Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Kerstin's Magic Moment


After Kerstin was diagnosed with leukemia, a couple of our friends submitted Kerstin's name to the Union Bank Magic Moments program. Just over two weeks ago, we were surprised and humbled to find out that we were one of 11 families chosen to receive a "magic moment" this year. Our gift is the installation of new carpet and tile in our basement.

Some Basement Background: About three years ago when we bought this house, we knew it was a fixer-upper. We were able to completely re-model the upstairs, but ran out of time and money for the downstairs. While the basement is usable, it has not always been a desirable place to spend time. The foundation walls were bare and the carpet was old and beyond repair (despite Annie's many attempts to clean and shampoo it). Knowing that the basement houses the girls' play room and that Kerstin now has a weakened immune system, our friends submitted her name and the idea of replacing the dilapidated carpet to Union Bank. (Click on the title "Kerstin's Magic Moment" for all of the pictures.)

The carpet was only one piece of the puzzle though. We decided that new carpet in a dark, grungy, cold basement just wouldn't seem right. So with the help of friends, co-workers, family, and neighbors, the basement was stripped, framed, insulated, and finished off in time for the new carpet and tile to be installed. As we have said many times, we are truly blessed and thank God for the people in our lives that continue to share God's love with us.

As for Kerstin (and her sister McKinsey), they are thrilled to have a new clean and bright area to play in. We are thrilled to have a warm and inviting family room to gather in, and a guest bedroom that is now a place where our friends and family can stay comfortably while they help us take care of the girls. In addition to the carpet and tile, Union Bank also brought gifts which included a couple of games, DVD's, "anti-gravity boots", a portable DVD player, and fuel cards. (Our cup runneth over.)

We would again like to thank all those involved in helping make this Magic Moment come true. We also want to ask that everyone continue to send their prayers and thoughts to us and all of God's people who are struggling with difficult times during this holiday season. May you all have a safe and joyous Christmas , and a happy and blessed new year.

Sincerely,

The Lincoln Leafs

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your house is full of joy and love! I want to thank you again for letting us in to complete some of the work in the basement. I was deeply touched by the experience and will continue to keep Kerstin and the rest of your family in our daily prayers!

TJ Casady
Union Bank

Anonymous said...

You just have to say WOW! This is a great gift and what a wonderful one. I'm sure that you will all appreciate this for years to come.