My cousin Carrie recently finished treatment for cancer.  Thankfully Carrie is doing great now.  But the long road to recovery took its toll on her as well as her family.   Because she was off work so long, she was able to collect long-term disability, but that certainly didn't match her usual income.  Her husband works at an hourly job, so he lost a lot of income taking Carrie to doctor appointments, and staying with her during surgeries.   

Needless to say, spending money on a vacation was completely out of the question for Carrie and Jim.  But last July the most amazing thing happened.  A friend from Jim's work called to say that he's been waiting for Carrie to feel well enough to enjoy a special gift.  He was offering Carrie and Jim and their three children a week's vacation at a lake house about 2 hours away.  Carrie and Jim could pick whatever week was best for them.    Everyone was so excited! 

The gift got even better though.  When Carrie and Jim arrived at the lake house, they were greeted with so many wonderful surprises!   A family friend had baked a fresh apple pie.  Four other friends had fixed meals that were in the freezer ready to cook.  The refrigerator was full of organic vegetables (Carrie's favorites!).   Next to the phone was a gift card for the local pizza place.  Fresh linens were on all the beds.  A bouquet of flowers was on the table in Jim & Carrie's room.   There were notes on the beds for each of the children letting them know that they'd enjoy jet skis on Tuesday, a pontoon boat on Wednesday afternoon, and a speed boat on Friday morning.   On the front porch was a tack box and bait with five fishing poles.

This amazing vacation was put together by a large group of loving friends.  It made such an impact on Carrie and Jim.  They were overwhelmed by the kindness, but so grateful, too.  The vacation was exactly what their family needed.   To me, it was such a testament to what friends do!  I wanted to share this lovely gift with your readers.

Carrie's Cousin