Kindness of a Stranger

Yesterday, Damian had his glasses stolen at school.  At first I was angry as to why he even removed them from his face but a heartwarming stranger ultimately made the season of giving have a deeper meaning.

I called eye glass world where we got them and asked if our warranty covered stolen glasses.  She replied "not usually but I will check your account."  I explained what happened and she then replied "I can't believe someone would do that."  She then went on to tell me that our coverage would not cover them for replacement.  I asked her to please get me a price for a new pair as we had already used our benefits for this year and we would have to pay cash.  I made a statement like "Seriously, during the most stressful time of the year."  She put me on hold me a minute and came back to say, "I am going to get this taken care of for you."  "What do you mean," I replied.  She then told me that she wanted to take care of replacing them for me and would have a new pair ready tomorrow afternoon.

I stopped, took a breath and then clarified what she meant and the cost.  She then replied back again "I am taking care of it for you.  You do not need to pay anything.  I just feel horrible that someone took his glasses."

I started crying on the phone and I am sure she was a little surprised as I continued talking thru tears and sniffles.  She said "Why are you crying?".  I replied "You have no idea how much that means to me and there are just not that many people who would do that."

She then said "The season of giving."

I thanked her once again and then continued to cry in my office.  Not only did she save us about $200, she reminded me of just how giving we should be to those in need.  Open a door, help someone to their car, do some act of service beyond our normalcy.

Needless to say, we are tempted to make him wear the thing that goes on the end of the glasses so he can't just lay them down, but I somehow think he would be totally humiliated if we did that.

Family Picture Day

They kick and scream, well not really, but they put on their fake joy and always are willing to be tortured with yearly family pictures as though I do not take enough throughout the entire year already.  This year we went to Nelson's Landing which is an old western 'ghost town'.  We didn't stay late enough to see if the portion of 'ghost town' was accurate.

Enjoy a peek at my amazing family!

Time to be Thankful

So as we went into eat on Friday, December 5th, we sat down and Damian and I noticed a man sleeping in the restaurant. He says "mom that guy is sleeping". My reply was "he probably doesn't have a home". As we began to eat my heart was aching. We gathered some of our food and I walked up to him, put my hand on his shoulder to wake him. As he opened his eyes I just asked "are you hungry?" He replied "yes, thank you". I sat back down to only begin sobbing. Damian then asked "is this place open 24 hours?" Now I knew what he was getting at but I asked "no why?" He replied "where is he going to go?" I replied "he will probably sleep outside." I again started crying. We had a great family conversation about this and my heart is ever so grateful. May we remember that no matter how hard times might be and no matter financial struggles, it is always important to help someone in need. The man tonight may have eaten his only meal of the day and that brings peace to my heart.

I am so thankful that I have raised a young man to be caring and thoughtful of others.  I am so thankful to have the things I have and be able to call a place home.  I am thankful for experiences such as this to remind me to be humble and never be afraid to give a little more.

Giving Thanks this Thanksgiving

As a family, we wanted to sit down and write just some of the things that we are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Damian says "I am grateful for being able to play sports.  I am thankful for my dogs.  I am thankful for my home. I am thankful for water, because I am always thirsty. I am thankful for food because I am always hungry.  I am thankful I was able to earn my Eagle Scout. I am thankful for my family because not all people have families."

Russ says "I am thankful for my family and the dogs who spend so much time with me.  I am grateful that I have 1/2 of the Christmas lights up.  I am grateful for the Lord. I am grateful for great friends.  I am thankful that my wife's surgery went well and hope that she recovers quickly. I was thankful I was able to see KISS live."

I am thankful for my family.  Damian has such a humorous and quirky personality and I am proud of the young man he is becoming.  I am thankful for a husband who always supports me in all that I do and is home to ensure we have a safe and nice place to live.  I am thankful for my job and the ability to make a change in someone's life on a daily basis.  I am thankful for valuable friends who are always there for me, encourage me and lift me up in times of need.  I am thankful for our two loving dogs who bring happiness to our lives.  I am thankful for my Savior and the ultimate sacrifice to provide a way back to Him and our Heavenly Father again.  I am thankful for my primary calling and the opportunities it gives to me to strengthen my testimony.  I am thankful to have a temple so close that is always a place of peace to me.  I am in deed thankful for every thing I have in my every day life.

From our home to yours, we truly hope you think of your individual blessings and all that you have.   Happy Thanksgiving!

Synopsis of Our Family at This Time

So many little things have been happening in the Troutman house this last few weeks.

Damian is playing football for his high school team now. Left tackle! He is doing great and we are amazed at the dedication he has shown. This summer, not even a couple weeks after school was on break, they started practicing for 3 hours per day M-F. Whether is was 7am or 5pm he went nearly every day, unless we had previously scheduled time away.

He is now a freshmen in high school! Wow! Where has time gone? I can not believe I have a high schooler. He makes me so proud. I am excited to see where high school takes him, the different ventures he will embark upon and the new things he will discover about himself and preparing for adulthood. He also also started seminary. For those of you who aren't aware of what this is, this is when he attends a class prior to the start of school every morning and learns more about the gospel and reads scriptures.

Damian has officially applied for his Eagle Scout. His board of review will be in October and if all goes well, we will be celebrating with a ceremony early December. We are so proud of him and his dedication to the scouting program. A total of 57 merit badges and still desires to get more to earn his palms. He recently had to write an ambition letter with his application. I was impressed at the things he said in it. He has goals and dreams almost like he is growing up! So awesome to see him transition from a boy to a young man.

I have been nursing for 3 years now. I was blessed to start in the ER where I always wanted to be. A little over a year ago I started being a relief charge nurse on occasions of vacations and fill in needs. It has been a great learning and growing experience. I recently have been offered a promotion in the ER being part of the leadership team. I was not expecting this to happen and am very honored that I was considered for a position of high regard. My struggles with being away from the bedside will ensue, but I am hopeful that I will be able to still have floor time and also be able to make a difference in the success within our ER. I am thankful that the love of educating others will give more opportunities for new ER nurses. I hope I can be a mentor and guide the way of a successful nursing career to them all. I was told that I need to take the leap of faith that ultimately I will make a bigger impact being in this new role.

In this recent change to start in just 2 short weeks, I will also be on a normal sleeping schedule, working days. I have worked nights for the last 3 years and rarely have sun exposure! I may get a little tan, take the tin foil off my windows and hopefully my eyes will understand there is a bright thing in the sky that will take some getting used to. I do hope that with my schedule change, I will have more energy and be able to fit in more personal time which will promote a more healthy lifestyle. We shall see....

Russ is doing well. He is such a great house dad. Making sure all the house needs are tended to, taking and picking up Damian from seminary, school and football, and ultimately being a huge support and help to me. He may even get off the hook of having to cook every night once I am home at dinner time!

Time will ever evolve things in our lives. We must appreciate and accept the changes. Embrace growing and learning more. Love spending time with one another. Put yourself out there to be able to progress and learn.

My Dearest Damian

I know this is no surprise to you or anyone who knows us so bare with my overly obsessed letter to you. Damian, I want you to know how proud I am of you. 

I am so proud of the young man you are and who you are becoming. I am proud of the great decisions you have made in your life so far. I am proud of the kindness and gentleness you hold. I am so proud of your willingness to adapt and also take with ease many changes that take place. 

I love your sarcastic humor and the silliness you are so full of. I love the times when we just get to lounge and watch our shows together. I love the times when I get to see you thrive in doing what you love. I love seeing you explore youtube for how to make different ties. 

There is so much to be thankful for when I think of you. I am thankful that your dad and I have been blessed with this ONE amazing son who without a doubt is the light of our lives. I am thankful that you have blessed my life in ways you can not yet understand until you are a father. 

I would encourage you to continue to make good choices and understand the consequences for wrong ones. I encourage you to continue to grow closer to your Heavenly Father in prayer, relying on Him for guidance you might feel not sure about asking us. Damian, begin to ponder what your future holds. How will you continue your education? How will you prepare for a mission both physically and spiritually? How will you prepare to choose a eternal companion? I know some of these come early at age 14 but as you begin to think of these things, you will find yourself making choices that will reflect the differences than that of some other friends. 

I know you will never doubt my love for you. I have always and will always show my love, no matter how annoying it can be and no matter how many tackles it takes to get a kiss. I will be here for you at every turn in life you make. I will support you when you fall and I will praise you when you succeed. There is no end to forgiveness as a mother. 

I know with every part of me that you were sent here to us to make us better people. In my heart Heavenly Father created you! You are my world and I am so lucky to be called your mom! 

Happy 14th birthday Damian Payne Troutman~~

Love,

Mom