Dear Rachel,
This week I honestly contemplated not writing a post because I wasn't sure if we wanted to relive it.  It was not our most graceful week.  But I did see you consistently bring love, peace and happiness despite the difficulties that we had. Your patience, compassion and calm nature helped make this week a successful one instead of a complete nightmare.
This week started with our car developing problems, and while your quick decisions to replace it with a new and upgraded model do give me some concern about how I would be treated should I develop expensive complications, it also allowed us not have it consume our lives for very long.  I remember in the past, we have looked for cars and it felt like every conversation we had for weeks was about a vehicle and every free moment we found was spent test driving, researching and haggling. I know we are in a different place in life now, but it certainly seemed less painful this time and I know a lot of that is because of the effort you put in.
We also had a death virus traveling around our house.  I was amazed with the entire feeling of service that enveloped our home.  I had plans of hiding out in the bedroom dressing a poncho to protect me from flying regurgitation and waiting until the devastation had passed, but you were our in the line of fire cleaning, catering and showing empathy.  While it was not a fun week, I did not feel the life sucking despair that i should have felt under these circumstances.  The kids that were not sick seemed to pitch in more and really wanted to be part of the care giving.  Even Carter, who resembled a holocaust victim, seemed to be filled with charity.  He had not kept anything down for days and was so thirsty that he carried around a cup of water to give to any other non-nauseated observer who may need some liquid refreshment.  He spent the week hugging us and saying " I love you".  It was so sweet, and i know it was because of your example and compassion that you showed him.
I love you more every day.
Love Brandon