Community...

Community
com-mu-ni-ti: noun, often attributive
Definition - a unified body of individuals

For us.... it starts at the building above..... River Oaks COMMUNITY Church

One of the sweeping themes through the entire Bible is the idea of God moving people into communities where they will bless others and others will be blessed by them. We have witnessed this direction of the Lord first hand during Kayleigh's illness by the love, support, and prayers of many people! There are many people who have put parts of their lives on hold to help our family out and it brings tears to our eyes each night thinking about the blessings that have came throughout the day.

Jenni and I have been like sisters for many years, and are very close. We met when we were around 5 years old! Our families are very intertwined and we often function as one BIG family! She and Jim have added Chase and Paige to their family for much of the last 8 days while Mike and I are 2 hours away with Kayleigh. Jenni has wiped away my tears after a long drive home, listened to me rant and rave, and offered support and prayer.

Jay and Cindy Dietrich have become very dear friends of ours from church. Cindy is referred to as Kayleigh's "Mama D" and Paige just adores her "Mr. Jay". Cindy has been with Kayleigh from day 1... even beat me to the school the night it all started! These two have given Jim and Jenni a reprieve from Chase and Paige and Cindy is always on call for support for Kayleigh (and me!).

Donna and Steve Heinz have helped us to pick up the pieces with Paige on several occasions over the last month. During our church's VBS, Paige stayed with them a few nights just so that she could attend and we could focus on Kayleigh. This week, while we have been 2 hours away, then again took Paige for a night that was a bit tough on Paige and helped to wipe away the tears and pray with her.


Angie Hutchins has been a HUGE support for Kayleigh, and for Mike and I. She has really helped us understand a lot of the medical terminology, taught us how to do Kayleigh's finger sticks and injections, and has traveled to Duke Children's for appointments with us to be that second set of ears. She and her husband Todd are AMAZING people with so much love for the Lord and for others!

Chip Herrera is Kayleigh's Youth Pastor at church. He and his wife Krista are so good to her and are just wonderful people. The night that Kayleigh was EMS'd to the hospital after collapsing, Chip met us there (without telling his sleeping wife I might add!) and stayed with us until almost 2am!! He always puts his youth kids first and Kayleigh adores him!

There are many, many other people who have also been with us every step of the way. Doug Todd, Eddie and Michelle Schapira, Wendy Warden, Kim and John Riggins... just to name a few!

Mike posted a few nights ago that he was "amazed by the love and charity being poured out upon my family through these trying times.... Honestly I have no clue how to respond to it all". Other than saying Thank You.... I have to agree with him! The community that has surrounded us, this huge body of individuals that have supported us these last few weeks is unlike anything we've ever experienced.

We have been blessed!