For Michelle: the wonder of work sisters and the miracles that happen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SxToTUoWGM


I have frequently commented that our family was not supported the way I felt we could be when Connor was diagnosed, and I have often observed that family is not necessarily created by birth (thank god!). this past year one of my work "sisters", Michelle experienced a devastating event: her younger brother in a brief moment of silly bravado, dove into a gravel quarry pond. He and his friends had not checked the water depth and it was much more shallow than they suspected. Steve broke his neck and was paralysed. He nearly drowned but his life was saved by his friends. he is now a quadriplegic on the road to recovery. he is a young man with 2 small children and is now facing an incredibly difficult future; a future that I have had a bit of experience dealing with.
Michelle and I had talked often about Connor and our family struggles in raising him, many times lamenting how so many missed the boat on how they could really help. mostly, I was just ranting but I like to think that on one thing she did listen
Michelle did something extraordinary for her brother: she organised a large fundraiser in their home town for him. I frequently lament how impractical people are when dealing with the disabled and how others will use fundraising for the most ridiculous of causes--sports teams, Jack and Jill parties, clubs and other luxuries that are simply optional not necessary! I was pumped; someone was helping Steve in a practical way, a way he could really use!
Steve didn't need pity or platitudes about how "inspirational" he was; he needed funds to help him through the long and expensive journey ahead.
In true family fashion, our birthing sisters and Doc's pitched in. Some of us donated various things for the silent auction: gift baskets, paintings, quilts ( in true Linda form, I got a basket of dog treats donated), and most of the birthing program bought tickets to the dance even though we knew that it was far out of town and we could not go. Michelle told me that from our hospital alone, she had raised over $1000. My heart was so full it almost burst. such a simple thing; yet such a  huge one. it was not just the money that they were raising that was so important but it was the large show of emotional support--people who truly cared--that was the true gift to Steve. Michelle said most of their small town had turned out to support Steve and many relatives drove for hours to get there. This was the real triumph of the night: the physical show of love and caring that showed Steve he was never far from a community of thoughts and prayers; he was not forgotten and he was not invisible.
I hope that if Michelle's mother reads this she will not mind if I am puffed up quite a bit with pride for my Southlake sister, because this week she was my hero for supporting her brother the way he needed to be supported; by listening, caring and showing concrete proof of her bottomless love!


if you are interested, this is the website that is still taking donations for Steve's Journey.

http://forsteve.wix.com/home#!donate/c1vud