SUCCESS!! and a Million Thank Yous

When my world was falling apart, and we were just beginning treatment, and I could hardly make it through a day without sobbing, Stacia sent me an email.  "What can I do to help?" and then later, "What if I created a website for Andrew and had people send him hats from all 50 states?"  Stacia hardly knew me, so I was overwhelmed by her thoughtfulness, and her willingness to do that for Andrew and for me.  I accepted her offer.  To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I didn't know her very well, and thought maybe Andrew would get two or three hats, and we would be thankful.  But for almost a year, Stacia has been persistent in tracking down friends,  family, and blog readers to send Andrew hats.  It has been a lot of work!

Yesterday, he received the last of the 50 states!!  In addition we also received hats from outside the U.S. including many of the Canadian provinces, Mexico, England, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Germany (I hope I didn't forget any).  I am in awe of her dedication.  Her blog is amazing too.  If you haven't checked her out, you can read more at My Fluffy Bunnies.  Thank you so much Stacia.  You have blessed my family more than you know.

Here are the final two hats:

Utah

and Delaware!!

ALSO! I want to thank ALL of you who sent us hats, cards, cars, games, well-wishes, toys, coloring books, silly bands, tattoos, pictures of your children, kind words,  gift cards to McDonald's and more!  What an amazing blessingYOU have  been.  Even on the worst days, it was always a pick-me-up to go to the post office, and find a package or two (or three, or four, or ten!).  I am still shocked by the support and care you have shown me.

While I am at it, I want to say a few more "Thank You's."

Thank you to CJ for suggesting and making the "Prayers for Andrew" button!

Thank you to my sweet nurse Tiffany (who rescued me from hell):  A Tall Drink of Life.

I also want to thank Sharon.  She has been a reader and a supporter for quite some time, and when I investigated her website, I found that she makes beautiful quilts.  Her comments always make me cry.  I told her that I wanted to buy a quilt, and she offered to make me one, "as a blessing."  A couple of weeks ago, it arrived in the mail.  I took it out, and held it to my face, and you know what? it even smells beautiful. I am once again in awe of the time she took to make this for me.  She even spent time trying to figure out what colors might match my home.  I encourage all of you to check out her website: Sharon's Cottage Quilts.   Here is a picture:

Thank you sweet Sharon!

I also want to thank two bloggers who gave me awards, which I have yet to recognize.  I am not following the rules, but I wanted to thank them and mention them!  Anne from "500 Places with Kids" gave me the award below.  Her husband is a cancer survivor and she writes about the places she visits with her children, and gives travel tips along the way.  Thank you Anne!

My friend Missy also gave me an award, and I want to thank her.  She is a beautiful person inside and out and has been an amazing support throughout all of this.  Check out her blog at My Life and Everything in Between.  Thank you Missy!



I also want to mention a few bloggers who have been there for me, through all of it, regularly commenting through my anger and through my tears, through sweet moments and ugly moments.  Thank you.  I appreciate your support and kind words more than you know.

Winn's Window
Finding Joy in the Little Things
Sowing Dandelion Seeds
As is Proper
Chasing Hugo
Ostriches Look Funny
Momma's Pixie Dreams
Motherese

Thank you to all of you who have placed Andrew's button on your blog.  Thank you to the many other bloggers who have followed my story and shown your support.  Thank you to my anonymous readers.  Thank you to those who pop in once in a while to say hello.  Thank you to my friends and family who read and cry and smile with me.  Thank you to ALL of you who have read our story thus far.  I am so appreciative.  You have all made this last year much more bearable.

(I hope no one feels slighted! You have all been beautiful).