It is with a deep feeling of thankfulness and wonder that I sit down this morning and write you this thank-you note. There aren’t enough words for me to express the way you have made this family feel. Thank you most kindly for the water heater. It is something we will use daily and daily we will be reminded of your kindness and generosity. It will be a reminder to us that there are some very wonderful, good people in this world that care for those in need. There are times in life that a person loses all hope, in fact that happened to us and just when we were going to fall and give up you stretched out your hand and helped us up…
May your life be blessed with happiness and prosperity for all that you do for others, thank you very much!
Love and best wishes,
The Smith’s*
The writer is the wife of a veteran soldier who is 100% service disabled with a severe seizure disorder. Randi Cairns of Home Front Hearts shared their story with us a few weeks ago and when we learned how this family of four was managing we decided to help. In addition to heating water on the stove to take baths, the family had just saved enough money to install a wood stove to heat at least part of their rustic home set in rural Arkansas. With personal expenses mounting and disability payments decreasing it has become impossible for the family to manage and the coming holiday season will be one with few if any gifts. When Randi shared everyone’s wish list we were not surprised – mixed in with a few personal items like books and clothing were electric mattress pads, warm blankets, flannel sheets…clearly staying warm is on everyone’s mind.
So, in addition to the hot water heater which we purchased the other day, new warm comforters, sheets and some other items from the wish lists are also on the way.
As Linda Smith, the Mom, wrote in one of her emails…These hardships happen in life and we will get back on our feet again. It is just a matter of time. We are happy that the Good People Fund was able to warm the holidays for this special family and hope that the "time" she refers to is really just ahead.
*The family name has been changed.
