Monday, April 28, 2008

The Beautiful Eagle Landed and What a Landing it Made

I'm so sorry y'all that it took me this long to get this post done. The package arrived on Saturday just about the time my hubby's cousins were arriving for a short visit from Long Island. I did arrange with Kurt to deliver that evening. They had her so mystified by the time I got there but it was too fun to be with her and enjoy her awe; it was like Christmas morning with sprinkles and glitter on top. I promised to crop her out of all the photos but I thought the one above should make the cut. We'll see what she has to say when she sees it. You can see how seriously overwhelmed she was, it was right at first and she was still trying to figure out what in the world all these treasures were about.
Of course I kept forgetting to take photos so I don't have too many. I was so caught up in the moment. Her mother and brother were there too soaking it all up. Every so often I'd remember to turn my camera on and click.
When I look at these photos I think back to how gently and slowly she opened and studied each one and looked to see who it was from and sigh and pretty much tear up everytime. I think it took over an hour to go through them the first round.
I truly was not playing any favorites as I had not had a lot of time to look at them while placing them in the basket since the cousins were coming. But watching her and then getting a turn "petting" them, I saw how every one was so special and wonderful in its own unique way just like the folks who made them.
There is just one I'm sorry but I have to make special mention of because it won First Prize in The Tear Category...Beth Quinn's necklace that said, "She added such beauty to being human.". That sent Mellie's brother, Eddie, running for the tissue box for all of us including himself. Sobbing. We had been tearing up from the beginning off and on but we did have to shut down the operation for a few minutes to collect ourselves. What a fabulous sentiment and so "Mel".
Just had to show off my little ditty that I took to her in the hospital the one day she actually had a room. She is doing so great; better and better each day. Tomorrow our friend, Janine, and I start painting her living room and kitchen. I'm planning to sneak before and after photos and share them with you; her home is already so, so sweet and wonderful but she's ready for some change and we're on it. There are no words to express completely how much it meant to Mellie that so many folks were thinking enough of her to make and send such gorgeous pieces of themselves to her except to say I know she was feeling truly loved. And, of course, a special thanks to Heather Rowley for making this all happen, bless you.

16 comments:

Jessi Nagy said...

How awesome!! im so glad she enjoyed everything!!!
oxoox,
jessi

Anonymous said...

Hey cute girl, Mellie looks like a kid on Christmas morning. Great photos! I got a bit teary myself regarding Beth's necklace; how incredibly sweet, as are all the gifts!

Julie B. from Area 51

m i c h e l l e said...

How absolutely special this post is. Thank you for sharing this experience with us, Stephanie!

Maija said...

I just love you to death, Stephanie, for the crazy love you give Mel!

Anonymous said...

how awesome stephanie - i am glad everyone loved the necklace - I thought it was perfect for her !! she is such a great person !!! give her a big hug for me !!!!!! makes me tear up just thinking about her !!
xo,
beth
www.bethquinndesigns.com

Jennifer Paganelli said...

Be well my sweet so grateful to be part of your well wishers ...you have touched us all!! My very best ,Jennifer

Michele said...

What a great outpouring for such a sweet, sweet soul!! Thanks so much for the post!
Michele :)

Sugar Bear said...

Thanks for sharing. It was such an honor to be part of this. So happy she was happy with it all.
Karla

Anonymous said...

thank you so much Stephanie! I'm thrilled to pieces to see/hear that Mel was so touched by the gifts, and is doing well. Thank you for getting photos and sharing with us! It means a lot!
xo natalea

Sandra Evertson said...

Thank you so much for posting this, it means a lot to know how happy this all made her! And everyones beautiful cards and tags and presents look so wonderful! Sending good thoughts!
Sandra Evertson

Heidi said...

I love seeing Mel with this love offereing we made! What a joy to be a part of making something for her! Thanks for posting these pictures!
*Heidi*

Kari said...

Thanks so much for this post and for capturing these special moments. I am so glad she enjoyed her gifts. Sounds like it was really memorable. Big hugs to Mel from all of us!
Kari

Barbara said...

thank you for sharing all the photos! i was honored to be part of this...special love for mel!!!

hugz

Jeanne said...

Thanks for sharing this pictures with us. It was so fun to see Mel opening all her goodies!
xo
jeanne

Lori said...

Stephanie, thank you so much for taking Mel all of her goodies:) i'm glad you included the picture of her, she looks so sweet plus i have been worried and it was nice to see that she really is doing well...i hope you delivered my hug and kiss!!!

mendytexas said...

I am just so happy it brightened up her day! Thank you for sharing with us...I am so happy to be a part of something so wonderful for Mel! :)mendy