Ways to help ...

Just a quick note to all of you that have been asking for ways to help. Thank you all for contacting me about helping. I was with Linda until about 5:30 last night - between yesterday and this morning, we were able to handle the "pressing" matters that required her immediate attention.

So,for now, there is a great need for Linda and the girls to have some quiet time to just "be" together. As you all know, this has been a LONG journey (that is not yet over) -- there were many family and friends that lovingly walked with Skip and his family through his last days here .... the past several days have been a whirl wind of visitors, calls, and things that must be handled. Now, they can stop for a little bit and just try to get some rest and love each other through. Pastor H encouraged Linda to let the answering machine take calls and get rest whenever she can. I have encouraged her to put the "world" on hold for a few days and just concentrate on those 3 sweet girls.

There are several ways that you can help in the immediate future:
First, meals -- I am still coordinating meals - this would be just a nightly meal for Linda and the girls. (When I left yesterday - the fridge, freezer, and cupboards were well stocked with easy foods they could prepare for breakfast, lunch and snacks.)
Second, house cleaning - this could be done either by actually coming to clean the house or by contributing into a cleaning fund (small groups have pooled together in the past to cover the cost of cleaning service).
Third, Houisng for out of town guests - there will be many people traveling from out of town for the Memorial on Tuesday - so,if you have a guest room or casita available - that would be great.
Finally, many have asked about financial assistance - there is an open account at Downey Savings in La Quinta,CA -- deposits can be made into this account by referencing "Kevin & Linda Osgood". These funds will be used to cover immediate financial needs and medical bills.

I also encourage you to write to Linda and the girls - both jointly and individually - I have found during the struggles of my life -that written encouragemnet is very valuable. There is something powerful about receiving something "nice" in the mail (not a bill or a notice or an advertisement) but just a gentle reminder that someone is thinking of you, praying for you, and loves you. And, I have seen in my own daughter that mail is exciting and brings joy to children even in the midst of great sorrow. It is also lasting - it can be saved and read again and again -- many of the moments, conversations, and happenings of these first days will become a blur or will not be remembered by Linda and the girls -- but, a written word can be kept for a long time to come.

As always, keep them in your prayers - - pray for peace and gentleness and love to surround them.

If you would like to assist in any of the above ways and/or need/want more information, please e-mail me at loans.bydebbi@verizon.net

Blessings to you all,
Debbi (friend of family)
loans.bydebbi@verizon.net