Valerie and I are cousins. Valerie's father and my mother are twins who, with their families, have lived across "the great pond" from each other for most of our lives. Valerie and her husband Neal came to our wedding and I was proud to have Neal as a groomsman standing next to me. Although distant in miles, Valerie has done a remarkable job of keeping us all informed and has really been the linchpin to keeping our families connected, so I was not surprised that after learning of my illness, she hatched a plan of getting over to see her cousin and do what she could to help out.
Monday they arrived, and by Wednesday, the back, front, and side yards were cleaned up, the pool was clean, and the extra treatment to the windows gave the Smith household its spring cleaning enviable of any professional service. Neal and Valerie went grocery shopping and besides keeping me full with liquids ( Neil even tried carrot juice) with meals like salmon, steak, lemon chicken my weight rocketed 10 pounds. Thank you so much. Sasha, Valerie and Neal's daughter (21) flew into town over the weekend (she is a professional singer) and we visited and went out to BJ's for even more fun and food. They all left today so the house is really quiet and the meal choices have returned to things like frozen lasagna.
Perspective: My polar bear story one session back had Chris and I in the hospital Friday night. Valerie and Neal arrived the following Monday night and at the time it seemed the farthest thing to what I needed or I was able to do in having visitors. How wrong was I. Their love, effort to help, companionship of kindred spirit, devotion and love to Chris, Sophia and all our family - in all gave us such a warm gift. They are now up touring the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, the Bay Area, then down the Pacific Highway to LA before flying home. God keep them safe; they are good people.
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I want to first say Keith I am so glad that you are up and writing again. Yes I too was worried sick but you have our love and prayers to help you through this. I have extended the offer from both Tony and I to come over and help out with the yard stuff so PLEASE do not hesitate to call us we are only right around the corner. I did not want to just stop by as I knew you were not up for company according to others that had spoke to Chris. I am coming up with a plan to hopefully raise some funds for your cause as well. We love you and miss your so very much!!!!!!
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