Somehow, the words "Thank you" don't even begin to express the gratitude that I feel for this community. Most of you don't have a clue who I am. Many of you know my mom, Racheltracks. Until she became very sick two years ago she spent almost every waking moment of her existence on Daily Kos. She has always spoken so highly of everyone she has met here. She speaks often of the incredible things that this community does to help those less fortunate.
When we were desperately in need of help so we could fix our broken down car, keep our electricity on and feed my 9 year old nephew, this community blessed us with an abundace of love and financial assistance like I had never seen before - anywhere. You literally saved us. There is no amount of gratitude that could ever be enough for all that you did for us, more than once. When my mom was on life support two years ago Nurse Kelly, Sara R and many others spread the word throughout this community. The magnitude of love that I felt for my mom and our family was the most incredible experience of my life. Too many prayers and well wishes to even begin to count. For all the remaining days of my life I will believe that your prayers, well wishes, blessings and thoughts are what saved my mom's life. Most people don't survive flash pulmonary edema. I could never thank you enough for saving her life. The beautiful quilt that Sara R and Ann made for my mom blanketed her with love during her very long recovery.
That brings me to today. Really the last week or so. Nineteen days ago I met a woman in my German Shepherd Owners group on Facebook. She was in the blackest hole of her life. She was broke and broken down, disabled and desperate and on the verge of being evicted with nowhere to go and no one to turn to. I had never had any contact with her before. Within four minutes of posting about my dogs loving me even though I am disabled while all my friends have walked out of my life, Nicole messaged me begging for help. Something in my heart told me that I had to help her. One to two minutes after her message I received a message from another woman unknown to me sending me love and prayers. Her name is Penny. I told her about the situation and she felt that she also had been called to help this woman. We asked for help on every Facebook page we could think of. We were getting nowhere.
That is where the heroes and angels of Daily Kos come into play. Although only a hand full of people know who I am, I decided to give it a shot. This is the worst time of year to be asking people for help. Especially strangers. Through prayers, recs, re-posts and donations this community saved Nicole and her service dogs. This community raised $1200.00. We had really needed a good deal more than that however we were able to figure out how to cut some corners and make it work. Nicole wants to go home to Tennessee. Penny agreed to use her vacation days and drive Nicole to Tennessee. She lives near Spencer, Iowa. Nicole is in Huron, SD. Penny is leaving late tonight headed for Nicole's apartment. They will load up and head out for Lebanon, TN as soon as they are loaded. Thanks to this amazing community, Nicole will be home sometime tomorrow afternoon. Penny will get Nicole situated and then she is coming to Georgia to meet me! Out of this desperate situation, a beautiful friendship unlike any I have ever had before has been born! We have formed a strong bond over the last 19 or so days. Penny has a heart just like the heroes and angels that reside in Kosland. I have invited her to become a part of this loving community. I know she will love it here.
"Thank you" feels so inadequate, but I just don't know what else to say. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this incredible group.
As soon as Nicole is settled, I will post pics and update you in regards to the miracle you gave us.
Thank you all so very much.
Leah