Ragu Traditional served over thin spaghetti lathered in Kraft parmesan never tasted so good.  Sam even asked for seconds.

It was so good because it was the first home-cooked meal (well, it was cooked at home) that I was able to make for my family in more than a week.

This was possible because a good friend came to the hospital this evening and sat with Nate so I could have a break.  What a gift to spend time with Ted and Sam in our home.  We’ve been able to do this a few times because friends voluntereed to be with Nate so that we can take care of important things that we’re unable to do here at the hospital.  Things like reading with Sam before he goes to bed.

We’ve experienced so many acts of compassion and kindness since Nate’s diagnosis and hospitalization for leukemia.  I know that I speak for Ted as well when I say how deeply moved we have been by this outpouring of love and support.

The goal for day eight is to thank you for all that you are doing for my family.  We couldn’t have made it through our first week without you.

Friends who have known us through every stage of our lives have reached out.  You have planned meal trains for us, coordinated a schedule to watch Nate so that I can spend some time away from the hospital, sat with me at the hospital and given us hugs.

You have brought me deodorant when I ran out (the nurses thank you as much as I do for this one!).

You have secretly decorated our doorstep with beautiful mums and pumpkins.

You have prayed for us.

You have written.  You have called.  You have posted on Facebook.

You have thought of us.

All of these acts mean so very much.

Asking for help isn’t easy for me but you’ve made me feel comfortable and allowed me to acknowledge I can’t do this alone.

Last May our family and friends formed Team Nate the Great for the Buddy Walk and what a team we’ve become.

So THANK YOU Team Nate the Great.  And for our newest members: welcome!

Because you asked Dad, I did accomplish one goal each on Days Four, Six and Seven by going to Target, vacuuming my house and riding bikes with Sam.  It’s the little things …