God, Bless the Helpers

Yesterday was overwhelming. But in a good way. The benefit for my sister Rachel and her friend and passenger Brian was amazing – to put it mildly. You can't put a price tag on the amount of love and support that came pouring in – through raffle basket and monetary donations plus items for the silent and live auctions and money dropped in the buckets for each of them.

First, my heart was smiling that my dear friends helped me provide 15 raffle baskets – and then when all was said and done, there were more than 100! Crazy amazing! There were also more than a dozen each items for the silent and live auctions.

Of course, it was just just amazing that the Luck fire hall was full for most of the time. So many people came out to support them both. I saw a lot of cousins that I saw in recent weeks due to family funerals, but this was finally a positive reason to get together.

When Rachel gave her thank-you message she mentioned her daily devotion of 1 Corinthians 13:7, thanking the helpers – as in all the people who helped put the benefit together and all those who donated items ahead of time to make it work! (P.S. I thank you, too! You KNOW who you are! 💖 ) – And all her family, friends, and prayer warriors (I know YOU, too, thanks!).

Both Rachel and Brian were understandably emotional and overwhelmed! Shocked and amazed.

Naturally, the paramedics who saved their lives got a standing ovation too. So grateful for you!!!

They even gifted her a new jacket since they had to cut her nice one off of her while extricating her from her car. Who thinks of that? Apparently, Midwest Nice EMTs do! How awesome.

We got a picture of us 8 R's too. We know Dad and Mom were smiling down on us and so grateful all 8 of could be alive and together. We're grateful, too!!

So thankful for the Luck Fire and Rescue Dept for their manual labor during this event.

And for letting me be an honorary member. I do have an official T-shirt given to me after this. LOL!

A couple side notes: 

I was lucky enough to win a few raffle baskets myself and for a friend who gave me basket money. 

And I was more than blessed to see family, cousins and some LHS classmates, plus a long-lost fellow confirmation class friend from junior high (hi Tim!). 

And... thanks to my generous friends Julie, Dar, Marigene, Gene, Cindy, Terri, Julie, Michelle, Sara, Jill, Christy, Jane, and Jackie!

On behalf of me and my sister, I love you all!