The Church. Four walls and a pastor? A large choir, Sunday School and a nursery? A big screen, projector and praise band? 

Nope. 

The people. That is the Church. I've heard it all of my life but to experience it first hand is remarkable. Take a look at the pictures with this post before you read any further. Then, let me share with you how the Church showed up for us since Thursday, January 5th. 

1. It showed up in writing. An outpouring of love, good thoughts, love, humor, love and get well wishes in all of the cards and notes that were sent. Towards the end of Mom's stay, she would even ask, "Any cards come today?" 

2. It showed up in a variety of soups and chicken pies, gift cards for restaurants, and so many other delicious meals, snacks and sweet treats. Mari Ed and I cannot express how much we appreciate all of the meals that have been prepared and delivered to us. Many times those deliveries also meant Dad got to visit with friends he hasn't seen in a while and he loved every minute of it. 

3. It showed up in 2 x 4's, a saw, a big yellow truck with 7 men willing to give up a day and half to build a ramp at our front door. The security it gives us to know that Dad, and now, Mom, will be safer getting to and from the car is a God-send. To Dale Williams and Crew....we are immensely grateful!

4.  It showed up in an apple pie and Hershey bar. A weekly drive from Mocksville with an apple pie and ice cream, or a weekly delivery of a milk shakes or a Hershey bar, for Dad. Two of Dad's closest and longest friends have kept him company since Mom's been in the hospital. Bucky Sharpe, has brought an apple pie and vanilla ice cream once a week and Manley Dodson knows the way to Dad's heart is through.....chocolate, chocolate, chocolate (ain't that right Kathie Barker and Vicky Blakely)!

5. It showed up through a TV remote control. Mom & Dad have lived next door to Nancy Pearman for 58 years. They have always looked out for one another, especially in these golden years. But, Nancy has gone above and beyond since Mom's been sick. Many of you know, Dad is legally blind and has some hearing and mobility difficulties, so he is limited in what he can do for entertainment. Watching TV is his largest past-time and more specifically, watching the Golf Channel and WFMY-TV news. Not being at the house at the times the TV channel needed to be changed was never an issue because Nancy was always available to come over and change it. She'd even watch the tournaments with him, as she is an avid golf enthusiast herself. She even got to the point where she'd walk my dog, feed him, intercept food and Amazon deliveries, and just today, accepted the delivery for Mom's IV antibiotics she'll have to have at home. I'm not sure Mari Ed and I can ever repay the kindness, graciousness and selflessness Nancy has given all of us these last 5 weeks. 

6. It showed up in your conversations with God. Prayers. Most simply; prayers. However it is that you talk to God, thank you for including Mom, Dad, Mari Ed, me, our girls and Mom's extended family. As close bystanders who have watched this women go from a misdiagnosis that left her painful, disoriented and nearly comatose to a correct diagnosis where her condition could be fixed through surgery, specific medications and rehab; God heard our prayers and let us know that Mom is not finished with His work yet. Her health and well-being is being restored each and every day.

Prayer. It's powerful and we've had a front row seat since day one.

The countdown to this chapter is coming to a close. Mom is coming home tomorrow (or should I say today?). And while this journey will still continue, we are excited that she will be at home. We hope that you will continue to lift her up in your prayers; that her transition from the hospital to home will be smooth and that it will be a simple adjustment. 

Thank you, Church! 

Blessings,

Marti & Mari Ed