On July 1st, we made our first delivery to the Hamil Family! It was an amazing day and I wanted to go into a little more detail about our delivery day to this wonderful family!
The plan for delivery day was to meet Kim, Hank's Aunt and my Hamil Family contact, at a storage facility in Oklahoma City. Kim had mentioned that Hank and Catherine wanted to meet me and was hoping they would be there the day we delivered the donations and care packages. Being that Catherine is still recovering from the injuries she sustained from the tornado and is currently still using a wheelchair, I wasn't for sure if we'd have the opportunity to meet her or not. Her recovery is day-by-day. I was really hoping to meet Hank and Catherine, but meeting them wasn't the reason for this endeavor. I simply wanted to help and have a venue for others to have the opportunity to help as well. So, imagine my surprise, when Catherine, Hank and Cathleen were there to greet us. I just beamed with excitement. Not only were they there to meet us, but Hank's mom, Catherine's mom and Hank's cousin Joey were there as well. It was such an honor and pleasure to meet all of them. Hank had actually been moving cattle in Gurthrie, but took time to meet us at the storage unit. Like many of you, I didn't personally know the Hamil Family. I had never met them. I just knew their story and was moved by it. I had a feeling I knew what type of people they were though; kind hearted, down-to-earth, genuine. I was right. Hank is a character and has such a wonderful sense of humor. He has a big smile and is a lot of fun to be around. Hank is the type of friend you could call if you were in a bind and needed help. Catherine has a quiet, sweet spirit. You can tell Catherine has a tender and compassionate heart. She's a beautiful woman inside and out. Catherine and Hank are the type of people you'd want as your next door neighbor.
After we sorted the packages into the storage unit and into different family member's cars, Hank wanted us to all go to lunch together so that we could talk more and fellowship. All of us went to lunch at Poblano Grill. It was so nice to see Hank and Catherine smile. It was a happy smile. The past month has been a roller coaster of emotion for them, but they are handling everything with such strength and grace. I'm simply amazed. They were sweet to ask about my boys. They were genuinely interested in my life and my boys. Even as I write this, I'm moved with emotion because my boys are just a little younger then Ryan and Cole. These two wonderful people just lost their precious sons, but were so thoughtful to ask about mine.
I just wanted all of you to know a little about the family you are helping and praying for every day. Simply put, they are good people. Finally meeting them, makes me want to do even more. They sincerely and genuinely appreciated all of the wonderful treasures, gifts and donations that we brought for them. So, THANK YOU! Without you and God's immense blessing, this endeavor wouldn't have been possible. You have helped bless a truly wonderful family.
Blessings To You,
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma
