Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Update on my mom and sister after "NADO 2012"

It's been just over two weeks since my mom and sister lost all of their stuff... ALL of their stuff.  While we're so grateful that only "stuff" was lost, going through each day reminds us of how much we rely on our "stuff."  You don't think about these things most days because they're just there but dishes, silverware, beds... they just make life so much easier!

I've had so many people call, message, stop me at school and/or stores to ask what they can do and I haven't been able to give specific answers until now and even now, it's only a partial list.  Kayla and her boys got moved into a house on Sunday and so she's finding, as she goes throughout her days, what she still needs to function.  Here's her list so far:

trike for Rykan (2 1/2) - maybe it's not a need but he really misses his
Any and everything Thomas the Train
Kids movies (He is really missing the following:  Cars, Lion King, and any of The Land Before Time movies)
black curtain
DVD player
Baker's rack
Silverware
Dishes (Plan please)
Glasses
Cooking utensils


Basically, she just needs to be able to keep it dark for the boys to sleep, feed them and entertain them!  All of us parents know that it's always all about our kids!  If you're wanting to donate something, you can either drop stuff off at my home or you can mail it to her:




Kayla Houston
PO Box 594
Richland, MO 65556
 


I know that you're probably wondering how they're doing.  The good news is that Kayla and Daxton (8 month old) are doing very well.  A few days after the tornado Kayla had to go to the ER and discovered that she had kidney stones.  She confirmed what I've always heard, it's worse than giving birth!  She seems to be feeling a bit better this week as far as that goes but is, overall, run down and tired.  Nursing school starts for her next week so please pray that she is all rested up so she can show them how smart she is!  Rykan (2 1/2 year old) is physically fine as well but he is DEFINITELY having some anxiety since the tornado.  If there is a hint of wind or a storm, he needs his momma!  My prayer is that he'd forget and not have any future anxiety about storms.  Sweet baby is just too young to have had such a scare already!

Mom has rented a home but it needs a little bit of work before she can get moved in.  They're hoping to get most of that done this week!  She is still looking for a car so please join us in prayer that she finds one that runs well, will last a long time and is in her price range!  While I'm sure we'll figure out more things that she needs after she gets moved in, here's her list so far:



Queen size bed
TV
DVD player
Dishes
Silverware
Glasses
Cooking utensils
Crib (she babysits three kids every day)
Crib sheets
Rocking chair
Lamps


I know that there will be more but, like I said, we'll figure that out once she is in the house.  Anything for mom can still be sent to Cari's (my other sister) or dropped off at my house.  Cari's address is:

Karen Doss
c/o Cari Pendergrass
254 Mossy Oak Drive
Stoutland, MO 65567

As always, Wal-mart gift cards are best but Target isn't too far either.

As far as physically, mom wound up with two broken ribs and QUITE A BIT of bruising.  She was holding Daxton and when they slammed into the toilet, she took it all.  He was totally fine and she somehow protected him but at a cost.  She is still VERY sore and fatigued.  I'm praying that she can get into her house and REALLY rest in the evenings and weekends... and that she'll be able to keep up with three kids during the day!


There have been SO MANY that have sent gift cards, money and packages and we are so grateful!  The world is truly full of amazing people with beautiful hearts!  


Thursday, August 2, 2012

Are you a generous car salesman?

Ok.  That was cheesey but seriously, that's who I'm hoping to reach with this post.  If you are a car salesman who has a big heart and are generous, please keep reading.  If you're not a car salesman but you know one that might have  a desire to help a person in need, please keep reading and pass this post on to him/her.

As I posted here, my mom lost pretty much everything she owned this past Sunday.  She had finally found herself in a place where she didn't owe anything on her car or her home.  Life wasn't perfect. She didn't have a lot.  what she had wasn't extravagant but she was content.  Her 2006 Toyota Prius was totaled and the insurance company gave her the Kelley Blue Book value for it... just as we expected them to do.  They were fair and we are so thankful!


What we are hoping is that she can find another Prius in similar condition to replace what she's lost.  If you're in car sales, (or can use the internet) you can easily find the KBB for this car and know what kind of budget we're talking about here.  We know it isn't a lot and if you are this salesperson, you won't be pocketing a lot.  We know it's a lot to ask but if you are willing to help her, please let me know.

My momma is the kind of woman who would literally take off her own coat and give it to someone in need... knowing full well that she couldn't afford to buy herself another.  Seriously, she was trying to talk me into taking some of the t-shirts that were donated this week!  I'm just praying someone who has a similar heart to my momma will read this and feel called to action!



Additional Update:

The Red Cross came and assessed the damage and gave Mom, Kayla and the boys a donation to get some new shoes, clothes, and some food.  They will also help with the deposit on ONE rental as soon as they find one.  It wasn't a huge amount but we're thankful for their assistance!

Many people in our small town have donated gift cards, cash, clothes and cleaning supplies.  Whatever happens, i don't know that they'll ever have to buy another toothbrush again as long as they live!  ;) 

Many others have already sent word that care packages are on their way.  I'm starting to get donations at my house that I'll be taking with me on our next trip down to visit. 

One thing that they do need is socks.  Just like in the drier, the socks have all disappeared!  They both lost all of their kitchen stuff too, so that is still needed as well

Life will never be exactly as it was but there is hope for a new normal... one day at a time.