Blessings (kind of long)

This is part of my profile update from today. I just wanted to share. Hugs, Jaimee ____________________ Hi friends! I hope you didn't think I disappeared off of the planet. I was flying under the radar for a bit. I have been extremely busy this past few weeks. I'm making it through, but whew! Haven't had time to breathe. Anyway, I haven't been posting much. I try to read the board every day but lately that is about all I can keep up with. So, if I haven't responded to a post for support that is why. You are all still in my prayers! I wanted to share something with all of you because you are all like a part of my little extended family and I know you will appreciate what a blessing it is. On our way back from Sandusky a few weeks ago, my husband confided in me that his car was about to die. This said, the man was driving a 1987 conversion van that literally had the rubber chelating off of the BALD tires. It felt kind of like being on a questionable carnival ride when it was moving. It made some really horrid sounds and the structure of it consisted of mostly rust and duct tape. The AC didn't work and the only window that would open was the itty bitty wing window. Needless to say this thing was an oven when it was hot and my poor husband would endure his ride downtown (appx. 30 min) in this thing. So, when he told me it was on the lam, I rejoiced knowing it couldn't possibly be worth sinking any money into. It's final ride was taken on September 28th. As it lunged into the spot in front of my house the drive line snapped. It literally crumbled (which explains the carnival ride effect). I was sitting in my living room at my computer and heard the unmisteakable sound of victory. The very next day we became the proud new owners of a 2002 Taurus (get this--with a Warranty! Whoohoo) this is the newest car we have ever had. What a blessing! The only thing was this left me with a bit of a problem. Now we have 2 car payments. YIKES!!!! and right before my surgery too. Soooo, thinking about this, I began to panic about how I was ever going to be able to afford clothing as I lose the weight. I decided that getting my panties in a bunch about the whole deal wasn't going to solve anything, so I prayed about it and tried to move on not expecting much of an answer for this particular prayer. Fast forward to the next day: I open my e-mail and there is a message from a friend of mine. Her mom had cleaned out her storage and her closets and, get this, the woman has lost a bunch of weight on her own the past few years and she wanted to get rid of all of them. Now, this woman is a clothes horse, and my friend wanted to know if I wanted all 20 bags in sizes ranging from a 24 all the way to a 16 or a large. "gee, llet me think about this and I will get back to you...OF COURSE I WANT THE CLOTHES!!!!) So I am thinking 20 little bags of clothes is going to be quite a bit. Well, when she brings the clothes over it turns out she was talking about 20 of those big black industrial type bags FULL of clothes. All the sizes in all seasons. Some dress and some casual. Talk about an immediate and abundant answer to my prayer. Anyway, I just had to share that because I am still in awe of the whole thing. This is more clothes than I have ever owned in my entire life. It really puts it into perspective. I went through everything and I plan to keep about 2/3 of them and I will be bringing the leftovers to my support group meeting next month. It will be nice to pass the blessing on.

Hey Jaimee! WOW - talk about answered prayers!!!!!!!!! That is really awesome. I am really happy for you, especially so you don't have that additional worry as you prepare for your surgery. It's always good to see you posting on the message board. Don't fly below the radar so much. Thanks for sharing the story of your incredible blessing. It's a nice way for me to start my morning. TAke care, Nanch

Hey Nancy, maybe I can pass some of my leftovers on to you since we see eachother enough. If you want to come peek at what I have just say the word! ~~Jaimee

i am so glad to see you back! was hoping nothing wrong! sorry - i think- about the demise of the van but excited for ya on the new car!!! i am envious but we are looking for a house so- that's more in debt!!!!ouch!---anyhow-wow--20 bags of clothes- that truly is a blessing--see --you know where to put things in your life in order to perservere!!!!!never doubt your faith!!!!! keep those positives going!!!

Awww, don't be sorry about the van. I am OVERJOYED to be rid of it. I even got $50 and a free tow away from the salvage yard that took it off my hands! I hear you on the debt thing. Aaron and I have been working very hard to get out of debt. We have paid off $12,00 in two years. This has required us to be very strict with our budget, but it sure feels good when you don't have so much hanging over your head. I look at having a mortgage this way; you have to pay for your dwelling one way or another, buying a house is like paying yourself the rent instead of paying someone else. You really come out a winner for doing this. Rent is like flushing your money down the drain. There is no return. Some people have to rent, there is no other option, but buying makes a lot of sense from a financial standpoint. I hope you find your dream house. It's a lot of work but Soooo fun to have a place to call your own! I'm happy for you. ~~jaimee

Hi Jaimee, What an incredible story of answered prayer. Thanks so much for sharing it. I don't know why I am always so amazed when I see prayer answered so quickly and completely, but I always am. It shouldn't surprise me though, I know God listens. I've been reading about your journey and feel as if I know you already. I will be keeping you in my prayers. I realize I live on a different side of the city than you do, but I would be more than willing to help if you ever need anything. I'm going to an OSU info session tonight and then visiting Barix in November. With any luck, I would love to have WLS in early 2005, I'll just have to see what God has planned for me. Thanks again for sharing and good luck with your upcoming surgery! Denise

Denise, likewise. If there is anything I can do to help you in this process, just say the word! HUGS! Jaimee

Jamee Thank God for answered prayer!!!! I am so happy for you. It really is true if you give the problem to HIM there will be an answer. (Sometimes not what we want but what is best for us) I am glad this is one less barrier you have to struggle with. I still want to meet you and if we can't get the Ohio group together, let's plan to meet, talk, and eat. Are you're neutral colors, light beige--saw some yarn at wall mart and didn't know if it would match. Greens, browns, tans, gold, ????? So glad you posted. Sandy O

Hi Sandy, Sorry I haven't sent the yarn yet. Life has been so crazy for me. I literally don't sit down and have a brea****il dinnertime then it is only to eat. I have been working on things until about midnight every night this past few weeks. the neutral colors will be fine. I will send you some yarn as soon as I can. I, too would like to get together soon. I think everyone has their own idea about how a get-together should look. maybe if we meet individually forst we can all come to an agreement on something. I will contact you soon. Hugs, Jaimee