'Mini'-miracles, 'Mini' ways"

This past week has been rewarding in 'mini' ways!  There always seems to be something more to do as we wander through our list of necessities!  

Last week, on route to Home Depot to purchase hand support bars for our shower, we stopped off at Zupas for a little lunch.  With our new van, we're now more able to haul a wheelchair, which seems to be the easiest way for Jim to get around lately (though he can still use a walker somewhat).  After unloading the chair and getting Jim 'set', we began to make our way to the door to maneuver us into the restaurant.  Out of the corner of my eye, I was relieved to see a woman hopping up to help hold the door open. As she approached, to my happy surprise, it was my childhood friend, Ann Adams Bradshaw!  We see each other seldom, but she is one who has been keeping in touch via email over the past months since Jim's diagnosis.  The one table that was available was next to theirs, so we sat and began our delightful 'catch up' visit!  Dee, her husband, a retired banker, said he'd fast become a handyman (mostly due to the recent remodel of their home), and after hearing what we were off to do, volunteered to purchase and install the shower bars for us!

Wow - the tears flow quite freely these days, as timing with so many things appears to be in the capable hands of 'someone' else!  Dee and Ann - you are 'mini-miracle makers!  Our love and THANKS for your thoughtfulness and friendship!

You'll recall, last week we had been 'gifted' the motorized wheelchair by happenstance, just as we brought home our new handicap accessible van. Again - 'mini-miracle'!
Since the completion of the wheelchair ramp in the garage, we surmised there was no more room for our beloved 1998 'super-charged red Suburban (the 'super-charge' was, I believe, Jim's midlife crisis effort)!  It has taken us on so many wonderful family adventures, that we've just hung onto it, though it has recently only become a 'moving' vehicle for our children.  Jim and I also feel it (the Suburban) literally saved our lives once when our son Coby fell asleep at the wheel on route to Lake Powell and we went 'off road-ing' for a dangerous distance!  (Having four future missionaries in the car didn't hurt our chances for survival either)!  So Jim, not wanting to sell it without making sure it was in prime shape, sent it in to the fix-up garage!  When we called this week to see if it was ready, our friend Rex (of Rex's automotive) had his nephew in the shop who just happened to be in need of a 9 seat-er suburban and was ready to buy.  Presto, the suburban is sold without any effort!  A 'mini-miracle'!

  

In addition to all these 'mini-moments', I feel a quick 'shout out' of thanks is in order to some other 'mini-miracle makers'!  To some of Jim's friends who have taken time to visit or taken him on outings, I hope you know how much this has meant to him!  Ron Larkin, what an amazing example of friendship you continue to be.  Rick, Doug (study group guys), our beloved oldest and dearest friends (you know who you are), home teachers Paul and Stan, our wonderful ward family and most especially our fabulous family members who give so generously of their love and time....our hearts are 'brim full' of gratitude for your offerings!

To Jim's office of engineers at The Dennis Group, who hosted a 'post retirement' dinner' for us last night at PF Changs, we were so overwhelmed with your many kind words on Jim's behalf.  Jim was been with this company for 13 years before he retired early this past June.  He made and cultivated many friendships there and throughout his travels; ones that he'll forever cherish.  Hearing what was said about him, I realize he not only made his career 'mark' there,  but was exemplary as a friend and mentor!  Thank you so much!  We were deeply touched and will never forget you all! (By the by, Jim is willing and ready to accept 'consultation calls' anytime)!  He actually lives for phone calls!!!  His 'blue tooth ear piece is now a permanent part of his daily attire. SO CALL!!!!!  
 Mini miracles ...  MANY thanks!!!