your grace inspires me.
Kim Whitehead heard that we were in desperate need of school clothes and rallied together all the grade and middle school parents who donated an entire wardrobe for all three kids. She’s a precious inspiration who continues to awe and shock me with how much she is able to accomplish. C.E.O.’s should take notice! Her heart of gold helped me at a time when again I was overwhelmed with medical costs and strategic planning of my own. I cannot thank you enough for adding me to your already extensive to do list, just to bless this family with your kindness. You are truly inspirational.
Shannon Quick and Gina McCoy who are amazing women, helped Jennifer clean and organize her home this past year. They packed, and served whenever called. They love her with unconditional non judgement truthfulness and for that I am profoundly grateful. I love you ladies, and I treasure your help.
The Moms of Plano and the Moms of Murphy who continue to support Jen. Special Delivery where Dwight used to work who provide the insurance so she can continue treatment, The Karate Place where Dwight used to take the kids who continue to raise money each year. Those funds go directly to her medical and daily living expenses. Every dollar has been used to keep this family together. We’re so thankful that you rallied around this family. Thank you for being so incredible selfless and kind.
To my girlfriends Gail Marks, Dawn Smith, Mary Jarcy, Leanna Cannon, Debbie Smith, my daughter Elizabeth and the girls from social media who are too many to list who support me through Facebook; I get so much from you. You listen to me rant and keep the grace I know you have. Thank you for being there for me.
I wish I could thank each one of the GOFUNDME people who support Jen and her family this past year. We could NOT have done any of this had it not been for you. I wish I could thank the individuals to brought dinners, or gave gift cards or cash or helped or supported, or drove, or listened when it was all too overwhelming for me. How can I possibly tell you that if it weren’t for you this past year, I don’t know what I would have done? Thank you everyone for the smaller donation to the biggest. Your kindness continues to raise this family up.
Now you know why it all just hit me and I couldn’t stand. I felt God today. I feel him more lately than I have ever felt him. I feel so humbled, so thankful, so incredibly inspired to be the best human being I can be because of these amazing women. I want to say that I am truly thankful for you. I am honored that you wanted to help, and I treasure you more than rubies and gold. You are everything this world needs. I wish everyone knew how incredibly wonderful each and every one of you are; from the woman who brought me food, to the girl who cleaned the house, to the leaders who rallied a community to support us. You are everything a woman should be, and all that I hope one day a woman says about me. Thank you, from the bottom of my warmest humbled heart for your selfless acts of kindness. I truly mean it when I say that I pray generously that God blesses you in the very same kind manner that you have blessed this family. Thank you for being the light of God and shining that light where there was darkness and now there is hope and faith. Merry Christmas!
Reba Nietert 