When last I posted I was bitching. Now it’s a few days later, a few feet of fallen snow and a whole new perspective. A few days ago Maggie wrote a post, today I went and visited the reason for her post. We do these things: we dedicate posts, we leave comments, we visit.
I am not sure that when I do things like write about sweet Serenity, that they actually make things better, but they give me a sense of having used what I have to help. Today I am writing because in this time of blessings and family I find myself struggling to figure out how to help. I think you hold the key, you there reading this post, maybe waiting for news of the Briar or Avery or the latest update of what Fin can do. I promise a post soon that will give you that and more, but today I need you. I need your ear and then, if you’re willing, your words.
Friday night Sean’s Uncle Dennis was struck by a truck. He is here on the East Coast and as we emerged from what would be the first of three heavy storms, he was snow blowing his driveway. He was struck by a truck that lost control before it had a chance to slow down. 25 miles an hour. This accident was the kind of thing that I had heretofore only read about. Now, it is two days later and it is real. There is no end in sight to the hospitalization. Surgeries. Tests. Worry.
His name is Dennis and he is without question the most gentle soul I have ever known. He has, since the first time we met some eight years ago, treated me as both family and friend. He is the kind of person who always listens before speaking. When he sees you his face lights up in a way that makes you feel as if you are special; as if you have a story that is exceptionally riveting. He just makes you feel special, or at least he has done that for me.
Barely a month since losing his mom, Helen (an unbelievably bubbly and sassy woman), he is laid up in a hospital, a hospital his wife works in, and a hospital that is only able to do what it is able to do. Three amazing children— Chefs Ryan and Ian and civil engineer, Erin, sit in vigil, a wife, Debbie, waits struggling between her role as partner and nurse.
I realize this is unconventional for me, but today I am asking you to comment. Take a moment to leave words of encouragement or a prayer. I cannot heal Dennis, but what I can do as he makes the courageous fight to convalesce, is offer your words. You see, despite being related tangentially by marriage, he loves my blogs— reads them more than other family members. Raves about them whenever we meet.
I am hoping that to present him with your words will make him understand how desperately I wanted to help and how fiercely proud I am that he is a part of my family.
Thank you for helping me to help Dennis. I believe in this most magical time of the year, that together, we can make magic.
*Thank you.
Dennis: My thoughts are with you as you recover. Sending you strength and light.
I believe.
May you heal quickly Dennis, know that you are in the prayers of people you don't know. Debbie, Erin, Ryan and Ian, you all are also in our thoughts. Peace be with you all.
Dennis, I hope the positive attitude and kindness you've given is returned to you 10 fold during this difficult time.
Thinking of you Dennis, and praying for a quick recovery of mind, body and spirit.
I have an aunt who had a brain aneurysm almost 20 years ago who made a miraculous recovery. A good friend's sister was in a horrible car accident 2 years ago and has had several surgeries to reconstruct her face (among other things) and has made a full recovery.
Hope and prayer do wonderful things. My thoughts and prayers are with Dennis and your family.
We're all thinking of you, Uncle Dennis. Remembering Christmas after Christmas with you at your house.
Your constant encouraging words about our business: always egging me on, cheering.
Thinking about how much Ryan Erin & Ian love you (we all do) but I see that a lot differently now, as a father of three myself. I hope I'm able to be as good a dad to my kids as you've been to yours.
I know we're lucky to still have you with us. We're counting our blessings this year, and we'll be over soon to see you.
-Sean
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially Dennis. It sounds like he is an amazing man, and I pray that the blessings he's poured out on others are now returned to him in the form of strength and healing.
I keep coming back to your world because I have developed a strong sense of affection for you; dare I say it, perhaps a deeper connection, a kind of sisterly love.
So tonight, for you, my faraway, never-seen sister, I pray for your Dennis.
Blessings to you.
Sitting here with a cat curled in my lap and a mug of ice cream beside me, I'd thought myself prepared for Christmas – now I realize I've been sitting here, grateful for the wrong things. Sure, Santa will deliver marvelous gifts…but it's who he will deliver them to that really matters. I'm glad that you will celebrate these holidays with your Uncle Dennis! May your love and all our prayers see him through the next year and many more after that.
I'm sending my most positive and healing thoughts to Uncle Dennis.
Dennis, praying right now for you. Thank you, Amanda, for helping us to remember what it's really all about.
Dear Dennis,
I don't know you, I don't even know Amanda. I came here by accident from Mrs. Chicken's blog. But I know that you are hurt and I am very sorry.
Amanda loves you a lot and your family loves you too. Please know that you are loved and prayed for. Even by people you don't know who don't know you.
Get well soon!
Dennis,
Thoughts and prayers and all good things are coming your way tonight, as well as in the days and weeks ahead. With much hope for good, competent care, a swift and thorough recovery, and all the love and help and generosity that you need to get you through it all. Blessings to you and yours…
Prayers and thoughts for Dennis and his family.
Dennis, all of my thoughts are with you and yours
My thoughts and prayers to Dennis, and all your loved ones.
prayers for dennis and all your friends and family. Dennis is clearly blessed to have you in his life, and i know you (and others!) will provide the hands of healing that our prayers are supporting…
Prayers and the strongest of healing vibes and thoughts for Dennis. And if it helps to hear of someone else's experience with a happy ending. . . My daughter was mowed down by an SUV when she was 17. It was a horrible experience for everyone involved. But she's made an almost complete recovery. She finished college and at 23 works full-time and leads a normal life. May Dennis also heal so completely.
I am sending some African sunshine and a quiet prayer, the healing process is gentle and that love reaches out from all corners of the globe to enfold Dennis.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I am much like Kristen- I came here through Mrs. Chicken's blog, but a family in need of prayer is something I can get behind.
To Sean, Amanda, Dennis, Debbie, Erin, Ryan, Ian and anyone else touched by this situation and time of need, I am praying for you. Best wishes and many concerned tender thoughts as you all try to heal.
wishing you strength and peace during your recovery.
Dennis and family,
I pray that your recovery will be quick and that you will be joyfully reunited with your family in mind, body and spirit. Memories, hugs, and laughter will replace worry-filled tears. You are clearly very dearly loved and respected, you will all be in my prayers this holiday season.
Sending strength and healing thoughts your way.
I am truly sorry that this has happened. My thoughts and my prayers go out to your family and to Dennis' family. Christmas is a time for miracles I am praying that this will be one of those times.
Dennis,
Thinking of you and your family and friends and praying that you have a speedy recovery.
I'm so sorry, Amanda. I don't understand why these things happen. I'll add Dennis to my prayers. Thank you for adding Ashley to yours.
Dennis, you sound like a true light in this world…rest and heal and make your light shine bright.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I also came here via Mrs. Chicken to learn about Dennis.
May strength come to you, dear Dennis, may your family's love that surround you act as a blanket to help comfort you from the pain. I pray that the doctor's have the knowledge to do exactly what needs to be done. And finally I pray for your family, that they have peace.
Many hugs to you dear Dennis!
My Uncle Jack – now over 70 and ALSO the gentlest man I know – was run over by a TRANSPORT when he was 16. And he made a full recovery, even with the olden-times medicine.
Praying for Dennis.
Dear Dennis–heartfelt thoughts and prayers for a complete and speedy recovery, to you from out here in the blog world!
Best wishes for you and your family, Dennis. I hope you feel all the warm and tender thoughts winging your way from places afar.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Dennis.
You're in my thoughts.
Dennis…i am so sorry that this has happened to you and your family, so sorry for your pain and theirs, too. i wish you strength and healing, and them comfort in that strength, and all of you love and blessings for this Christmas and many to come.
Thinking, hoping and praying for Dennis and his family. Be strong and believe.
Dennis, I'm hoping for a fast recovery and a wonderful holiday for you and your family!! You are in my thoughts… I know if Amanda loves you this much, you must be one heck of a guy.
I am thinking of Dennis and all of your and his family today, and I am drawing a circle of love around all of you, and especially around Dennis. I believe that together we have the power to help, and I'm glad you gave us the chance to try!
I am beyond words. As I wrote this last night I had no idea what to expect, this morning waiting to all of these incredible comments, I feel as if I've been visited by something truly magical. Thank you all for believing and for taking the time to help lift us. I will be writing to thank each of you individually.
Dennis,
I'm thinking of you today. You sound like the kind of person I'd love to meet. For I love to sit and chat and engage in conversations with people who pay attention and offer substance. Amanda sure seems to care about you, and therefore so do I.
You'll make it through this and come out with new stories to tell . . . new words of encouragement to offer to others who are struggling. It will obviously take some time. But when it's over, you'll be smiling.
See that smile, there on the horizon, and cling to it, my friend . . .
I have been visiting Ashley via Maggie, and will now add Dennis and your family to my prayers. Flutter sent me. Amazing the strength we find here in Blogsville, eh?
Praying. May the God of creation bring healing and peace to Dennis and your family.
God bless.
Get well soon, Dennis. I'll be thinking of you!
Dennis: You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless your gentle soul.
Mrs. Chicken sent me, and I am praying for Dennis, his family and friends, and the doctors and other staff at the hospital. May this year be the one where you get your own Christmas miracle.
Prayers sent to your family and Dennis.
Hope he heals well.
I am always at a loss for words in serious situations, either that or a joke pops out of mouth. So please know that although I can't compose a poem or inspirational comment, I can tell you that you are obviously well loved and that counts for a lot in any recovery. I wish you the best and you'r family is in my prayers.
oh honey. oh.
Dennis, you are a fighter. you will do this. you will. you can.
i never have the right words.
there really are none.
just…i'm thinking of you. and of DEnnis.
Get well soon Dennis. The world needs you.
I'm here, and I'm hopeful.
Keeping you all in my thoughts Amanda.
You are in my thoughts. Be strong.
Sending you white healing light to surround you and heal you.
My thoughts and prayers are with Dennis and his family.
thinking of you and sending love
My thoughts and prayers are with you Dennis.
May the spirit of the season help you in your recovery, and may the new year bring strength and renewed hope.
I believe in miracles, so keep you spirits up and ask God for his guidance, everything will be alright.
God Bless You Dennis!
Dennis, you are in this strangers thoughts and prayers. I pray that this season of miracles will bring you a miracle.. of healing, quickly.
Dennis: You can do it. You can. Just keep trying. You can do it.
To all of you: Love, love, love. May your miracles be plentiful. You can do it. Just keep breathing.
Healing thoughts sent your way Dennis. A comforting thoughts for your loved ones as well. Feel better soon.
Oh, Dennis, with such love emanating your way, there surely is no speed to go at but quickly on that road to recovery. I will be adding you to my prayers tonight. I don't say that lightly.
sending armfuls and bunches and boxes (gift-wrapped and plain alike) full of magic your way, amanda. there is always some to share – especially at this time of year.
so please, add my magic to the piles of light and love you are already taking to the hospital…we can see you glowing with it already.
and then tuck a bit in with your beautiful girls as they sleep, hold some in your arms for sean, and sing some quietly to your heart.
we are thinking of you.
Dennis, stay with us; we have such powerful love for you, as a husband, father and friend; each day makes you stronger; you are the blessing in each of our lives.
dennis–i am sending good, healing thoughts your way. get well soon.
Sending more love, reinforcing the deep affection that is surrounding you, giving you strength.
from the West, thank you for being Uncle to Sean and Amanda,
Love,
Anne
Thanks Deb, for sending me this link and thanks, Amanda, for this blog. Dennis, we love you and yours and are praying for a speedy, uneventful recovery.
The body is a fragile, strong thing, but it follows the mind. So, we need to visualize bone glue healing your broken bones, scar tissue healing broken skin, friends and books to make you think and even smile. And we need you to know that you are loved.
Kandi
I'm adding Dennis to my prayers. It's not for us to understand the "why" but to trust. Keep the faith.
I'm a nurse and had a patient come into my department at the beginning of November. This patient, this young man, had been hit by a vehicle while he was out jogging. I thought for sure this young man would die the first time I saw him. He came back to diagnostic imaging last friday and he's getting better.
Miracles do happen.
Sending so many good wishes for a quick recovery that's as comfortable as possible…along with prayers that the holidays bring you and your family hope and strength.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Dennis, for peace, understanding and a speedy recovery.
Dennis: My thoughts and hopes are with you in this difficult time. You are so lucky to have so much wonderful family around you, I hope that some of that wonderful positive energy you have given to them for so long will now return to help you heal!
A prayer said for your dear uncle Dennis.
I pray God touches you in a special way. I pray He will take special care of you as you recover and hold your family close as they support you.
Dennis, ever watch that newish Peter Pan movie? It was out a few years ago, oh, I get old, maybe 10 years ago now. That line, "I do, I do believe in Fairies."
Well, here we are, a group of mostly strangers perhaps and we're chanting it, chanting for you, and hoping with our core that the magic will work.
Get well, Dennis.
erin
Dear Dennis, Debbie, Ryan, Erin & Ian, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will get through this and come out stronger for it. I am sorry we have lost touch over the years but hope to improve our contact starting now. My love & prayers are with you. Your Cousin, Heather Rustay Beach
Sending healing thoughts and prayers to you, Dennis. I hope you have a swift recovery.
Miracles do happen, we see them everyday. Wishes for yours come long distance, Dennis, Debbie, Ryan, Ian and Erin…
The world needs more people in it like this. We can't afford to lose one!! So lots of good wishes for a quick and easy recovery are being sent your way from this corner of the Blogosphere…
A: Oh honey. Hugs to you.
Uncle Dennis: Positive thoughts and prayers coming to you from my Trenches in MA. Get well.
I believe in you, Dennis. I believe in magic and christmas and miracles. I'm thinking of you and I'm sending you magic thoughts
x
What a wonderful man to warrant such wonderful words. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Dennis.
My thoughts are with you.
Cheyenna
A full and speedy recovery for Dennis and peace of mind for the family.
Heavenly Father, we pray for your loving power and grace to be upon Dennis and his family as they travel this difficult path. Work miracles, God, and show them Your mercy. Amen.
Oh Sweetie, I'm so sad to hear about the accident. I'm sending lots of white light of the Holy Spirit & healing green light from Archangel Raphael to you and your family.
I DO believe in miracles and I DO believe in love.
Nadine
Dennis, I will say a prayer for you and yours tonight. I wish you well.
Always late to the party, but with sincerest wishes for your well-being Dennis. It is Christmas, a wonderful time for prayers and miracles and healing. I don't have a lot of pull with the guy upstairs but I will definitely say some prayers for you and for those closest to you.
You sound like one of the good guys Dennis, you should be able to stay and touch more lives. Get better!!
Prayer, hope, good thoughts, the love of family … all of these can bring a miracle, and I hope and pray they do. Blessings to Dennis, you and your family. I hope to hear some good news about him soon.
Dennis, I will send my love to you tonight on an angel's wings. I happen to have my own personal angel and he is a good boy. He listens to his momma.
May you find strength and love and heal quickly.
I believe. I hope you do to.
Recover quickly, Dennis. You and your family are in my thoughts.
My sweet amanda. Still thinking of you and sean and dennis. Love to you all.
Sending prayers, lots of prayers to Dennis and your entire family.
Sending many prayers on this Christmas Day Dennis – to you and your family!
Sending all the "white light" I can muster, my thoughts are with you and your family. Can't wait to hear of your amazingly fast recovery.
Late to the game, but I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts.
How difficult this time must be for you and your family, Amanda. And Dennis, you, as well as your family, are in my thoughts. May you receive all of this positive energy and feelings of hope to not only help you heal, but give you the strength to get through each day.
Kimberly
Sending lots of healing mojo your way! Here's hoping you are back to your wonderful self soon Uncle Dennis!
Dennis: My prayers are with you to heal you quickly. I hope God is with your family too so they can be strong and have a clear head to listen and make good decisions.
We are thinking of you, Dennis. God be with you and give you the strength to recover.
Dennis–
I don't know why in the world bad things happen to such good people. I will pray for you and your family. God Bless.
Dennis–
I don't know why in the world bad things happen to such good people. I will pray for you and your family. God Bless.
Dennis – a speedy recovery and all best wishes to you.
Best wishes!
Hoping and praying for you and your family! I especially pray that you are all able to stay positive, as it is the best way to a quick recovery.
sending you thoughts for a quick recovery.
Be well Dennis.
Sending healing thoughts and as much supportive thinking that I can do. The randomness of it all…. Dennis you can do it with the support of so much love and a wonderful family!
Dennis: We are thinking and praying for you. You have experienced much pain, with time you will be better…to better times in the new year, Love, Carmen and Bob.