The Fundraiser

 "If the only prayer you said in your life was Thank You, that would be enough."
~Mester Eckhart

We rounded the corner from Antelope drive onto 2500 S.  The theaters were in view and behind it was the park.  We were a little late getting going, we had hoped to be there a little before six o clock set up a little display, and leave.  An awkward position, to tell you the truth.  In so many ways we hoped no one would show up.  If that happened, it seemed, it would be easier.  But as we approached the park, emotions bubbled to the surface and we had to circle the parking lot a couple times, one, because there was no room to park, but two, we were asking ourselves if it would be easier to just go watch a movie instead.

As the park came clear into view, the sheer number of people that were there was just amazing to us.  I cannot explain the feelings one gets when they see such a sight of people who came to be a part of something more than a simple fundraiser.  There was a spirit that was there that made it feel like something special, at least to Tiffany and me.  A cause greater than us.

A few weeks ago, while I was sitting in the hospital with Tiffany combating the fevers she was having, I received a call from a good friend, who is also our Home Teacher***, suggesting that there were many, many people that wanted to do something, but had felt like they were unable to because, simply, we weren't giving anything for them to do.  (Which, by the way, is not true.  Our freezer, which had been donated by a family, was full of freezer meals, and continues to get stocked up from time to time.  We have had many instances where neighbors, friends, church members, have driven Tiffany to Huntsman to get labs drawn, infusions completed and even some long scans.  Our front yard has never looked better, and we are constantly bombarded by well wishes and get well cards.  We have many people taking care of us right now - honestly).

So, he said, that a few of them had come together and were talking and decided to do a fundraiser for our family, figuring that would give people an outlet for their wanting to help us.  Initially, my response was no.  But he is a salesman by trade, and by character.  He has a way that just gets you to accept, and while I combated many of his points, the final one was this... He said he would do it whether I agreed to it or not, setting the date for June 14.

To say it was humbling to be there would be an understatement.  But, the love we felt from the hundreds of people that showed up made us not only feel loved, but welcome.  We were only going to stay for a few minutes.  Leave a thank you display, and go.  But as we arrived even before we were out of the parking lot, Tiffany was swarmed and was surrounded by friends and family all night long.  Any time somebody left her little circle, another one or two people would jump in.  Each and every person there made us feel like we belonged and the spirit of the event wafted over the entire park.

You may ask, why would we not feel like we belonged?  Think about that question and the situation and you tell me. 

So, we just want to say thank you.  To all those that participated.  To those that put it together, who ran the show. To those that donated items and gave of their time and talents to help.  To those that came to support the event.  And also, to those that support us in so many other ways.  We simply wish to say, THANK YOU, though words are not enough.  Indeed, we love each and every one of you and are indeed grateful for everything that has been done on our behalf.

Below was Tiffany's note at the fundraiser, and appropriate here as well.

How do you express the kind of gratitude and love we feel? It is impossible. Our words are so limited. It is our knowledge and belief however, that there are some words that have power to reach the very depths of the soul, to calm a troubled heart, and to change one's very nature. We invite anyone who would like, to accept a copy of one of the Miller's favorite books for yourself, or to share with a friend. The Book of Mormon has reminded us of the greater meanings of things. Because of it, we know, that there are things in this life, that are meant to last forever. Through it we have felt Heavenly Fathers love for us, and for all of his children. We know that with faith, miracles can occur, and through the darkest hours of our lives, we can have JOY!

WE LOVE YOU!

And with that, we had some copies of the Book of Mormon you could take.  Because the gospel of our Savior is truly what gives peace in a troubled world.  What more could we give back than that?  The Book of Mormon is simply another testament that he lives, that he loves us, and that with him, we can have joy and happiness despite what is going on around you.  If you would like a copy of one yourself, please go here.  If you have any questions regarding it, feel free to email me.

The day and week ended well.  Tiffany was on her feet, and feeling great.  She did note to me, however, that as bad as the week started, it indeed ended in an opposite but equal feeling of joy.  She continued, that she hopes nobody does this wonderful nice thing again for us, because, if to get to the good, she has to go through pain, she is not sure she can handle that again.

HAHA, I love that girl.

Cheers,

Nathan


***Home Teachers, in the LDS church, are priesthood members that are assigned to watch over and take care of a family.  Usually that means a monthly visit or so, watching out for and caring for the family as needs arise.  Somebody we can call on in any event that we feel like we need a little help.