Ode to Big Black

+JMJ

Dear family,

Today is one of those moments that sneaks up on you and quietly crushes your heart until the tears just flow.

In 2013, we traded in the big white beast that we called Big Bertha...our worn, clunky 15-passenger van...for “Big Black,” a custom-built bus that Walt surprised us with.

Limousine lights, TV, cushy seats… an absolute gem on wheels, ready to carry our family of 15 through endless journeys, laughter, and memories.

We've experienced so many beautiful trips in that bus, every mile filled with love and togetherness.

This afternoon, Walt took Big Black for gas, but instead, the radiator blew.

I clung to the hope that we'd keep fixing it because it's paid off and a part of us.

But then, the moment came...Walt looked at me with all the love in his eyes and said, “Wendy, we need to sell it.”

My heart dropped.

“But we still need it!” I insisted, trying not to cry.

He gently reminded me, “All but two of our 13 kids are adults now, Wendy. Most have their own vehicles!”

 And that was it… I broke down right there, sobbing like a child.

This bus holds a piece of my soul.

My life has been so completely wrapped around the needs of these precious 13 blessings, and the memories of them all under one roof has filled my heart with so much joy it hurts.

Today, I had to face the truth that my babies aren’t babies anymore.

And while I know they’re exactly where they need to be in life, it doesn’t make the letting go any easier.

My adult sons have tried their best under Big Black’s hood, only to pronounce it “terminal.”

So, it’s time to let him go.

I’ll always hold tight to the laughter, the trips, and all the joy we shared on Big Black, thanking God for every mile spent together as a family.

I pray He gives me the grace to let go of this piece of our past, even as I hold close the memories of our journey together.

Motherhood is truly a bittersweet journey, but I wouldn’t trade a single tear.

As always, our entire family is here to give you hope & encouragement! We truly love you and pray for you daily! Never hesitate to send a prayer request!

Sending our love and prayers to our remnant family...Wendy, Walt and the entire Cukierski family

.

(PS:  Catholic Spiritual Guidance Lessons for you, featuring writings from Rev. Fr. Kilian McGowan
It's a spiritual lifesaver and you can read more HERE )

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-----From a physician we help...he sees to the medical needs of children no one else seems to be able to help -----

 

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We do what we say we do!

I am begging for your help with The Pediatric Giving Mission.   We will send you a gift for your help.    GOD BLESS YOU! . . ---Some of the many wee ones we've helped---

---HELP IF YOU CAN----

Here is a post, from a recipient of what we do,.

L**** and I were one of the precipitants of This mission. She is right. My parking was 9 per day for 3 months. Then on top of that food cost me approximately 15 per day. That was cheap - I got vouchers for $5.00 per meal. So somedays I did not eat or made meals last for more then one meal. Had to. Parking was $810. Food was $1,300. Then you have normal household bills and I have 3 animals I had to pay to have people come and take care of them. At first I had my dog in the Kennel for 1/2 the time. That was about 500. It is VERY expensive to have a sick child. That was Just ONE hospital stay. We have had numerous ones. Some only a few days, some a week or two. Without their help we would of gone fully under!

From providing necessary funds to actually having families stay with us...we DO what we say we do!