Sunday, December 21, 2008

Thank you

I wanted to take some time and let you know how thankful I am for the gift the readers of MCK Mama's blog gave to String of Pearls.  For those of you who don't know Jennifer set up a raffle on her blog....the money that was given went to 3 different organizations.  Over $19,000 dollars was raised and String of Pearls will receive almost $4,000 from the raffle.  Each day as I watched the numbers climb...I knew this was not just people wanting to win a great camera.  This money was from people who were wanting to make a difference in others lives.  These were people who wanted to help families in crisis and to make this heart wrenching journey more bearable, somehow.  

The vision for String of Pearls was created out of a need to reach families with another alternative instead of termination when faced with a fatal prenatal diagnosis.  This dream to walk with families has been growing in our hearts and is quickly becoming a reality.  I can't help but to think of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  She knew God had created something amazing for her...but maybe it didn't feel like a reality until she felt the first kicks in her womb.  I feel like we are feeling the first kicks of the dream God planted in our hearts.  Yes, there is fruit already and families are being reached, but I know there are still big plans in store for String of Pearls.  Each of you who donated are part of the quickening I am feeling in my heart as I sit and write this.  Thank you so much for giving so willingly.   Know each dollar we receive will be used in the best possible way.  

This money will be used to provide families with baskets full of items to make memories with their baby for the short amount of time they have them in their arms.  The money will be used to print brochures about String of Pearls to leave in Dr's hands who counsel patients following a fatal prenatal diagnosis.  Money will allow us to educate staff in hospitals about the concept of perinatal hospice.  I want all of you to know what a gift your donation is to these families....we will be able to let them know they are not alone on this journey. 

I cannot begin to tell you how this touches my heart.  To know that myself and these families are not forgotten is an incredible feeling.  I am so thankful and honored I have the opportunity to walk alongside families who have found themselves on the journey of a lifetime.  I know I will never forget the generosity of so many.  

I also want to thank Jennifer for her precious heart and desire to be a part of what String of Pearls is doing for families.  I had the honor of talking with her when they were not sure if Stellan would live or die.  Even though our stories ended differently she did not forget those of us who belong to the club, the club of families who have had a baby die.  She could have moved on and never spoken to me again.  She did not forget and I know I will never forget her either.  I am so thankful she has Stellan in her arms today.  Both Jennifer and I are the owners of a miracle....hers is in her arms and mine is in heaven.   I am honored she has chosen to remember the families who are walking this journey.  

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.  

19 comments:

Adrienne said...

You ROCK! I love you! Congratulations on this exciting time for SOP. xoxox

Sophie said...

So proud of you! You have put so much of yourself into SOP, and it is and will be such a blessing to families.
Love you-
S

Carly Marie said...

Love love and more love to you Laura :)

Elizabeth said...

I can not even believe what God is doing for SOP!!! Please keep updated as how I can continue to help. I know I seem CRAZY busy with our move and all, but I still want to continue to support you and your families. Sending hugs and well wishes for the the holiday season...Love, Elizabeth

Shanygne said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! God is surely using you, my friend!!

Corie said...

Thats awesome. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

WOW! How wonderful! You are great..
xo Mikki

Tamara said...

Wow that is just awesome! God is so good! Hope your doing well, call lets do coffee soon! Miss your sweet smile!

Mandy Hornbuckle said...

She and Angie Smith are the reasons I know about your amazing organization, and I'm so thankful for that. You are always in my prayers, as are the beautiful families you help. Thank you for what you do. As much as I hope I'll never have to use your sweet services someday, I'm so glad to know that you are there if I do.

JennaDK said...

such an awesome and inspiring post! i'm blessed to have been a part of that raffle!

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful! Thru your darkest grief you created something to help others. I think it's great and am so glad you are able to help even more people!

~*Michelle*~ said...

You are an amazing person of faith, strength and grace.

My prayers are that this is only the first of many large donations to String of Pearls.....may God continue to bless your mission.

Peace
*~Michelle~*

karina said...

The gratefulness continues in those of us whose families are directly effected by the services of SOP. I cannot tell you how invaluable SOP has been to our entire family, and I admit we donated and hoped to win the camera for Amber and Brian. We are at this moment experiencing our miracle and treasuring up these memories to hold in the days to come.

I thank both you and Jennifer for your vision and generosity!

with gratitude, Karina :o)

Shanda said...

I was so thrilled that String of Pearls was receiving part of that raffle!!

I would be more than willing to pass some brochures out to our local OB's offices and hospitals in our area if you need help getting the word out. Just let me know! (VA near Washington, D.C.) We've e-mailed before, but if you need my address just let me know!

Blessings and peace to you this new year! I believe God has big plans for you as you pour out His love and bless others!

Shanda

Liz said...

How wonderful! You will touch many lives with this.

~Liz
http://agiveawayaday.blogspot.com/

karina said...

Laura,
I can't even begin to tell you how invaluable SOP has been to our family. That first call was hard to make (I'm really very shy), but almost instantly I felt the peace of God in your heart coming through the phone and washing over me like a river. Really. It was like finding a refuge in the storm, and I have no doubt in my mind that God directed me to you for that very reason. I also knew in that instant that SOP would be exactly what Amber would need.

I am deeply grateful to you and Becky and SOP.

With love and gratitude, Karina :o)

karina said...

PS. quick question. Is there a way when people donate for them to donate "In Memory Of"? Do you have a way of tracking that? And do you let the parents know when someone donates in memory of their baby?

Carly Marie said...

Thank you Laura, for lighting a candle for my little boy... I received a special gift from Ade in the mail.... two little pearl drop earings. When I wear them I will think of my Christian, Ade's Noah and of course your sweet Pearl.

xxxxxxxxxx

Jennifer Perkins said...

I came over to thank you for your comment on my blog... then I started reading yours...

I love the premise of prenatal hospice. After my husband died, I was in a grief group with an amazing young lady who had just lost her son. ~A son who wasn't supposed to live long enough to be born, who then wasn't supposed to live after birth. He lived 99 days, and his parents made each one count. They both really touched my heart with their amazing faith in God, and their courage in this horrible situation. If you want to read their story, it is here:

http://www.ninetynineballoons.com/

They have since had a beautiful little girl.

I am enjoying your blog. I will be back here to read... :o) Jennifer