Not only have we been blessed with the magic of our new Navy Rose, we are surrounded by tender mercies and good people. 

Grandmas and Grandpas are balancing our every need by watching Kai, visiting Salt Lake regularly, or listening to our scary concerns. The Edmunds have let us move in, making sure Heather and Kai are never alone. Kai eagerly awaits Grandpa Edmunds arrival each day because it ensures they play Monsters, while Grandpa Godfrey brings us treats or Chick-Fil-A for lunch. 

TayLyn took Kai for long days when he was sick, sensitive, and grumpy. Kelli took him for some time, too, under the same conditions. Kelli also sprinkled our home with early Valentine’s, including a 12-pack of Coke for me and gifts (BUBBLES!) for Kai that totally changed his day. 

My mom, dad, and sister deep cleaned our house one day. Our fridge has never been cleaner. They brought a bouquet of roses which remind us of hope as another friend gave us flowers and a quote that says, “When flowers bloom, so too does hope.” Speaking of friends, while my family was cleaning, three friends from the neighborhood showed up wanting to do the same thing. All six then rallied together to make our home feel more like our home.

One night, I was at the hospital by myself and a friend texted asking if they could Uber Eats me a burger. Countless friends are texting and checking in, while more are lined up to bring meals or play with Kai in the near future. Another friend gave us a box of breakfast stuff, saying it was for us to take a break. Today, we got a gift in the mail from a friend, who had already given us a gift. 

I also can’t tell you how many times people have said they have prayed or are praying for Navy. One of my SBO officers messaged me that he fasted for her, another phrase I’ve heard a lot. Another SBO messaged me late one night asking about Navy Rose. I replied asking how much detail they wanted? It all, was their reply. I was impressed by their thoughtful replies and how it was exactly what I needed to hear. The final message read: “I can’t imagine the emotions that you are experiencing right now, from the joys to the nervousness to the unknown. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers!! ❤️ and look forward to hearing about the positives and magical miracles that are happening. ?? we love u guys!! ?”

Heather’s writers club came and delivered a meal to us last night, but it was really just an excuse to connect with and talk to Heather. While they were in the living room rehashing everything, a good friend of mine called me to just to check in and listen. Following his call, a friend from high school that I’ve never spoke with on the phone ever before, called to just see if we needed dinner since they had extra. People who are interested, listening, or taking initiative surround us. It’s really quite humbling, but so appreciated. 

While Grandpa Edmunds was getting his haircut and telling of us, his hairdresser asked for our venmo and gave us money. So did Grandma’s walking partner. 

At Weber High, my officers threw us a baby shower and spoiled us with diapers and outfits and blankets for days. A close colleague gave us a card and we were floored with a generous gift. 

Another friend from Weber High took Maggie. It took a second to get her from hiding under the chair, but Maggie was a good girl and fell in love with her family, especially the 16-year-old whom she shared a bed with. 

Mileena, Navy’s primary nurse, is a calm, comforting spirit that is easy to talk to and be around. She was off work yesterday, but was in the area and popped in just to check on Navy and see how we were doing. She also handcrafted a name card to display above Navy’s bed, picking out anchor scrapebooking paper to match the name. Today, she created a “I’m one week old” sign. Jack, the lead pediatrician working for Navy Rose, has been easy to talk with as well, probably because he is either our age or a bit younger. He answers every question with confidence that then gives us confidence and courage. 

At Primary, there is a Ronald McDonald Suite for parents to get food or take a break. After we dropped Navy off for surgery, we crashed in this room. Perhaps seeing our anxious, tired faces, another parent, with stresses of his own, offered to make us eggs. They were the best we’ve ever had. 

I was in the middle of getting our school newspaper ready for print. Most pages were designed, but editing, printing, and mailing still needed to happen. Cindy Stettler, who retired from the gig last year, stepped in to finish the job. She can’t get paid as a sub or else it messes with her retirement, having to wait a year or two, yet she is spending so much time in my classroom and for this paper anyway. 

I was in the drive thru at Fizz last Thursday (day after getting bad news, day before actual delivery) and someone two cars ahead of me paid for our drinks.

There’s no doubt this list will continue to grow, but while we believe in magic, we also believe in people.