We have been so overwhelmed with gratitude at the outpouring of support for our family.  So many people have graciously offered to help in any way they can, and while this is absolutely needed and appreciated, I (Jeaneal) have been a little frazzled trying to: 1) keep everyone updated on progress, 2) figure out exactly what we need, and 3) how to communicate back to all the people who are waiting in the wings.  I stumbled across this site after trying to learn more about a platform that I've seen used before called "meal train"...it was a total God-cident (God Incident) that this showed up in the results.  

To give a little background on what has transpired since Monday, December 16th...dad had his second spinal fusion surgery (first one in March of this year, 2024) to fuse L5 and S1 (last lower lumbar vertebrae and the first sacral vertebrae) at Carolina East in New Bern.  Dad's surgeon was very pleased with the outcome, and he had zero complications during surgery or in recovery.  He was doing so well that he and his nurses encouraged mom to go home and get some rest in her bed (in March, when he had his first surgery, she stayed in the room with him in the recliner/bed for 2 nights, but with all the conditions she has with her own spine and hips, it really messed her up for weeks afterward).  Mom agreed, went home, had dinner, watched a little TV, and then went to bed as normal.  

Around 6 am, mom woke up with a cramp in her right leg (I get them too...not fun).  She did the normal point, flex, massage, and it just wasn't helping.  If you have leg cramps, or know someone that does, often you just have to get out of bed, stand, or walk around a bit.  When mom went to swing her legs around to get up, she didn't realize she was already on the very edge of the bed and fell right in the floor on her left side (their bed is about 3 ft off the ground and they have a hardwood floor).  She called our next door neighbor of 40 years (who already does so much to look after my parents) and when she didn't answer immediately (because when you're retired there's no reason to get up at 6 am if you don't want to), so she called me.  After calling the girls' dad (I have twin 7 year old girls), he came over immediately, got Everly to school, and took Emery over to his mom's (for added fun, Emery had to be picked up from school Monday evening running a fever of 101, so she couldn't go to school).  It felt like it took me an eternity, but I still made it to the ER about 5 minutes before the EMTs got her there. In that process I called my best friend asking for guidance (praise God she's her pain management doctor), which made me feel a little bit more confident of how to proceed once we knew what we were dealing with.  

As one might imagine with said description above, she broke her hip.  I tried so hard not to think about everything at once, but this was terrible timing on so many different fronts.  Still, it could have been a whole lot worse (head injury, multiple fractures, etc).  The ER doctor said that if you're going to break your hip, her break was the best place for it to happen (at the top of her femur/thigh).  The ER and Onslow Memorial were hopping yesterday, and with more than 20 people waiting on beds to open up, mom didn't get into a room until about 3:30.  But during our time in the ER, which happened to be a bed up against the wall in front of the nurses station, because there weren't even any "rooms" available in the ER area, we honestly had the best care from the staff.  A gentleman who attends church with me (his wife and son as well) is a retired Navy PA, who now teaches classes over at the community college, just happened to be there with his students for a make up day, and every time he made a round, he would circle back to see how we were doing.  Seriously, y'all, that was a God-cident in and of itself.  

Mom had her surgery Wednesday, December 18th, which also happened to be my dad's 72nd birthday. With all of my usual support with my girls unavailable, I had to stay home with Emmy (still running a 101 fever), but my parents' pastor's wife was able to come and sit with her for a little while, and then my brother surprised her and was with her up until she went back to prep for surgery at about 11 (surgery was scheduled for 12).  He then got on the road to go pick up dad, because he was getting discharged form Carolina East in New Bern.  We were very blessed to have a very talented Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr Will Ramsey at the helm.  We grew up together, so that gave me (and my family) a huge sense of comfort, knowing she had the best on the receiving end.  Will called me after the surgery and said mom did very well and the hip replacement went perfectly.  I was able to be with her once she got out of recovery.  Around 3:30 PT came in and they were very pleased, and pleasantly surprised at just how well she did, and continued to do until she was discharged on Saturday, December 21st.  Versus going into a rehab facility, she was able to go home and continue recovering with my dad, and with Home Health support where a PT and nurses will come to the house.  

God is good...so so good!  Our community has shown up, and if you've been asked to be a part of this group, please know that there are no words to do our gratitude justice.  It's my hope this platform will help y'all help us.  Not only are there options for just coming and visiting with mom and dad, there are options to bring lunch or dinner, or if you're unable to be here or deliver because you don't live close by, or your own schedule just doesn't permit, there is the option to send gift cards for meals to some of their favorite restaurants, and more.  May God bless you as you have taken the time to bless us.  It takes a village.    -Jeaneal

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Nancy &amp; Bunny Guy

Supporting The Guy Family

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With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

DoorDash

DoorDash - DoorDash Gift Card

Give the gift of take-out. Seriously, the perfect gift for any situation.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it is take-out and everyone loves take-out. It gives your recipient the flexibility to order exactly what they want, when they want it. Pregnancy cravings are no joke. Neither is the stress level of a single parent on a school night. Young professionals who get sick often hate the loss of their own agency. The capacity to choose one's own dinner is not to be underestimated. Nothing says I love you like Pad Thai.
What To Express in Your Card: I wanted you to be able to choose your own meal. I am thinking of you!

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Grubhub - Grubhub Gift Card

Uber Eats is the easy way to get the food you love delivered.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it allows the recipient to choose exactly what they want, when they want it. Sometimes we need to have a backup plan tucked away in our pocket, and Uber Eats is it. Bonus: Uber Eats gift cards are also redeemable for Uber rides.
What To Say In Your Card: Please eat something. I am thinking about you.

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Uber Eats - Uber Eats Gift Card

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.
Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, and a menu free of man-made trans-fat, Panera is committed to providing great tasting quality food people can trust.
With a wide variety of year-round favorites, their menu is complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free Wi-Fi access.
Why We Love This Gift: We like convenient, comfortable, and quality chain restaurant food. You know who else might like it? Anyone who has reason to spend time with a sick relative in a hospital. Chain restaurants can provide a valuable change of scene and a little headspace.
What To Express In Your Card: Please stop for a minute and eat something. Let's catch up soon? I love and miss you.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.

Panera Bread - Panera Gift Card

Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-inspired casual dining restaurant, starts fresh every day to create the flavors our mates crave.
Internationally known for award-winning steaks and a wide variety of chicken, ribs, seafood, Outback also offers a wide variety of crisp salads and freshly made soups and sides. Outback is committed to consistently high-quality food and service, generous portions at a down under value in a fun, casual atmosphere suggestive of the Australian Outback.
Why We Love This Gift: Outback Steakhouse is an excellent option for the family if you want to have an evening of togetherness. Taking just a simple opportunity to change up the scenery can be a gift that keeps giving. As a bonus, kids love steakhouses and find them uniquely exciting.
What To Express In Your Card: Thinking of you and your family. Please, enjoy a night out together.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-inspired casual dining restaurant, starts fresh every day to create the flavors our mates crave.

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Outback Steakhouse - Outback Steakhouse Gift Card

The Darden&reg; Restaurants Gift Card provides 9 distinguished and diverse restaurants on one card.  From Olive Garden's never-ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden fresh salad to fresh, boldly seasoned and expertly grilled steaks - like the signature bone-in Outlaw Ribeye&reg; at LongHorn Steakhouse, we have one card with all your favorites.    Darden&reg; Restaurants Gift Card can be redeemed at any Olive Garden&reg;, LongHorn Steakhouse&reg;, Yard House&reg;, Ruth's Chris&reg; Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen&reg;, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52&reg;, Eddie V's and Bahama Breeze&reg; restaurants in the U.S.  Gift Cards can be redeemed for Online To Go, Catering and Dine-In meals.
What To Express In Your Card: I am thinking about you so much. Please, take a few minutes and get something to eat and drink on me.

Darden Restaurants

With over 1,500 restaurants in all 50 states, the Darden Gift Card is redeemable at some of the most recognizable brands in full-service dining including Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Bahama Breeze®, Seasons 52®, Yard House®, and Cheddar&#8217;s® among others.

Darden Restaurants - Bahama Breeze Gift Card

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General Support

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

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Helping loved ones recover after surgery is difficult. Visit Give InKind for concrete suggestions and a new way to schedule meals and support to those in need of help.

How To Support Loved Ones Post-Op

Post op recovery is difficult. Visit Give InKind for specific suggestions and a new way to schedule meals and assistance in times of need.

Author Pamela Stockwell, photographed by daughter Kiana Stockwell

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Pamela Stockwell

Author Pamela Stockwell shares her experience becoming a living organ donor for a fellow writer, whom she's never even met in-person!

"My Kidney's Going to California!" A Living Organ Donor Story

One year ago this month, in March 2021, my daughter and I drove to South Carolina to see my dad. At one point, she was driving, so I checked Facebook to while away the time and I see that my friend and fellow writer Kelly Hartog had posted a plea for a kidney. I knew [&hellip;]

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