Deeper friendships have come from the last 6 months. Both Tara and I look into the eyes of our friends with a whole new respect and admiration. It is hard to be a consistent friend to the needy, which we have been. To realize what has been done for us is humbling.

With those many friends, handshakes are passionate, hugs are intimate, looks are sincere, words are insufficient. Our appreciation is overwhelming to us and often brings us to tears.

I pray that we can be better friends as a result; with more compassion, more understanding, more generosity. We will not wait to get well first before doing this. We will begin now in whatever ways we can. Sacrificial living is not just for those who feel able. It is for the Maiers to try right now.