Tonight's blog topic was easy. The Youngs.
Please understand that Matt and I have been extremely blessed with AMAZING family and friends and I'm sure for all 365 days of the year I could write about each and every one of you and how you have touched our lives. But tonight, as we said goodbye to the Youngs after a nice dinner together, I knew that tonight's blog had to be dedicated to them.
I first met Emily while working at True North, but it wasn't until our paths crossed again at a different company that we really became friends. As we began to work more closely together, I started to see a glimpse of just how special she was. One day I confided in her about Reece's medical bills. I told her that even with medical insurance and our jobs, we just couldn't keep up with the bills, and this was all before Reece's open heart surgery. I just couldn't imagine what the bills were going to be like after his surgery. Me being me, I would always say to Matt," How in the world are we going to make this work? How do we pay for all of this?" And Matt would always say, "We will figure it out." I know why he says this. He doesn't want me to worry. In his eyes, we would figure it out because we didn't have any other option. But for me, I needed answers.
And then I got the call.
"My family and I would like to organize a 5K with all proceeds to help your family with Reece's medical bills."
I remember telling Matt as soon as Emily told me this and we just stopped and starred at each other in slight disbelief. "Wow" was all we could say. God had answered my prayer. And his answer was the Youngs.
And in just two short months, the race was planned. A location. Marketing materials. Runners. Sponsors. T-shirts. The list could go on and on. Everything. They did everything.
I first met Emily while working at True North, but it wasn't until our paths crossed again at a different company that we really became friends. As we began to work more closely together, I started to see a glimpse of just how special she was. One day I confided in her about Reece's medical bills. I told her that even with medical insurance and our jobs, we just couldn't keep up with the bills, and this was all before Reece's open heart surgery. I just couldn't imagine what the bills were going to be like after his surgery. Me being me, I would always say to Matt," How in the world are we going to make this work? How do we pay for all of this?" And Matt would always say, "We will figure it out." I know why he says this. He doesn't want me to worry. In his eyes, we would figure it out because we didn't have any other option. But for me, I needed answers.
And then I got the call.
"My family and I would like to organize a 5K with all proceeds to help your family with Reece's medical bills."
I remember telling Matt as soon as Emily told me this and we just stopped and starred at each other in slight disbelief. "Wow" was all we could say. God had answered my prayer. And his answer was the Youngs.
And in just two short months, the race was planned. A location. Marketing materials. Runners. Sponsors. T-shirts. The list could go on and on. Everything. They did everything.
Because of the Youngs and all of the kind contributors of Run for Reece, we received $15,000 to use toward Reece's medical bills. I remember thinking, we don't need all of this. It doesn't feel right to take this money when there is more than enough to cover his existing bills.
And then what happened? Reece had to return to the hospital for a second stay after his open heart surgery. And his heart cath in February turned into a week stay. And now we will be making multiple trips to Boston for advanced care.
How did we get so lucky to be blessed with the Youngs? Please know that you all are so special to us and we will never know how to thank you. While so many say that my family is an inspiration to them. You all are an inspiration to us. You have touched our lives and our hearts in such an amazing way. Not only have you made it possible for us to pay Reece's medical bills, more importantly, you have helped us to get Reece on prayer chains all over the world.
I hope and pray that I can make an impact on someone's life, just as you have on mine. You all are not just our friends. You are our family. And we love you so much. We will miss you!
And then what happened? Reece had to return to the hospital for a second stay after his open heart surgery. And his heart cath in February turned into a week stay. And now we will be making multiple trips to Boston for advanced care.
How did we get so lucky to be blessed with the Youngs? Please know that you all are so special to us and we will never know how to thank you. While so many say that my family is an inspiration to them. You all are an inspiration to us. You have touched our lives and our hearts in such an amazing way. Not only have you made it possible for us to pay Reece's medical bills, more importantly, you have helped us to get Reece on prayer chains all over the world.
I hope and pray that I can make an impact on someone's life, just as you have on mine. You all are not just our friends. You are our family. And we love you so much. We will miss you!
To watch a short documentary on the Run for Reece, click here.