Seven years ago we took the kids on vacation to Vero Beach, Florida. Luci met a little girl she called "Friend," because she could never remember the girl's name.
Luci and Friend, otherwise known as Isabella
Fast forward to Monday, as Hurricane Irma chased people out of Florida to points north. On my Facebook feed I saw a post about a family who was stuck in Kentucky, on their way to Ohio, but their truck broke down and the mom was about to give birth. Their household goods were on an open trailer in the parking lot of a hospital they found for the mother, who had begun labor. I shared the message, hoping to find someone in my friends list who was close by.
Within fifteen minutes, Friend's mother commented, and said that her husband is a minister in a church just a few blocks from the hospital.
Within two hours from my first request, the family had food for mom, dad and siblings, their trailer was stored in a safe place, lodging for after the hospital stay was found, and a loaner vehicle was in the works until their truck could be fixed. Friend's family and others were helping this family in need.
beautiful Olivia!
This story keeps getting better--not only does Olivia have a great "How I Got Here" story, but the family's house is fine, ready for them to return home when the truck gets fixed. Dad says that they've been "absolutely overwhelmed by all the love." Here's his whole message:
Olivia ___ ___ was born at 3:16 yesterday [Monday] afternoon weighing 7 lb 11 oz. Mom is doing well with the exception of a cold or something of that nature. Olivia is happy and healthy and we are so happy she's finally here!
Words cannot possibly express to everyone how overwhelmingly grateful we are. Never in our lives have we seen such an outpouring of kindness from strangers. I've been trying for about 5 hours to post an update for everyone here but every time I've begun there's been a visitor at the door or a phone call. My apologies.
We are so thankful for Friend (known as "Isabella" to most people) and her family! You never know what a friendship between five year old little girls will amount to.
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Updated: Amy, mother of "Friend," has let me know that the family has had all needs taken care of, and they found their own housing, and most was figured out without Amy's family's aid. But still shows how small a world we live in, and how wonderful people are when you need them!
Another Lovely Update: Kelsey Malicote has helped raise money for a new minivan for the family! Malicote reached out to Dan Cummins Chevrolet & Buick; the dealership offered to help the family get a new vehicle.
On Wednesday afternoon, the family left the hospital and traveled to Dan Cummins in Paris. The dealership agreed to sell the family a 2009 Saturn Outlook for the $5,000 the community raised for them. The vehicle retails for $12,000.
The family will be staying with a family here in Lexington. They plan to head back home to Florida in about two weeks. Here is Kelsey's website: The Malicotes.
