In Tami’s hospital bathroom there is a little box on the wall that has a long cable attached to it. In the center is a red circle with white letters that read “PULL for HELP.” Looking at the box I wondered to myself, how desperate do you have to be to pull that cord? What happens if it does get pulled? How many people will respond? Is this just a nurse station button or will this cause that automated voice to announce a code “something” all over the hospital? I didn’t pull it so my curiosity remains.
Since Tami went in the hospital on Tuesday many of you have sent text messages and Facebook messages sharing words of blessing and congratulations toward us. Most have also added “let us know what we can do!” and “don’t be afraid to ask for help!” And I have said that I would not be afraid to ask for help but I find that I am. Mostly because I really don’t know what the rules are. I have tried to categorize some of the things we need and tasks that I need help with, but some of them just seem like too much to ask for. Others fall into the category of possibly being too intimate… for instance, there is a ton of laundry to do over here but I don’t really want any of you folding my underwear. Some tasks fall under the categories of time and money and so I feel that I shouldn’t ask.
And then there is the category of emotional / relational support for my wife and kids. None of them have said so, but I often wonder if the kids suffer a bit when Tami and I are putting so much focus on the newest member of the family. I always have hope that people are reaching out to the kids (especially the ones they have a relationship with) to both celebrate with them and also make them feel like they are still very special and important, because they are!
I also don’t know how to balance Tami’s need for rest with our want for people to come and see and celebrate with us. Comments on the blog and Facebook page have encouraged us and made us feel very loved but of course there is nothing more special than the face of a friend walking through the door. So I don’t know what to ask for but maybe some of you could combine the two in someway? Maybe do some iPhone face timing with us or shoot us a video greeting and upload it to Facebook? Like I said, I’m not sure what to ask for. Perhaps you can drop by the house after we are able to get Tami and the baby home? — awkward I know.
Our friend Tracy Bradford has begun coordinating meals for us so that Tami won’t have to cook while she is recovering from the c-section delivery. I could cook but my kids may get sick of grilled cheese and pancakes! We are looking forward to a few home cooked meals that we don’t have to cook. The truth, however, is that we won’t all be present for the meals. I am finding that it is difficult for us to get everyone home and around the table for the hot and ready meals that are being delivered. So gift cards to Wendy’s or McDonald’s would be helpful… but again… I’m not wanting to ask anyone for those things either!
So, there you have it. Those are the things I’m afraid to ask for. And I’m sure there will be a few more unspoken requests that I’ll come up with in the next couple of days. Anyway… I want you to know that beyond any and all of this we covet your prayers for Tami’s healing / recovery. She labored for quite a while before we discovered the baby had turned requiring a c-section delivery. So, I’m sure she’s extra tired and sore from both the labor and the surgery. Above all I want you to know that we are deeply thankful for your friendship. We are very excited that Riehlin Sydni has arrived is now part of our family! We are looking forward to our opportunity to introduce her to you!
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
~ 1 Peter 4:10 ~