Jessica was pretty much over her infection on Saturday so she just had it for a couple of days. I spend the weekend with Joanna and came home Monday night while Jessica was able to spend the weekend with friends in Cincinnati hanging out doing girl stuff. Joanna is still doing well and now just shy of 7#. She had her oxygen weaned to 3/4 liter yesterday and is doing fine with the change. We have reached that anxious state where we are really wanting her to get home even if it is on oxygen and feeding tube. We probably would be a little more hesitant if they actually said ok lets get her discharged and we would take her out of there where she is constantly monitored. We continue to truck cooler loads of breast milk home to the point I had to buy a freezer because my parent's was full. I think the one I bought (craigslist of course) may be too small.
I have been wanting to mention some Thank You's on here for a while but I realize that is a slippery slope with the risk of inadvertently leaving someone out. I have come to the conclusion that some of these can't go without mentioning and I will do my best to acknowledge those. I am certain none of this kindness was an effort for recognition or attention and would guess they would rather me not mention it. We feel extremely blessed to have these people in our lives that took it upon themselves to do something to help our family with the expenses we have, and will be absorbing through this. There have been some individuals that have made very generous personal contributions to us and our Twin Benefit Fund, but I'm sure those would not want to be mentioned. One of the most touching stories came out of the fundraiser that was held in Wayne City, my hometown. I was told there was a family with very little that saved their money for a period of time and gave $6 to be given to us. I have no idea who this family is, but we want to say thank you for what means so much more than $6. We have had so many people that we would never have even thought of send us cards and donations, some we have never met before. We want to say thank you to those that we haven't seen in years or even met at all. These are the many that have given a wide range of donations.
The others are those that have collectively put their talents, efforts, and goodness together in organizing and putting on various types of fundraisers for us. When I mention these, please keep in mind I only know what I know. Some of this stuff was happening in a very big way while we had very little exposure to it from being in Cincinnati. We did our best to find out who the major players were in making these happen. I know there were more but here's a few.
911 Gives Hope
Evansville Firefighter Mike Doran asked me several times what they could do for us but I kept avoiding an answer, uncomfortable with asking for anything. They decided to donate $5000 to the Twin Benefit Fund which was to cover the cost of meat and supplies for the BBQ sale. They had a presentation on May 28 which we were not able to attend from being with Rebecca after her procedure 2 days before. Please remember this charity next spring when they have the annual Guns and Hoses boxing match between the Evansville Fire and Police Departments.
Twin Benefit BBQ Sale
Several weeks ago, some guys from EFD got together and decided to open an account at the Credit Union to accept donations. One thing led to another and before long there was a BBQ sale planned. From what I know, this sprouted from my Captain Jim Pauli, Lieutenant Mike Ewald and Captain Gary Green with the EFD. Then it went to the BBQ kings Tim and Will Nalin. In just a few days they had scheduled it for June 19th. Not intentionally, but the due date of the twins. Orders started coming in like crazy and they cooked over 400 slabs of ribs and port butts. Many other people helped out with one thing or another and we thank you all! The bake sale was by another friend Barb Day which makes the best peanut butter balls on earth. If you need any baking done, she's your lady.
Wayne City Silent Auction and Dinner
This event was planned by cousins of mine Kristen and Lezlee Barnard and Amber Green. Unfortunately, this one happened without us also. It was June 4th in Wayne City. It was the same night as Katelyn's dance recital in Evansville and I was in Cincinnati. My parents attended, representing us in our absence. They spent what had to be tons of time gathering donated items for a silent auction and food for the dinner. Thank you to Steve Ehrhart for his delicious cooking. It was great going through the records seeing names of people that I knew growing up. We will be looking for you all at Bean Days this year to thank you personally. Thank you everyone in and around Wayne City for making this event a success. It reminded me big things don't just happen in the "big city".
Methodist Hospital
You were the first to jump into action with a bake sale the first couple of weeks. You had a couple of other events including selling lemon shake ups. It seemed like there was always someone bringing an envelope from Methodist Hospital that was full of cards and money. I'll never forget the first night in our Ronald McDonald House room opening cards mostly from people at Methodist Hospital. I'm glad Jessica was surrounded with such great people in her time there.
Pace with Purpose
Ronald McDonald House
Lastly, for those that have made a contribution to the Ronald McDonald House in memory of Rebecca we thank you for that. We continue to get letters from them telling us of those contributions. We plan to make that charity one of which we will keep dear to our hearts.
I could write all night about how each and every one of the gifts we received made a special impression on us. I think it is important to share with all of you that your generous giving and support has provided us with over $20,000 for bills or other related expenses. Jessica and I hope to have some left over when everything is paid to use to give back in some special ways. We will blog those opportunities when they become available.
Thank you again for everything from what seems the smallest card or gesture all the way up. None of it was accepted lightly or without sincere appreciation.
The others are those that have collectively put their talents, efforts, and goodness together in organizing and putting on various types of fundraisers for us. When I mention these, please keep in mind I only know what I know. Some of this stuff was happening in a very big way while we had very little exposure to it from being in Cincinnati. We did our best to find out who the major players were in making these happen. I know there were more but here's a few.
911 Gives Hope
Evansville Firefighter Mike Doran asked me several times what they could do for us but I kept avoiding an answer, uncomfortable with asking for anything. They decided to donate $5000 to the Twin Benefit Fund which was to cover the cost of meat and supplies for the BBQ sale. They had a presentation on May 28 which we were not able to attend from being with Rebecca after her procedure 2 days before. Please remember this charity next spring when they have the annual Guns and Hoses boxing match between the Evansville Fire and Police Departments.
Twin Benefit BBQ Sale
Several weeks ago, some guys from EFD got together and decided to open an account at the Credit Union to accept donations. One thing led to another and before long there was a BBQ sale planned. From what I know, this sprouted from my Captain Jim Pauli, Lieutenant Mike Ewald and Captain Gary Green with the EFD. Then it went to the BBQ kings Tim and Will Nalin. In just a few days they had scheduled it for June 19th. Not intentionally, but the due date of the twins. Orders started coming in like crazy and they cooked over 400 slabs of ribs and port butts. Many other people helped out with one thing or another and we thank you all! The bake sale was by another friend Barb Day which makes the best peanut butter balls on earth. If you need any baking done, she's your lady.
Wayne City Silent Auction and Dinner
This event was planned by cousins of mine Kristen and Lezlee Barnard and Amber Green. Unfortunately, this one happened without us also. It was June 4th in Wayne City. It was the same night as Katelyn's dance recital in Evansville and I was in Cincinnati. My parents attended, representing us in our absence. They spent what had to be tons of time gathering donated items for a silent auction and food for the dinner. Thank you to Steve Ehrhart for his delicious cooking. It was great going through the records seeing names of people that I knew growing up. We will be looking for you all at Bean Days this year to thank you personally. Thank you everyone in and around Wayne City for making this event a success. It reminded me big things don't just happen in the "big city".
Methodist Hospital
You were the first to jump into action with a bake sale the first couple of weeks. You had a couple of other events including selling lemon shake ups. It seemed like there was always someone bringing an envelope from Methodist Hospital that was full of cards and money. I'll never forget the first night in our Ronald McDonald House room opening cards mostly from people at Methodist Hospital. I'm glad Jessica was surrounded with such great people in her time there.
Pace with Purpose
Our friend Emily Ryan and her running partner began this organization to raise money for causes while getting people to run and stay in shape. The Barnard Twins were their "cause" last month and they were able to raise funds for our expenses. Thank you both.
Lastly, for those that have made a contribution to the Ronald McDonald House in memory of Rebecca we thank you for that. We continue to get letters from them telling us of those contributions. We plan to make that charity one of which we will keep dear to our hearts.
I could write all night about how each and every one of the gifts we received made a special impression on us. I think it is important to share with all of you that your generous giving and support has provided us with over $20,000 for bills or other related expenses. Jessica and I hope to have some left over when everything is paid to use to give back in some special ways. We will blog those opportunities when they become available.
Thank you again for everything from what seems the smallest card or gesture all the way up. None of it was accepted lightly or without sincere appreciation.
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