Friday, April 1, 2011

Zoey's Heart Blanket Project ...

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Next month we will be making out 8th delivery of blankets to our 4th floor warriors at CHLA.Cannot believe the way that time passes.Come next month,we will be just one visit shy of celebrating 2 years since Zoey was discharged from treatment.2 years.I need to repeat that to myself sometimes because I find it absolutely mind blowing the pace at which time goes.Often we wish so desperately to hang onto our days and moments but when you have journeyed with cancer,the more time between it and you,the better.Everyday,that our little miracle girl remains in remission,is a day we rejoice in and never,ever,take for granted.Ever.Although I have to tell you,the other night as Zoey and I did our nightly ritual of potty and pj's and reading and rocking,I stopped myself and I wondered, do I pause enough and recognize and acknowledge her courage and fight and our gratitude for this place she is in today?I hope so.I hope I never become so busy and distracted and comfortable,that I don't take the time to give thanks in word or deed.

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Maybe in someways this blanket project becomes just that.My way of saying I will never forget.I will never,either with the passing of time or change of life circumstance, will I ever forget our time on that floor.I will never forget each every name of each and every roommate we had.I will never forget the faces of our friends that struggled and fought alongside us or, more importantly,I will never forget those who's miracle and cure were not to be.Those brave and precious souls become the motivation and drive behind this simple gesture of blanket making and delivering.Their lives,their battles,their inspiration somehow live on through the threads of the fabric.Just the other night we made this super cute alien patterned one.That day happened to be the one year anniversary of the passing of our sweet buddy Christopher.I had made him a brightly colored space one.One he loved and one that he was wrapped in as he was ushered into heaven.

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And thanks to the loving and generous people we have in our lives,the fabric for delivery number 8 has been purchased and we have begun to make our blankets.In honor of Zoey's birthday we asked that people forgo buying her presents and if they wished,donate instead a gift card to Jo Ann Fabrics .... and donate they did.Big time.And thanks to an incredible sale and a few coupons,fabric that would have cost almost 800.00 dollars,was instead... $280.00.Nice.Almost brought this momma to tears.And, we still have a few gift cards left over.So once again,our family is humbled and grateful for the continued love and support that we receive not only to our family but to the causes that are near and dear to our hearts.We love you all.

15 comments:

Elizabeth said...

How wonderful. And that photo of Zoey next to the huge stack of blankets is perfection. I would love to help you do this some time --

SECRET PEPPER PERSON: said...

sniff. sniff. This is a beautiful tribute!

Googsmom said...

I love you Heather!

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! I can't think of any other words. Zoey Grace sitting in front of a mountain of CHLA blankets. An awesome site to see...

Aunt Bluebelle

Lacey said...

I have some material for you, Ray is going to bring it down when he goes home!! Found some cool "older boy" material!

Kristin said...

Awesome!

kathleen said...

We love you too!

Cole said...

I think this is your gratitude journal Heather :) Those pictures just show what's in your heart so much :)

My structure for mine is that I open up a blank blog draft each sunday and upload a picture. Then each day I add 3 things from that week that made me smile. I can always come up with three- even if it's just the cheerios in my bowl. Although truth be told- it's not uncommon for me to sit down on Sunday and just put all 21 down on paper. The 21 is just a coincidence with our dear bird- it started out in 1994 as noting 3 a day. Your dear girl is too cute. We're headed out to Del Mar in a few weeks- you all will be on our minds!

Annie said...

How beautiful is your heart! I love this post and the picture of Zoey beside all of the blankets!! Brought big tears to my eyes!! God Bless!!

thepiersolfamily said...

Thinking of those 4th floor kids, of the smiles your blankets will give them, of you, and how wonderful it is that God put this on your heart AND that you listened to Him. Love love love to you all, Laura

Anna said...

Heather, such a beautiful heart.I love how we can change the world by simply being used by the potter, clay in His hands. I love the photo. Thank you for being an encouragement.

Kelly said...

Heather, your heart is so big....this is such a wonderful thing you are doing! Love Miss Zoey near the blanket pile.....PERFECTION:)

Melissa said...

I love the pictures of Zoey with the blankets. The terrible procrastinator that I am I still have cards for Ella and Zoey sitting on my kitchen counter. I still want to be a part of your project and AM sending you a gift card.

I love that you continue this project. It is so easy to just let things slide (as I did with the birthday card!) but it's a great way to remind you of all Zoey has overcome.

Kele said...

UGH she looks so grown up. She looks so tall and long in these pictures??? Gosh she is just breath taking Heather. Seriously, she is just beautiful.

Scrappy quilter said...

WOW look at those special blankets. Love this project. I'm sending you an e-mail. Hugs