a good trade

i had never met them before. they were friends of our friend kimberly. back in september, she had brought them to an event hosted by an organization we both belong to. her friends were not yet members so when the cool tchotchkes came out - awesome retro lunchboxes with our organization logo on them and a jazzy space-theme - kimberly's friends were left high and dry. tchotchkes were a perk for members only.

not surprisingly, kimberly had already given her ultra cool lunchbox to these friends when we finally mingled around to them at the event. michelle and kurt mentioned that the cool lunchbox would be a hot commodity at their house, with both of their kids probably grappling over it. as a mom i understood, and so i didn't really think much about it when i offered them my lunchbox. now they had two - grappling problem averted. happy to help! after all, we had received two - more than enough.

we didn't really have a chance to hang out with michelle and kurt after that night. so it was quite unexpected and so very appreciated when they ended up bringing a big hefty bag for us on christmas day. in among all the clothing was an envelope with some gift cards that their children had sent for our kids. again, we were humbled to think that they had stopped their own christmas day celebration to gather these items for us. again, we were touched that their children were moved to donate their own christmas gifts for my children, who had none. again, we came face to face with the kindness and generosity of people we barely knew - all because we had given them a lunchbox.

and that was only the beginning.

it turns out that kurt is a builder. and i don't really know whose crazy idea it was but within a few months, kurt was on board - right alongside kimberly who was designing the new house. and he wasn't just offering to build it, but to do everything in his power to find us deals and discounts, call in favors, beg and borrow - to shrink our insurance shortfall as much as he possibly could.

all because we had given them a lunchbox.

what kind of person does that? who accepts a miniscule, a little scrimpy act of goodness and decides to repay it by committing to a year of hard work, personal sacrifice, and total dedication?

in the months since we've gotten started, kurt has become more than an acquaintance, and certainly more than just "our builder". he is a friend. and he is part of a triad that is holding our family up as we work through this tough time, along with kimberly and basile. there are so many people who have helped in one way or another - and of course we appreciate each and every act of kindness - but they are here, day in and day out, making it happen for us.

all because we had given them a lunchbox.

today marks exactly six months since christmas day. the journey is long, but we've not taken a single step by ourselves. i'd call that a good trade - a lunchbox, for a home.