Thursday, April 9, 2009

A Way to Help

Over the past few weeks many of you have asked "What can I do to help?!" I don't think Jeramie and I even knew the answer to that question for a while. It was overwhelming to process what was happening to Ethan and try to think of what we needed. However, you guys stepped in and took care of us in so many ways!

Now that we're on "the floor" our sleeping arrangements are taken care of and meals are easy to come by. Our mail is being checked and our cat is being fed (and cleaned up after). At this point, I think it's safe to say that all of our day-to-day needs are being met. We are grateful to everyone who has chipped in to help, and you already know we're thankful for everyone who has been praying for us.

Right now our biggest need is... money. There, I said it. I'm not sure if it's pride, or what, that makes saying that so difficult. But, it's so true. Medical bills are starting to roll in alongside our monthly bills. We should be Verizon's most valuable customer this month! But really, all jokes aside, we need help. Many have already given so much and we're praying that we'll be good stewards of what we've received. The plan is to open up an account through our church, Visio Dei, where contributions can be made. They will be tax deductible for you, and in a safe spot for us. This is still in the works, but I'll be sure to pass along the info once it's been established.

Apart from medical bills, we'll more than likely need help making it through the next few months with our routine expenses (i.e. mortgage, car, etc.) Jeramie was denied the ability to receive donated days at work, which equals to two weeks of non-paid leave for him. I will not be able to take my summer job if Ethan is still using the feeding tube at that time. These things combined will greatly impact our ability to pay our bills.

Please do not read this as solicitation. We do not take the fact that you're praying for us around the clock lightly, and we're humbled by the ways you've helped up to this point. This is simply our way to answer the most asked question, and to let everyone know at one time how you can help.

We love and appreciate y'all more than we can express. Thank you for caring so much for our family.

3 comments:

Shannon Smith said...

I'm glad you posted this. I've been thinking about this since Ethan was born.

Growing up, my dad had a lot of medical issues and at one point, it seemed like he was being hospitalized for something every year, or so. The bills piled up and it put a heavy financial burden on my folks.

The difference in them and you guys is that they did not have the community that you do. It wasn't that they had to much pride to ask for help. It was that outside of family, they didn't have anyone to ask.

So, I'm glad that you guys are taking advantage of the fact that you have a community that you can rely upon. I think this is an excellent opportunity for our community to live out what we say we believe.

Anonymous said...

Joye, we have not met but I am a friend of Jeramie's from high school. A friend told me about your struggle today and I would like to help. I can not offer much money. What I can offer is baby sitting. I knwo this sounds like obsured coming from a person you have never met. I work in the medical field and am fortunate enough to be off every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and every other Friday. I would be glad to sitter for you free of charge so you could go to work. I would gladly come to you. I have a (almost) 2 year old daughter myself. She would have to come with me. If you would like to discuss this more please e-mail me( mbailey35@triad.rr.com). I will be praying for your whole family.
Maranda Bailey Lyon

Erin Kala said...

Joye-thank you so much for putting this on here. You are right-people want to help and that is what frienship is all about. We are here to help each other and later on in life, you will be able to help someone who is needing help as well. I'm proud of you and Jeramie for putting this up and lettins all the people who care about you help you out! We love you guys.

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