Life Lesson Three

Who says you can't put a major event like a blood drive together in three days? Obviously they have not met my sister, Kacey. I have to give credit where its due. Within hours of discovering Dad would need several units of blood over the next month, she had the needed commitments to start the blood drive, and by the end of the day over 400 invitations had been emailed to friends and family.

Two weeks ago, 67 of those people attended the blood drive and 47 were able to donate. No one was more surprised than the people from united Blood Services who didn't think we would get 20 units during the whole day. They obviously don't know about the power of prayer and my sister's determination.

I can't sound like I'm any better though because if I'm being honest I never would have thought so many people would be responsive to my dad's illness. For the first week dad was in the hospital we were giving him hourly reports on how many people were members of the "Prayers for Dannon" facebook group. I distinctly remember telling him that over 100 people had signed up stating they would pray for him. He seemed very overwhelmed with all the support, so you can imagine his reaction when the number of group members rose to more than 200, and then more than 300 people. To say our family is grateful just isn't enough.

Dad had us go through and tell him who everyone on the list was. Some were mom's friends she shows horses with, some Kacey's friends from school or work in Birmingham or my friends from work, school, or Disney, and then some who none of us know, which is the most humbling of all. It was like a walk down memory lane for all of us, and even if it was only for a moment, we forgot about the leukemia.

So, let me take this opportunity to thank all of you on behalf of my family. Your prayers are what is getting us through this. Please keep them coming. Your prayers have been felt by every member of my family. We love you all and we Thank God for you, your love, and your support!