Eddie's Story - Part 2

On December 17th, I had a small group of “Fabulous Women” come to my home. We wanted to present the gifts to Eddie and his wife. When Eddie arrived at my house, he recognized a few people from Mr. Pickles. We introduced him around the room, and he seemed particularly confused when he saw his daughter’s teacher, Kim Bauman, from Grant Elementary there.
We proceeded to tell him about the miracle that this group created. I told him about the intention of the women who participate in the group…. “They are an incredible group of women who come together regularly to eat, drink, socialize and help causes that touch their hearts. Eddie, this time we’ve decided to help your family.” Well, the tears came from most everyone there. Eddie was moved, but unsure of what that meant for him. I think he just felt honored to be considered. I then told him about our gathering and proceeded to give him the gift for the photography session and the pirate party for his kids. He was speechless because it was for his children. I then gave him a gift wrapped box with a brand new wallet inside. He unwrapped the package and said, “This is nice, my wife will like this.” Well, what he didn’t realize was that the wallet had all the cash that was donated along with the checks, food cards, and gift cards for his family. He looked inside the wallet, and it was then that he realized just how generous the group had been.
He hugged me and sobbed.

A few minutes passed and he told the group that the holiday season was a little overwhelming, and he hadn’t thought about shopping for his kids yet. It was the perfect moment to show him my hallway which was bursting from the seams with presents for the whole family. He was in complete shock. He couldn’t believe that so many people were cheering him on and wanting to help his family.
**** (I hope that I described this moment in such a manner that you can take in the joy and gratitude that Eddie felt. It was a magical moment for him and for me to witness)

Eddie went home and shared the gifts with his wife. She too was speechless. This group should feel so good about how we helped this family. It restored their faith in others and faith that they are not alone…………they are going to be ok. I would like to mention that ironically, Sadie had an appointment the following day to take care of her wisdom teeth. It happened to be with the same oral surgeon’s office, Dr. Robert Allen, who supported Eddie’s cause from the beginning. They had already donated money and gifts to the whole family, and then they proceeded to take care of Sadie’s surgery bill. It was for an undisclosed amount….but you can imagine how generous that was. That was unbelievable!

Please keep Eddie and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Eddie had successful brain surgery on January 5th, 2009.