Eric and Tina were retired and quite happy with the way things were going. They had a nice home with a prize winning vegetable garden in a good family neighbourhood. Eric had worked for the postal service for thirty-five years and had saved some money along the way as well.
Their daughter was married to Mark and they were raising three beautiful children: Cassie, Allison and Justin. Their son-in-law Mark was a hard worker and provided very well for Debbie and the kids. He was a long distance truck driver. When he was away on the weekends, everyone came to stay at Grandma’s house. Retirement seemed to be perfect for Eric and Tina.
Situations can change quickly in life
As you know, situations can change quickly in life. The school called Debbie to let her know that Allison had fallen on the playground and was having trouble getting up.
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Eric and Tina’s worst fears were realized three weeks later when their seven-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with a rare spinal disease. She was now in a wheelchair and the local doctors reluctantly told the family that she probably wouldn’t walk again.
This family doesn’t give up easily and they had faith that something could be done. Thank goodness for the Internet! Debbie and her friends spent countless hours searching for other cases of this disease on medical sites. Finally they found a short article about a child in Rhode Island with a spinal disease that matched Allison’s diagnosis. This child’s family had located a surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix that had been prepared to perform and experimental operation. She was walking again! There was hope…
Hope with a huge price tag
Their new hope came with a huge price tag. This operation was not covered by their medical insurance. The estimated costs were far more than the family could afford so they started searching for grants from charitable organizations. None existed for this type of medical procedure. They were stuck.
There were many family meetings to strategize how to raise the money for Allison. Eric had about half the money in savings and he willingly offered it with Tina’s blessing. It still wasn’t enough…what were they going to do? They agonized over the situation for a week and then came up with a solution: grandparents Eric and Tina would sell their home and pay for the operation. They located a rental unit in a senior housing complex and made a reservation there. This would wipe them out financially but they would still have their monthly pensions to get by on. Without question, Allison was worth it!
The real estate sign went up in the yard and the buyer started coming through. They had 15 showings in two weeks but no offers. They were very discouraged. “You mean we can’t even sell the house when we want to do this wonderful thing for our granddaughter? How long will we have to wait?”
Offer from Heaven
On Monday morning a well-dressed couple came through with their realtor. Apparently they were looking for a home for their daughter. (Eric and Tina were in the back yard trying to stay out of the way.) The buyers took special interest in the vegetable garden and started talking to them. They asked why they were selling and Tina felt she should tell them the whole story about their granddaughter. The couple left with tears in their eyes.
On Wednesday Eric and Tina’s realtor called to say he had an offer to present to them. (What a relief) The buyer’s realtor would be there to explain things. Could they meet at three?
This offer was unlike any other offer ever presented in the real estate business. In the envelope was a financial commitment to pay for the entire amount of Allison’s surgery. These buyers just happened to represent a family foundation that funded situations like this. A note attached read, “Take your ‘for sale’ sign down. Enjoy your garden and your family…you deserve it. Both realtors have been offered compensation and both have flatly refused. They are so happy for you.”
Allison’s eighth birthday party was held in Grandpa and Grandma’s back yard. The photo of her blowing out the candles showed grass stains on her new dress. That pesky little brother Justin had been chasing her again….
© Allen Unrau
Tags: Allen Unrau, chronic illness, Family, grandparents, health, home and garden, parenting
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Wow what a beautiful story. God came through for this needing family. PTL!