Help the Adams

Dear Readers,

Below is a letter written by the Adams children to the people who were on the mailing list that Sherry and Dean sent monthly reports to for over 20 years. We know you will appreciate their concern for their parents.

March 8, 2008

Dear All,

We asked mom for your addresses telling her that we wanted to thank you for all you have done for us over the many years. That is true, but we have a second reason for writing as well. I don’t think Steven and I have truly understood all that you all have done over the years. We have known that people from the church have helped time and time again. I don’t think we have truly uderstood all that our parents have had to go through for the past 24 years as well, but recently I think we understand more. Many of you have never met our parents, but we can truly say they are the best Christian parents children could ever have. Dad is an outstanding preacher, even though he hasn’t had “formal” training. His love of God shows every time he preaches, teaches, or talks to people. He is much quieter than mom, but he has a quiet strength that many have depended on. Mom is the outgoing of the two, being able to talk to any person of any age. Mom would stay with us at the hospital all day, and work all night to try and keep the insurance. Dad would stay with the child that wasn’t sick, keeping up with the house, church, and work. He would be at the hospital when mom would be working, so we were never alone. Of course, they had a lot of help from the church, family and friends. Mom and Dad have worked with the youth (baby through college), not only in Dickinson but also throughout the state for over 30 years. Time and time again they have put their needs below not only ours, but everyone. Our aunt Gina came to live with us when she was 16 because our grandma died. Gina’s kids love our parents. They one time took what little money they had and bought a coat for a college kid from Zimbabwe, because he only had a jacket and it was December. They have many kids from all over that call them “mom and dad”. You will never hear them complain.

The big difference between an illness that is short lived, and a chronic illness, is that one like ours will never go away, and that is hard. Our parents have taught us never to be bitter, not to blame God, but to always depend on Him. What is hard for us now, is that we are seeing the toll 24 years of stress is taking on mom and dad. They do not complain, but they have recently told us the seriousness of their financial situation and that they are struggling to pay the bills. When we found out that the medical bills are still way over $100,000 we felt so bad. That is part of the reason they didn’t say much, because they didn’t want us to feel it was our fault. When we asked them what really do they have to show for being this far in debt, since their house is modest, they have old vehicles, etc. and mom said, “We have two children that are still alive, and devoted to God and who can truly put a price on that?”. Steven had offered to drop out of school, but he was told that staying in college and keeping his insurance was still cheaper than having to pay for insurance since he is high risk. It was then that Steven, Ian and me wanted to try and do something, which is why we are writing to you. We know you have time and time again given so much to us but we are asking for your help. If you have any ideas how to help, please let us know. And please pray for them, as we know God is still the answer.

Thanks again for all you have done for us. We are so very lucky!

Love,

Steven and Mindy