Save the Date!

Hey, all!

Andy and I have been starting to put different components in line as we prepare for my surgery.  And as we have been informing folk, many of you have been kind to ask variants of the question "What can we do to help?"

Well, that's a good question.  And I haven't really had a clear answer for it, despite a great deal of thought around it.  There are definitely things that people can do, and we're very grateful to have the help.  Some of the organization, though, that's the problem.  

SO.  I am pleased to announce that everyone is welcome to the

Melvin Homecoming Party on

October 14th from

1:30-4:00 at

First United Methodist Church  

211 N School St

Normal, IL

Important note:  there will be cake.

We will have sign up sheets for tasks like bringing meals, checking in on Andy, to be a random ride when necessary, to get me out of the house for an hour when I'm going stir crazy, and whatever else we come up with between now and then.  

We will have an education corner, outlining what an ostomy is and how to take care of it.  

There will also be coloring sheets.

I'll also have a guestbook where you can put any encouraging thoughts next to your name.  We will certainly be taking this representation of your presence with us to the Mayo Clinic.  

Now, if you can't make it, I do want to offer another way that you can help.  The first thing I would put out there is to please check on Andy from time to time.  It's more obvious to check in on me--and I appreciate it so very much--but I want to especially make sure he is not forgotten and that he feels supported, too.  Cards, texts, all of these gestures are appreciated.  I also want to offer another place, here, a link to donate, if you'd like to help out in that way, too.  While Andy and I are in such a better place financially now than where we were facing the last surgery where we don't have an immediate need, anything that anyone might want to give to help cover miscellaneous expenses is still appreciated.  Again, we're not expecting anything, but I won't lie:  money does help.  

Please feel free to swing by, grab a piece of carrot cake from Janet's, and say hi--your presence and solidarity with us through this transition in our lives is so appreciated.