Christmas ~ A Time for Giving ~ Help Meet an Urgent Need
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized, My Life, Scrap Life, Challenges
- on: December 13, 2008
Christmas has such meaning and special memories for each of us. Christmas looks different for all of us because we come from different backgrounds, have unique traditions, special memories.
Christmas to me is so much about my faith. I am reminded of the greatest gift given at Christmas time and my heart is always touched. I’m also reminded of the celebration that surrounds Christmas. Christmas is a birthday party, a family gathering, a joyous time of singing, sharing and giving. Sometimes there are things that aren’t so joyous however when these events take place around this time of year, it always seems to bring a greater depth of feeling.
I think of when my grandfather passed away on December 23rd suddenly and unexpectedly. How we sang ‘Silent Night’ around his bed as he said his goodbyes. That song holds extra meaning in our hearts. I remember when I took my baby girl home from the hospital on December 24th. She was born on the 21st. Oh what a precious gift.
Well, last night we watched the “Christmas Shoes”. Many of you may have seen this movie or heard the song. Oh what a messy one for the whole family (tears). Wow . . . powerful and it reminded us once again that Christmas is about giving while we are living!
Well, I want to share a story with you about a chance that you have to give. It’s a little bit of a read but so worth it. All of you love to craft and a lot of you are passionate about scrapbooking. Here’s your chance to share your passion and make lasting memories for a family. Life is short and we never know when our time is up so it’s important to make a lasting impact and to take the opportunity with friends and family when it’s given. This came across my computer the other day from a gal that I know through scrapbooking but also law enforcement. She shared that I would want to know. I have since shared it with others and want to do the same for you Fiskateers. I think your heart will be touched. I’m going to shorten some of the email for room’s sake. A little background . . . being from this area I have met Trish from Scrappin’ Good Times in San Dimas, California. This is Trish writing . . .
“Crystal is more than my cousin. She is more like a sister and a best friend. She is 33 years old and she has a 2 1/2 year old son named Aiden and an eight month old daughter named Rylee. She is married to Jason who has a 14 year old son named Gaven who Crystal treats as her own.
After many tests, it has been found that Crystal has an extremely rare and extremely aggressive form of cancer. So rare that her Oncologist has only found one other oncologist in the entire US that has dealt with anything similar to Crystal’s cancer. There is no protocol for this. If things go well and Crystal responds well to ongoing chemotherapy and radiation, she could live another two years. Unfortunately, it could be less.”
Ironically Crystal is an oncology nurse (a special calling).
“Her biggest fear is that her children are so young that they will never know or remember her. She asked me to create scrapbooks for her children so they would know who their mother is and of course how much she loves them. I think it was in God’s master plan that I would be called to do this one day so He led me to open a scrapbook store. I don’t think there is a better way to accomplish this task through our passion, our hobby . . . . scrapbooking.
If you do not have time to make any layouts, donations will also be accepted. Trust funds have been set up for Aiden M. LaGrange, Rylee M. LaGrange and an account has been set for all of Chrystal’s needs in the name of caring for Crystal Foundation. Crystal has an amazing support system in Denver. Her coworkers at Kaiser have donated their vacation to her . . . 6 months of vacation has already been donated to her.
I also ask for your personal prayers for Crystal. If you belong to a church or a prayer group and you are able to add Crystal to the prayer list, I would greatly appreciate it. I believe in the power of prayer and I believe that there is still a miracle in store for Crystal.
I belong to an amazing sisterhood, a sisterhood of tens of thousands of scrapbookers. We all scrapbook for the same reason, for the preservation of our memories. Please help me preserve Crystal’s memories for her children.”
www.caringforcrystal.blogspot.com
So I talked with Trish yesterday (Friday) and asked her some specifics. The need . . . 12×12 two page layouts especially themed in the areas of babies . . . boys and girls as well as love (wedding, engagement, marriage, togetherness, family time). Those are the major needs but others include major holidays, snow layouts (they live in Denver), and everyday moments. On layouts as well please remember she will be journaling so please leave ample space for journaling. So this is where the greatest need is.
My challenge to you . . . create some layouts and send them my way. For anyone offering to help in this way, please make a comment here and mention you are planning on participating in making a layout for Crystal. I will choose a winner for a baby layout kit, a winner for a travel layout kit and a winner for a generic layout kit. I will send two of them . . . one for you and one for Crystal that you can put together and send back to me. For those of you that might not win the layout kit but would like to participate and give feel free to send these layouts to me as soon as possible. If you’d like to include a note with a word of encouragement and your name and where you are from I think that would be wonderful. Please send the layouts to:
Cheryl Waters
19655 Orviento Drive
Portola Hills, CA 92679
I think we can help to make a difference in a life and help meet a need. Christmas is about giving . . . giving of time, resources and yourself. What a gift. You fiskateers are a wonderful and compassionate group and I know you can make a difference!
Just an update ~ There really isn’t any timeline to send these in. I will send them to her cousin in batches but Crystal’s cousin, Trish will be making scrapbooks of Christmas’ to come, etc. I think they will all be put to good use if we receive them tomorrow or in months. Thank you for such an outpouring of love and support for people in the community. You are one warm hearted group!
Pinky #3405 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 11:34 amWell I can do this! My friends and I are making a book for a terminally girl and her family as well. It is such a great cause! We all decided instead of sending Christmas cards and gifts we would make pages….Love the idea Cheryl and I will be making a coupe pages! Thanks for info.
Merlene #1166 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:02 pmWhat a sad and touching story. My prayers for her and her family. I’m going to be out of town for a few weeks, so I won’t be able to make any pages for her albums.
sisof1 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pmI am in. . . my heart has been touched and I have nothing but respect for oncology nurses they have helped those I love when I could not. . .
Rae Harper says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:17 pmCheryl,
I’ll happily give and put her on our prayer list at church. My secret sister just sent me some beautiful snow flakes & paper. I’ll make a double layout for her from that. If I’m chosen for the baby paper, I’ll make another from those supplies.
You’re so right, Scrapbookers & Paper Crafters are a wonderful group of people.
I’ll spread the word at our LSS.
Jeni Johnson says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:23 pmOh Cheryl…this certainly is a time and need to give. What a sad story…I can’t imagine being faced with a terminal illness;I too would think of my kids first. This is a wonderful thing you are doing. I will see what I can come up with for her and send it your way!
NanaBeth #2906 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:25 pmI’ve got the goods for boy pages definitely!
Patty 2262 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:28 pmI want to do this. Cheryl you’re really good at communicating to us Fiskateers. I can do wedding layouts, baby layouts and snow layouts. Is there any other? I will work on these this weekend and send them to your address. Thank you Cheryl for the opportunity to serve and in a way that I love.
amylynn40a says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:40 pmI can help also. I can make the snow pages - as I live in Colorado Springs, CO (one hour south of Denver) and have lots of snow page ideas and papers.
Maxine Hodges says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:41 pmPrayers have been said and will continue. I would love to help preserve her memories for her and her children. I will work this this weekend and they will be on the way early week. Thank you for all you do, Cheryl.
Cherrie #1790 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:44 pmI’m with Pinky - you should have seen how many of our friends volunteered to make pages for our friends terminally ill daughter for Christmas. It is always better to give than to recieve. I will definitely volunteer to make a page for Crystal!!
Tonya #1504 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:48 pmWow. I will be sending you some layouts this next week. What a great way we can all help and be reminded why our scrapbooking community is such a great one.
LWal says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:54 pmOh Cheryl ..this is soo heart wrenching…I would love to help out..me and another great fiskafriend can make a couple of pages….how soon do U want them???
TX for giving us the chance to serve!
Lisa says:
December 13th, 2008 at 12:57 pmHi Cheryl,
When are you planning on sending them off to her? I am going to try and make some pages… but want to see if I have the time. Let me know and I will let you know for sure if I can get something out to you!
Thanks for sharing this story and for getting us into the true spirit of the season!
Hugs,
Lisa
Jenny Brannies #2303 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 1:01 pmI can send a Christmas layout or two later this week. I need to find a big envie to send them in.
Also, I will definitely be praying for her.
Sondra says:
December 13th, 2008 at 1:01 pmI am certainly in on this. I am not sure which lo I will do yet, I hope that’s ok. Will work on it this weekend. I am already praying for this family.
Brandy B. says:
December 13th, 2008 at 1:11 pmCheryl I will gladly make some pages for her. I definately have the stuff to make her some boy pages and depending on the time frame I might be able to make some of the other topics.
Please keep us informed.
Brandy Baucom
Marla #3291 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 1:26 pmI will try and get some layouts done also and send them out the first of next week or the first of the year.
Maya says:
December 13th, 2008 at 2:30 pmI will make few pages for Crystal. I hope to finish and send them to you before Christmas.
Barb #2975 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 2:37 pmI will make some snow/winter and Halloween layouts for her. Let me know if you would like something different - not a problem!
Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to work on a scrapbook for a local family (in this case the children are very ill)… It was rewarding in so many ways!
debby 2852 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 4:01 pmCount on me Cheryl.
J Barb 4898 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 4:36 pmthat is so kindhearted of you Cheryl…I want to be in… I will be doing summer pages…please email me when as i don’t no to much about computer
Veronica Noechel says:
December 13th, 2008 at 5:03 pmI’m on it. I’ll try to make a few this weekend. I have an all-day crop tomorrow so if I don’t get to it today, surely I can do them tomorrow.
Thank you for doing this for her. I can’t imagine the stress and pain she’s surely experiencing.
Julie Overby says:
December 13th, 2008 at 5:59 pmWhat a heartfelt story. Thank you for sharing it in such good faith, Cheryl. I will certainly be praying for her and her family. I used to live in San Dimas. I’m so glad that you are teaming up to help this family. Please count me in. Do you have a day that you are trying to get it done by for sure? This week is a bit crazy but after the 20th I would love to help out in any way.
Hugs,
Julie
Kris #2961 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 6:00 pmSo sorry to hear that…
Julie Overby says:
December 13th, 2008 at 6:00 pmScratch that! I will make time to do it ASAP if that is when you like it by. Let me know! Thanks.
Dee #3951 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 6:33 pmI know what that family must be going through right now:( My uncle is also in the hospital right now fighting a battle with lukimea and the doctors don’t think that he’ll be able to come home to spend Christmas. But we’re hoping and praying for the best and God does know best!!
Groovy Deborah says:
December 13th, 2008 at 8:50 pmKeep the faith Cheryl, we always have that. I will be happy to make something nd send it your way. Consider it done!
Deborah♥
Marla #3291 says:
December 13th, 2008 at 10:49 pmI made a boy page today and hope to get a girl and wedding page done to send out on Tuesday!!
Michelle 3624 says:
December 14th, 2008 at 12:27 amTrying to figure out why I showed up as Sisof1 and Michelle 3624
Krafty Wahine #395 says:
December 14th, 2008 at 1:11 amCheryl, i’ll be happy to contribute. i’ll be in touch.
mahalo and aloha, Anita
melita says:
December 14th, 2008 at 3:05 amYou can count me in too Cheryl!
Maxine Hodges says:
December 14th, 2008 at 10:27 amThis email touhed my heart. My mom died at n early age and I would have even anything if she had the time to do this for us. ( she was killed instantly in car accident) I have 14 layouts, already done, that haven’t got pictures. They are packed and headed your way tomorrow.
Barb #5112 says:
December 14th, 2008 at 2:18 pmWhat a touching story. I would love to send some pages to you.
RitaS says:
December 15th, 2008 at 3:45 pmI just found some wonderful papers that are perfect for a number of the themes you listed - as soon as I finish with the Christmas gift making I will create a 2 pager and send your way Cheryl!!
mariah says:
December 16th, 2008 at 12:19 amI wouldn’t mind having one of the punches..
~Sandy~ says:
December 26th, 2008 at 3:40 pmAs someone who lost both parents when I was young, I really want to help with this project. I will work on some LOs ASAP.
Sandy~Turtlelady#1715 says:
December 26th, 2008 at 4:36 pmI’m sorry!! I just saw this post. I will need your address to send some pages!!
If I happen to get chosen, I would like the generic kits to work with :=)
Sandy~Turtlelady#1715 says:
December 26th, 2008 at 4:37 pmSorry, had a duh!! moment. I see the addy :=)
Cicly #1835 says:
December 26th, 2008 at 5:55 pmI will add some calender pages to mom’s package. I’m not as good as she is but they are nice :=)
KateB says:
December 27th, 2008 at 10:56 pmwill be working on 5-6 layouts for her next week (Christmas layouts and maybe some cool boy pages)-will update you when I mail out
Jenny Brannies #2303 says:
December 28th, 2008 at 2:21 amCheryl, mine will be in the mail to you on Monday. Sorry it took so long.
Laura #1943 says:
December 28th, 2008 at 1:26 pmI have time….will make what I can and send them as I finish…so sorry to hear but glad to do something! Huggs to you and your entire family!
Heidi Mansion says:
December 28th, 2008 at 10:17 pmI have a number of layouts that I would like to send. They will be on the way soon.
God Bless,
Heidi
renee g says:
December 29th, 2008 at 2:39 pmi am so glad i found this link from another blog i would love to help out in any way possible! i will be making some LO’s and sending them your way!
lots of prayers and hugs coming her way
Kathleen says:
January 4th, 2009 at 2:44 pmHi Cheryl This is so touching. I am sorry I didn’t see it sooner but you posted right at the time I fell and was laid up. I can’t promise but I will do my best to send you a layout. I also will put Crystal on our prayer list at church.
On a side note. I love that movie Christmas Shoe you talked about. I couldn’t watch it this year as my Dad’s passing last year was still to hard for me but it is a beautiful movie with exactly what Christmas is all about.
God Bless,
Cheryl says:
January 5th, 2009 at 12:50 pmHi Cheryl, I’ve been away from my computer all weekend and just read this. What a sad and touching story - my heart goes out to this family. I would love to make some pages for this wonderful cause.
KateB says:
January 6th, 2009 at 1:02 pmCheryl, I am posting pics of layouts I did..will mail on Thursday. It was hard creating simple clean LOs for someone else since I tend to put tons of junk on my pages! But all for a great cause!