Saturday 25 February 2012

So Much Support

As hard as it is to deal with what has happened over the last four months and particularly the last month, it's so nice to know that hundreds of people are thinking of us, praying for us and helping us in so many ways.  I've been blown away by how much support we have been by family, friends and strangers.  I've been stopped in the street by strangers telling me that they have been thinking of me and my boys and were so sorry to hear what has happened.

I have been amazed and surprised that there has been so much interest in what has happened to us, but it makes me realise how much people care and want to help.

The Punchbowl Primary School newsletter, the first week back at school.  

A lovely reporter Jayne wrote a newspaper article back in October just two weeks after Noah had passed away, about us going in the Make a Wish run in honour of Noah.  After Aaron passed away, a couple of people had contacted the paper, and Jayne did another story in the paper about a beautiful lady Naomi who had started doing some fundraising for us. Naomi, like me loves blogging and blogs about life with her seven (yes seven!) children.  Her page is called Seven Cherubs.  

I didn't even know she was doing any fundraising, until the total was over $2000. I was so blown away that someone would do something so lovely, and was amazed that so many people had donated so much money and thought that $2000 was incredible.    The first article in the Examiner talked about the fundraising (you can click on each picture to go to the online article). 

Before I knew it, there was another article in the newspaper almost once a week.

As the fundraising was going I wasn't really following it at all.   I was so grateful to Naomi and to everyone who was donating, but at the time I was just in so much shock and dealing with just getting through the day, that I couldn't even think about what was going on with it all. My family and friends were telling me what was happening though, and I just couldn't believe it when they would tell me how much money people had donated. 


If that wasn't enough, Naomi and another beautiful lady Nicole (the cupcake fairy) then started working on having an online auction, and before I knew it there was over 100 items donated from so many beautiful businesses and people from around Tasmania and the whole country.  My cousin Toni even made a very cool button for the auction (in Hawks colours for Aaron of course! :)



I often have people asking me 'what can I do to help?' and I really have no idea what to tell them, but it was so nice to know that people were doing what they could to help anyway, especially as I'm a very independent person usually, and find it hard to accept help from others.   No amount of money will bring Noah or Aaron back, but it's so nice to know that so many people care enough to do something to help us, and the amount of money that has been raised is absolutely incredible.  It will definitely make our lives easier over the next little while, and gives us some breathing space, until everything is sorted out. 

Aaron and I hadn't been able to afford to get Noah's headstone and plaque made for his grave yet, so I'm now 'looking forward' to getting that done with some of the fundraising money (if you can ever look forward to getting a headstone for your own child) and also will be getting Aaron's plaque done very soon. It's so nice to know that I can get it straight away.

Thank you Naomi (and Nicole) for being so kind to do something so amazing to help us, and to everyone who has either donated money or items for the auction (big or small) or purchased something from the auction.  I have been touched by each and every donation. I will never, ever be able to say how thankful I am to everyone. I wish I could thank everyone individually.  The money will help us immensly, allowing us this time to grieve without having to worry about finances so much. 

It has helped me so much to know that I'm not alone in this, and makes me realise how many people care for me and my boys, even those who don't know us.  I'm sure that Aaron and Noah would both be smiling down knowing that we are being looked after by so many amazing people right now.

15 comments:

  1. Lisa, I was sadden to hear about you husband passing and of course Noah's passing also. Noah and then you sweet wonderful husband. It is almost more that one person can bare. I have been reading your post and watching the strength that you and your children have. I know that it the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Happiness that brings us thru difficult times in our lives. The Savior will get you thru this and your boys too.
    I know that you do not know me, I am a member of your church and I live in Fallon, Nevada. I have a wonderful husband and been married 42 years. We have two grown sons and three beautiful granddaughters. We have had some difficult times in our life, my husband has had three major heart surgeries. Last year I lost my twin sister.
    I just want you to know that there are so many people out here, supporting you and praying for you and your family. Aaron looked and sounded like a wonderful husband and you will have him forever. Just think of the reunion you with have with Noah and Aaron. I know that it must be terribly hard to wait for that time. You boys will give you the strength to go on and The Savior will help lighten the load.
    You have friends from all over the world.
    I hope that you keep writing on you blog and letting us know how you and the boys are doing.
    God Bless and take care
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cant wait to see pictures of the beautiful headstones, Naomi is a fantastic Mumma and fundraiser...wonderful woman, proud to be a part of helping you Lisa and the boys really deserved xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. We love you and Aaron and Jay and Noah and Haz and Kobes so so much. xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nothing will ever "fix" it Lisa, but I'm glad that all of the love you are feeling is helping you get through while you heal. Love youxxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. As hippy as it sounds, we are all one. You are never alone.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Agreed with the first lady who commented -- there is a ton of support for you and your family from the USA and you probably know none of us! Take good care; many are thinking of you!

    Lynne
    Illinois, USA

    ReplyDelete
  7. This post gives me some relief of sorts. I have often wondered in the past several weeks what your financial situation is - I know it is NONE of my business, but I kept thinking of you struggling to get thru hours, days & weeks PLUS having to deal with money issues. The kindness and generosity of strangers is overwhelming. I would like to donate somehow - I will scroll back up thru the article and see if there is a place to donate to your wonderful family. I'll say it again, I am a complete stranger but think about you all soooo often! ):

    ReplyDelete
  8. I wish there was more I could do for you Lisa. I wish I could take away the pain for you and your beautiful, sweet boys. All I can do is pray to our creator and trust that he will comfort you, bless you, and ease your suffering. He will always provide a way out. You must be a very special daughter of God for him to trust you with such trial and tribulation. A true reflection of your strength.

    Just remember that our time on earth now will be a mere blink of an eye compared to the time we will have in eternity with our loved ones. Hold onto your faith Lisa. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's so good when people are good to each other.

    =)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have been blown away by the support as well Lisa. I know the money will be small comfort but it has been a total pleasure and honour to do something so small for you and your cherubs. I have always said that the reason it has been so successful is because you and Aaron are so greatly loved and are so wonderful. Hoping we will met up one day. Naomi x

    ReplyDelete
  11. You and your family obviously have touched so many people. I am glad to hear you are getting such support and love, you deserve it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am across the world from you in Minnesota, USA and managed to stumble across your blog. You will forever be an inspiration to me. Your light, love, strength and faith are powerful and truly will change the world that we live in. Thank you for sharing your story. I am grateful to get a glimpse into the life of such an amazing family.

    Warmly,

    Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  13. There are thousands of people who care for you and those precious boys, and think of y'all all the time - me being one of those people.
    You all are in my thoughts and prayers - Kelley

    ReplyDelete
  14. So sorry for your loss Lisa, the out pouring of love and support shows how much your precious Noah & Aaron touched everyone's hearts and pockets.

    ReplyDelete

We are so grateful for everyone's love and support, and appreciate your comments xoxo

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...