And since then, I have been glued to the statcounter.com website fascninated at the number of hits to this website. Yesterday, there were more than 1,900 visits to this site! It's only 7:45 AM and so far--over 200 hits this morning. Seriously? Now, I know that many of these are the same people revisiting the site more than once in a day (including myself as I refresh to see if there are more comments). When I showed Andrew this, he said, "but you're not THAT interesting." Thanks, babe, no I'm not. He then reminded me that he wasn't one of the 1,900 hits since he doesn't read frequently (he said he glanced at the pictures from the baby shower but that it was my "thing" and he didn't read the write up about it. "I mean--it's all about a baby shower and a sleepover." At least he's honest!).
The cool thing is that I get to see where the different readers are located. Many I can't tell exactly (especially ones saying Dallas or Plano), but I have had visits from all across the country and outside of the US. Sunday, someone visited from Hong Kong! I've seen just about all the states but Alaska (yes, someone from Hawaii too!)
And yet, with 1,900 hits, I only get an average of 10 comments to a blog post. So, I'm asking you all--come on out! Tell us who you are and how you got here! I'd love to meet you! This blog doesn't allow for anonymous posts (I learned the dangers of anonymity and the internet--allows people to say things they might not say otherwise and I received some not so pleasant messages in our original guestbook). I apologize for the inconvenience. You will just need to recent with Blogger. You don't have to have a blog to register with them. It will just give you an account to use for posting too.
So stop on in to the comment section and leave a note. How did you find this little corner of the blog world?
Thanks--nice to meet you!
281 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 281 of 281Hi Jenny! I also found Allie's site on BabyCenter and have been following your story ever since. You're fascinating and inspiring!
Hi Jenny,
I don't remember how I came to Allie's site, and subsequently, your blog, but it must have been through another cancer patient I was praying for. I keep visiting because you really have a gift for writing and inspiring me. Also, I used to work in Child Life and your passion for helping families is contagious and so needed. Sending you a shout out from Franklin, TN and also compliments to your photographer--I wish I lived in Dallas so I could have my kids' pictures taken by SugarPhotography. Could be the adorable subject matter, too, though! She is precious.
G'day Jenny,
Marina from Brisbane, Australia here! Like many others, I've been following your story since Allie was sick (I think I first heard about Allie on theknot.com message boards). Don't listen to Andrew- you, your family and your work are very interesting! I have a little boy exactly a year younger than Maggie- so I love reading to see what to expect in a years time! Thank you for sharing your life with all of us strangers around the world.
Merry Christmas,
Marina
I can't believe your counter didn't register anyone from Alaska! I come to your site at least once a day (no, I am not some crazy internet stocker!!!!). I came over here after you stopped posting on your family site. I fell in love with Allie and was devestated when she passed. Coming here reading about your family somehow helps me get through my day! It's some strange connection you have with thousands of people that you don't even know! I just love reading about your day to day stuff and that you are all growing and learning to live everyday. You are just an inspiration!
Thank you for sharing with us!
-Trish
from ALASKA
Jenny,
I too was a babycenter December 03 mommy. My son Parker was born 12/5.I have been following Allie's story since the beginning and continue to check in at least once a day but I have never posted. I love hearing about Maggie and all your great updates. I am constantly in awe of your strength and compassion.
I started reading your site right after Allie died. I read every entry in one sitting. I loved your post about your dad. I too am a Hoosier and love John Cougar. I related to everything you said about the love your dad had for his home state of Indiana. I now live in Wisconsin.
Mrs. Scott,
This is Ishwariah. I keep waiting to comment, thinking that eventually the comments will calm down, but everytime I come to the site, it keeps increasing!!! I think your goal should be a 1000 comments for the next post : )
Loved your post about your dad and every other post before it : )
Hi Jenny! It's me Manisha Yeager, formerly from Houston, Texas, then formerly from DFW. I moved to Georgia when I had my accident so my parents could help me take care of my son. I have followed you since Allie and probably will read until you decide to stop blogging!
Hi Jenny! It's me Manisha Yeager, formerly from Houston, Texas, then formerly from DFW. I moved to Georgia when I had my accident so my parents could help me take care of my son. I have followed you since Allie and probably will read until you decide to stop blogging! I love reading about Maggie and BeBe, lol.
Hi, Jenny. I'm another mom who found this site via babycenter, when we were all praying for Allie. Then I followed your story on Scotthousehold.com then followed everyone else here.
I enjoy reading about your exploits with Maggie and HFC. I have so much respect for what you do.
Hi Jenny,
I signed up for Babycenter when my niece was born in December, 2003. I read along to keep up with what other babies her age were up to. Like a lot of other people, I really took Allie's story to heart and I've been reading along ever since! I love your writing style and always look forward to new posts.
Laura W from St. Louis, MO
Hi Jenny,
I have been reading your posts since your Allie website. I was a March 2004 babycenter mom and was very touched by your story and now love to hear how you and your family are doing.
Both Allie and Maggie are beautiful.
Kristi
Twinsburg, OH
Hi Jenny, I too followed you from Allie's site. What can I say, I am addicted to your family, and now to your absolutely adorable Maggie! (She reminds me so much of my own daughter!!!)
I am one of those readers from Canada (Edmonton, Alberta to be exact).
I live in Mtn. City TN. I also blog at http://raleighsmom.blogspot.com
Someone on one of my mom's board has posted info about Allie, so I started reading then!
I have followed your family since Allie. You are a very strong women with an amazing family. Andrew is a wonderful husband, and Allie and Maggie are beautiful children.
Stacie from St Louis Missouri
OK Jenny, you finally got me to post a comment. Many times I've wanted to leave a one, but I never felt that my lowly words could ever make a dent in what you were going through. I guess there IS power in numbers. Here goes.
I first read about Allie on BabyCenter, as I was waiting for my Feb04 baby. All the bulletins were saying 'pray for baby Allie' and truthfully, I was reluctant to read the sad story of a very sick infant. Low and behold, I gave in and started reading the bulletins, then your first site for her updates, and now your blog.
And how grateful I am that I did.
Jenny, Allie is MY hero. You have no idea..how..many..people..her short life has touched. I thank you for sharing yours and her lives with me. Your strength and her struggle have made me a better person, a better Mommy. Because of Allie, I learned not to take a single breath for granted, and to savor every stressful phase with my then infant, toddler and now preschooler.
She has touched my life forever.
I have a little stuffed giraffe, I keep in my kitchen to remind me.
Let me now tell you a little about me. I work for a large insurance company. And what I do, is kind of behind the scenes but no less important then the big wigs...I process claims for Bone Marrow, Stem Cell, and Cord Blood Transplant patients. I follow the historys and pay thousands of claims for hundreds of patients a year. Hundreds of people like Allie. All ages, all walks of life, it doesn't matter. I do my job right, I go above and beyond and take pride in my work because I am giving those families one..less..thing..to worry about. When I am handling their files, that is my prayer for them, that is how I am doing my part to make things a little easier for them, It doesn't matter if the patient is loosing the battle or becomes a survivor. It doesn't matter to me if they ever know who I am. I do it for all the Allies. Thank you for her.
>>-SUZANNE-->
Hi Jenny,
I'm Heather from Amherst, Va I have been a long time member of Babycenter (since 2/99 while preg. with my first child) and came upon Allie's story back in 2003 (My son Dylan was born 6/5/03)I followed Allie's story on a daily basis. I have never shed so many tears or prayed so many prayers for a "stranger" I even had my church family add Allie to our prayer list. I will never forget the day I announced that Allie had lost her battle with Cancer. I have since followed your story and moved here to continue following your lives. I keep you all in my thoughts and prayes as well as HFC (I read that BLOG too!) I guess I have never posted due to thinking you would never have time to read all the comments people probably leave you! How strange that you haven't gotten that many (until today HAHA). Well, I am a talker and this has been long...oh well, you asked for it!! God Bless you all!
Hi, I'm "Nanny"! I started reading Allie's site the day the first Dallas Morning News article came out. From there I found Sam's site, then Fieldon's site...and it grew from there. Now I read so many CaringBridge sites and I thank you and Allie for first "showing" them to me!
I remember checking Allie's and Sam's sites even several times a day for updates. I cried so hard when she died, I rejoiced when Sam went into remission (and stayed there!). I even voted many times for Allie to win Texan of the Year and I proudly STILL display my friendsofallie.org license plate cover :-)
I read your updates eagerly, and I've loved watching sweet Maggie grow up.
Thank you for everything you do, Jenny...you inspire me, and amaze me. Thank you!
A long time lurker, started from Allie's site. My niece was diagnosed with ALL when she was 18 months. Since then she has relapsed and had a BMT. Right now she is cancer free, 6 years old and it will be 2 years in March since her transplant.
I continue to follow your story and love watching Maggie grow up. My daughter is 2 year old as well.
I remember reading about you and Allie in the Dallas Morning News during the summer before my 8th grade year. I checked up on Allie countless times a day. Now I am a junior at PESH and check up on Maggie as often as i can:]] Because Allie i am so muc h more aware of the frailty of human life and just how precious it is.I hope when i have kids one day I'm the type of mom you are.
I'm Emily, from Kentucky, and I started reading your precious words when I fell in love with Allie in the last months of her life, as she was just three months younger than my first baby girl. Since then, I've had two baby girls who took their own trips to the children's hospital. One of which was our baby, Miller Grace, who went on home to Heaven after five precious days this summer. It gives me hope to read of your life three years after losing your child. Thank you for being so honest and real. It's inspiring. :)
Hi Jenny,
I was a member of BabyCenter when my DD was an infant and learned of your original blog from there. Allie and your family touched my heart and changed my life. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think of Allie or your strength. You are an amazing woman!
Melissa in New Hampshire
Hi Jenny,
I started out on Allie's site after reading about her in the Dallas paper when we lived in Frisco. We've since moved down to Boerne, but I still follow your little family. I'm so amazed at the way you turned tragedy into triumph with HFC. My grandfather passed away of cancer last December, and my husband is helping to find a cure at the Cancer Therapy and Research Center in San Antonio (okay, he makes sure their computers work well, but hey, he's still helping!!).
May your holidays be blessed. Nice to meet you, too!
Tricia
Hi Jenny!
My name is Andrea and I live in Indianapolis. I first heard about Allie on a Dallas Stars message board of all places and began following your story after that. Your eloquence in telling your story drew me in and I've been addicted ever since. I cried when Allie passed away and I cried again when Maggie entered the world. I feel honored to be able to witness the your lives on this blog and on the Hero's site.
Hi Scott Family -
I am also a babycenter member who followed Allie's story. While I have never stopped following your story, last year I began checking in on you more frequently when my Kayla was diagnosed with cancer on 9.13.06 at the age of 3.5. I have found tremendous strength in reading your posts in ways that I just can't explain. Somehow I've connected with you (I know - strange coming from someone you've never heard of on the other side of the country!) While no two journeys are the same, there is still something I connect with in another mom who has walked this road. And like you - I've also lost a parent to cancer far too early. My mom (who my daughter is also named after) passed 4.8.01 of cancer - we recently honored her on her birthday Dec. 10th. I loved your post honoring your dad. I can even relate to your teaching stories - as I'm a teacher myself.
Anyway - that's way more than you ever wanted to hear from one of your followers who has been truly inspired by your strength.
Enjoy your holidays with that beautiful little girl of yours! (oh - and let me tell you just how jealous I am that Maggie is potty trained! My son is only a few days older than your Maggie and he has ZERO interest in the potty!)
karen3480 said...
I'm Karen and I'm a lurker from NJ, I've visited TX before,my older bro went the University of Dallas in Irving.I loved the bronze mustangs. I get excited when I get HFTC mail from you guys and try to make donations. I like to read about what's going on. I'm also a lurker on Aiden and Brandon's website thanks to you
:-)
I have been around since the the last few months of Allie's life. I learned about her site through the Jessica Simpson message board someone from TX posted that a sick baby named Allie needed prayers requests.
I think everyone has known at least one person who has battled cancer. My great-grandmother had colon cancer and lived for 15 years after surgery,my mom sister died of colon cancer in 2002,skin cancer is on my mother and fathers sides of the family but the less serious kind...I forget which one that is. My 22 year old cousin in Spain had testicular cancer when he was 19, my 2nd cousin died of leukemia when he was 4 back in the 70's. And my mom was diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer 3 years ago,she had 38 radiation treatments and a lumpectomy,she now takes Tamoxifen and is doing great. I think cancer care has come a long way but we have to go even further to knock out all cancers.
Have you guys ever thought of making Heroes a national or international organization to help people outside of Texas. Just a thought. My company is doing something new this year for Christmas and instead of getting gifts for multiple poor children they've chosen a new charity this year. We're sponsoring one family with a sick child. Our major local hospital in NJ here is Hackensack University Medical Center aka (HUMED). They have an organization similar to Heroes called "Tomorrows Children's Fund"
http://www.atcfkid.com/about_tcf.php
Like your organization they are not only helping the sick child but the whole family. The girl's name is Alexandra Dimouska she's 11and has cancer. So please pray for her and her family
The family is asking for:
Alexandra:
Baby that cries
Baby carrier
Bulletin Board
and size 10-12 clothing
Christine-16 year old sister
Clothing gift card
Bedroom make over
(pillows,puffy slippers medium,lamp-all same color for bedroom
Mom and Dad
clothing size large
Also Gift cards to Shop Rite or Path Mark
I really hope this family gets everything they want. I think organizations like yours are awesome.
And if you ever need volunteers in NJ I'm available.
Karen in Ringwood
I have followed you for awhile now;commenting a few times during Allie's illness. I'm from St. Louis
Hi Jenny,
My name is Joana and I live in Corpus Christi with my husband and two daughters, Jackie(3)and Julia(1). I've been following your story since 2004 and I just have to say that I was so moved by Allie's battle with cancer and your journal. Your girls are absolute dolls and I think you are truly an inspiration.
Sincerely,
Joana
Hi Jenny ~ Like so many others, I have been a long time follower. I also have Dec baby, a year before Allie. I followed the link on a post that said, "A Dec baby needs your prayers." I read and prayed and cried for your family and sweet Allie.
I always think of you in Dec when I am stressing over the holidays and planning for a Dec birthday (which is usually celebrated in Jan). My cousin lost her son Julian in 2003 to AML. He was two and a half. He was also a Dec baby, a year older than mine. My heart goes out to both of you every year.
I am currently a social work major. Last year I had the opportunity to intern at our children's hospital in oncology. It was am amazing experience. I hope to be back when I complete my program. (I hope Tracey does too.)
I don't think I have commented. Just never seemed to have anything to say. Must admit, it's been neat to read about all the people who read. (Tracey, see what I mean about procrastinating).
Wishing a Happy December, full of happy memories both old and new.
Sheri in CA
hi, i had dropped you some comments in this blog once in awhile...i have started reading your blog toward the end of Allie's journey on earth...and have not stopped since...my name is jin from singapore, you are welcome read my blog of my two 'monsters', a 5yo boy and a 2yo girl, jinsiew.livejournal.com.
Hi, I'm Hannah (Mum to 3 precious boys). I live in AUSTRALIA......and love reading about your life!!!
Hello! I am Rachel from Indiana. I have been following from the wonderful days of precious Allie! I love reading your blog and seeing your beautiful daughters everyday. Thank you for all that you do!
Hi! I am Sarah from New York!
I can't even remember how I found your family website, but your story captivated me and I've been reading it since Allie was sick.
I love reading your blogs but was always hesitant to comment.
Happy Holidays!
Sarah
Jenny,
I'm a loyal reader in Chesterfield Twp, MI (outside of Detroit). I heard about your story from BabyCenter.com while Allie was sick (and I was expecting my 1st little one) and have followed your story since then.
The grace and strength that you have shown through your messages over the last few years has often filled me with amazement.
I truly owe you a huge THANK YOU for the things that you've opened my eyes to. There is not a day that goes by that I don't hug my kids one extra squeeze because I think about what you and Andrew lost. I've shared your stories with many of my friends and family - it is just incredible that your beautiful Allie has touched so many and continues to touch so many with the work you do in her honor. She was very blessed to have parents that are using their loss to change the world.
Thank you, Julia Bingham (& 2 little ones - Billy - 1/2005 & Reagan - 5/2006)
Hi Jenny, I followed Allie's site from time to time after being directed there from a family from my parent's hometown whose daughter had AML.
You've handled what would destroy most people with poise, dignity, and courage, and have gone on to make a significant difference in her honor. You are truly remarkable.
Hi Jenny,
I'm Brenda from Puerto Rico. I heard about Allie's story in Babycenter.com and then I followed the story in your website. Im a loyal reader. Love reading your blog and seeing you beautiful Maggie.
Happy Holidays!!!!
Brends
Hi,
I'm Jill and I live in the Dallas area. I first heard about your family from posts on babycenter in 2004. I have followed your blogs ever since. I think you and your husband are so strong and amazing parents.
Fun fact: My husbands name is Andrew also and I have a 3 year old named Maggie who calls my Mom "Ga Ga" also. Must be a Maggie thing!
Well - I've never been one too shy to post - I've posted comments on here from time to time. But I guess with all the hits you have you must wonder where we all come from. I have been in on the ride with Ally from the time you found out - I was a December BBC Mommy, so it really hit us all on the board really hard. Back then you probably knew me (or there were so many mommy's you may not have "known" me at all) as Jenng73 - Abby's mom. As long as you have a blog, you have an avid fan. And tell Andrew that you are that interesting. :) You have made me laugh and cry with your wonderful words!
I first heard about your family when I was visiting my July 2003 BBC Birth Board. Allie's story was mentioned there, and I followed her story through your other site. I've continued to keep up with you all through your blog. You are truly an inspiring and awesome family. May God continue to bless you all daily! Happy holidays!
Jenny,
I'm another Babycenter member. I remember seeing a link to your website on my March'04 birth board a little while after Allie was diagnosed. I checked everyday for your updates and cried with you when Allie passed. It had become a daily thing for me to check on you all so I just kept visiting.
I remember when you had Maggie that your friend Dana was posting updates to her (or your) website and I was so excited for you that I kept hitting refresh on the computer all day. I didn't want to miss anything! It sounds pretty freaky now that I've written out!
I wish you all the best for Allie's birthday next week and for a great Christmas.
Shannon in upstate New York
Hi Jenny! i've been following your story for years and years, actually starting with a day or two after Allie passed away, a friend was talking about her so I read your whole website after that. I have found other little ones with cancer through Allie and you, and I still continue to keep in touch with some of them! At any rate, I have 2 littl eones: a soon to be 6 year old and Gabby who turned 2 this past Tuesday. I have 3 dogs (well, 2 of my own and 1 is a foster dog). I work at the Census Bureau doing contract management for the 2010 Census. That's about it, I'm rather boring :-)
Hugs,
Dana
Hi Jenny,
I actually started reading your blogging when you first started writing about Allie. I have a good friend that lives in Texas and her little boy had to have some pretty major heart surgeries and was in the hospital for along time. She had a blog to keep us updated on Matthews progress and she is the one that pointed me in your directions. I will never forget some of the beautiful words you wrote during such a difficult time in your life and I feel very blessed to have felt like I was a part of your life at that time. I love reading updates from you still you are a great writer. I live in Iowa and have never actually been to Texas but plan to visit some day.
Hi. I'm not really sure how I found your blog. I've been connected to someone else who reads you certainly. I'm in Missouri and don't really have much in common with you. I'm single and don't have kids. I just like your writting style and have been drawn in. I think it's great the things that you do and the people that you help.
Sara from Vancouver Canada. I have followed Allie's journey since May/June 2004. She has inspired me to get involved in the fight against canacer both financially and personally. I donate blood and platelets regularly and have donated bone marrow 2 times and I am in the process of testing for a third. Allie has been my call to action and following your happiness after all your sadness feels right. Maggie is such an adorable toddler. Her smile is contageous.
Jenny,
I am not sure how I wondered upon Allie's site years ago but I have enjoyed reading your blogs. You have 2 beautiful daughters.
Merry Christmas!
Kendra in Houston, Texas
I'm amazed! I'm not the only Allie fan who still cheers on for your precious family! Skimming these comments brings tears to my eyes...you are loved!! We lived in Plano when Allie was sick - cried hard when she went to heaven. Cheered and rejoiced with Maggie. Moved by the post about your Dad the other day...yeah, I'm a fan for sure. I check on you all the time! I live in Tyler now...not too far away. Many blessings to all of you this Christmas season!
Hi Jenny,
I found you through a pregnancy message board I was cruising through, back when Allie first was diagnosed. You are such an amazing writer, I felt like I was your friend and you were writing to pour your heart out to me......so I cried with you, rejoiced with you.......you name it I was with you all the way. If you had a counter back then you would see I have logged in almost every day for years, lol.
Merry Christmas!
Michelle in Menifee California
Jenny,
I have followed your story since right after Allie passed away. I don't comment alot, but I do read all your post. I loved the one about your dad, it was so sweet. Love miss Maggie and I hope Brandy is doing better.
Carmen
Hi Jenny
I am also a long time reader. I followed you here from Allie's site. I live in McKinney (we're neighbors!!) and I originally saw you guys on the news. I have walked twice in Plano for Light the Night in honor of Allie. Your family has touched my heart and my life more than you will ever know. I love reading about everything you do to raise awareness of childhood cancer. You have a beautiful family and a beautiful soul. I hope Brandy is doing well. We just spent $800 on our first "baby" who is 10, to remove cancer from his back. They were able to get it all, otherwise we were looking at chemo and radiation. We do what it takes for our furbabies. ;)
Hi from San Diego!
I followed Allie's story, and continued to follow you over here. You and your family, and HFC are an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us, as it has made me look at my life differently.
Another Jenny ;)
Hi Jenny. Long time reader...only ever commented once or twice. I used to read your Allie site...which I found through my Babycenter birth month group...someone in my group saw something in December 2003, mentioned it, I tracked it down and became very attached. I used to sit up until well past midnight waiting for the updates of the day.
You inspire me with what you have made of your life and Allie's Legacy.
:-)
Loni
Jeez la wheeze, what did I miss??
Are you starting a revolution. :)
Hi Jenny! I know long time no post...I've followed Allie's story since the Babycenter Days:)I was part of the Nov & Dec 2003 groups. I'm from Jacksonville, FL & check your blog at least every other day! You have such a way with words. I wish I could put my feelings into words the way you do so well. Cried happy tears threw the whole post about your Dad sounds like a great great man.
Priscilla
Hey there! Long-time reader who found you through BabyCenter. I also find you inspiring and thoroughly enjoy reading your blog.
Hi Jenny,
I "met" you & your family thru a mommy board when Allie was ill. My son was born in August 2003 & I would often think of you & Allie when we were going thru difficult stages with him. I had to remind myself how lucky I was that I had a healthy little boy doing all those crazy things.
Thanks for not making us feel like stalkers for still following your story. It's nice to know I wasn't the only person still checking in on you guys! :>)
Well I'm going to try this again because my last post didn't show up (so ignore if this a repeat). I started following your story when Allie was diagnosed and found out about her through babycenter. I live in Missouri (we had a bad ice storm and just got power so that's what I'm late commenting). I'm a sahm to Tyler(6) and Allyson (5). We were a part of Allie's team for the LTN for 3 years. I was unable to be the team captain this year because of scheduling conflicts. The kids were also disappointed so they held a lemonade stand over the summer and donated the proceeds to HFC. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. It's bonded us as a family and enabled us to teach our children some very life lessons. Have a happy holiday!
I came to your blog through Allie's website. I have followed your story a long time. I greatly admire what you have done with your foundation. I loved the name Maggie, so please don't be offended when I tell you that I named my precious puppy Maggie also. My older dog had the same surgery that Brandy had. It was tough, but she has done great and she's now 11.
I originally heard about Allie on a Gymboree group when people were trying to help you find a giraffe hat. From there, I followed Allie's journal and have just kept on coming back. I love to see you posting and hear about all of the good things that have come to you through Allie.
Hi Jenny,
I'm another Dec '03 bbc mom as well and i'm from Illinois. I love your writing. Maggie is absolutely beautiful as was Allie.
Hi Jenny,
I was an avid reader of Allie's journal. I checked the site several times a day waiting for an update on that sweet, precious little angel. I cried when she passed away. After following Allie's story for so long I felt as though I knew you, even though we've never met, so I just had to follow you over here.
I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
Megan
Just saying hi and introducing myself, Jenny. I've read your story in wonder and amazement since Allie first became sick.
Your daughters are both gorgeous & your blog makes for a fun read!
ps...I wish Sugar Photography was in the northeast... she is amazing!
Erin in NH
Hi Jenny,
I am an avid reader and I've been a follower from the beginning !
I first heard your story on BabyCentre.
I live in Eastern Canada, the smallest province ...Prince Edward Island. I am a teacher with one 4 year old son.
Thanks for all the tears and smiles.
Your life is a great read that never fails to inspire me.
Merry Christmas !
Hi Jenny! I found your old site through one of my friends shortly after Allie passed away and have been folllowing your story ever since. Your ability to share your pain AND joy with others is remarkable. I'm 20 years old (and a French major!), have no children, but love reading your blog. Maggie is adorable (love those curls!) and I'm sure her big sister is watching over her every day with a big smile on her face. Thank you for writing about your life. From what I've read it seems that you are very blessed.
I hope you have a very happy Allie day tomorrow and a Merry Christmas!
Okay, you caught me! I'm a long-time reader - since you started posting Allie's story. I was given the link by someone on a bulletin board I belong to for women who have lost a child through miscarriage. I've been reading ever since. I've gone back to school now that my kids are in school, and in May I'll be an RN. Allie and all of the other children whom I've "met" online have inspired me to choose pediatric oncology as my area of specialty! Thanks! And thoughts for you and your family as Allie's birthday approaches. Thanks for sharing her story and yours!
Allie's site was the first blog I ever followed. I found it around the first time you were 'praying for pee', and was hooked. I read your entire journal history that first night, and was there everyday thereafter. I visited Allie's site every day until you started this one.
Allie and you taught me to be the kind of mother I am now. You taught me to cherish every single second, to be in the moment with my child (well, children now, I've just had a new baby boy). Thanks to you and Allie, I'm so proud of the mother I am.
From Allie, I then went on to over 100 Caringbridge sites. But only one (Jacob) has been able to touch me the same way miss AllieCat did.
Thank you for sharing her with us. And for letting us all get to know Maggie too.
I'm in Australia, by the way. And am hoping next year to study nursing, with a view to going into Paediatric Oncology. I want to be the kind of nurse that would have helped you and Andrew, and been a comfort to your baby girl.
Hi Jenny,
I learned about Allie on the Jan. 04' bbc site. Someone had posted about Allie and her being one month behind our kids. I then went to her first site you had, Allie's Angels, Friends of Allie, and now here. She sure touched my heart and I followed daily, praying all the while. I will never forget the week you all started "comfort measures" for Allie. I was on vacation in NH, didn't have access to a computer, but had to find a library to check in on her. When I read that post with my own 9 month old on my lap, looking outside at the pouring rain my heart sank. I cried the morning I read of her passing and think of you all often. She has made me a better mother, friend, daughter, wife, etc. I never had a person I never met touch my heart as much as your Allie. I have three sons of my own and thank god everyday for them. I think you are a remarkable woman and I sincerely wish your family all the best. I also thank you for sharing your daughter and your life with all of us. Happy Holiday to you.
Allie from Bristol, CT
I can't even remember when or where I found you..I followed Allie's story...maybe from babycenter..I have one Allie's age (and Maggies too!, plus another)
My name is Karen. I am from NYC (Staten Island) and have been reading and following your blogs for ages now..I think I found your site by accident, this was when Allie was sick, way before she passed, and I have prayed for her and rejoiced with the news of Maggie.. and her birth. I have a Allies Angels magnet on my fridge in Giraffe print that I get to see everyday!! I have two children, Nichoals (4) and Kristin (19 months) and I have to tell you that you are an inspiration to anyone everywhere, esp. those with kids. You are a brave woman and a hero to children. Keep up with all you do and please don't stop blogging.... I love your tree and ornaments! That one for Allie is really special!
Karen
Hi Jenny - I "met" you through BabyCenter.com. I was a Dec 2002 mom. I followed Allie's battle with cancer and I remember crying so much when she earned her angel wings. I think of you and Andrew often and visit this site a couple of times a month.
I am very glad to hear that Heroes for Children is doing so well...and doing so much good for other families. I hope you do not mind, but I gave your name and site info to another young mother who lost her baby to cancer 2 weeks ago. She is starting a foundation of her own, and I immediately thought of you and all of the success you have had. Maybe she'll reach out to you for some inspiration or insight.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas. Happy Birthday Allie! Please sprinkle some angel kisses on your Mom and Dad today.
Kristi
Middletown, DE
How could I resist the opportunity to say hello? I'm a local (resident of Frisco), and originally found out about Allie when someone posted your website on frisco-online.com. I fell in love with that sweet baby girl immediately!
Over the past few years, I've participated in the Light the Night Walk, the Heroes for Children 5K and have donated to HFC - along with countless other small donations I have made, all because of that sweet, sweet baby girl.
I'm so thankful to be able to see your family continue along the journey of life and receive so many of life's blessings! God bless!
Because you know I'm consistently a day late and a dollar short, I'm signing in as another proud Mama's on a Playdate reader.
Just, you know, one week and 274 comments later.
Reading all of these incredible comments only confirms what I've said before: you are the most amazing person I've ever known in real life.
Amy
P.S. And no, I'm not just saying this because you got a comment from Megan, and I NEVER get a comment from Megan! Harumph. ;)
Yeah, I'm a little late.. Hi Jenny!! I've followed Allie's story from Babycenter days. I became an avid scottshousehold reader and now your blog! I love checking up on lil' Maggie and seeing your world.
xoxo
Hi Jenny!
I don't even remember how I found Allie's site, all I know is that she captured my heart and I've been hooked ever since. I've cried happy and sad tears in the last 3 1/2 years with everyone else who fell in love with Allie.
I've also followed many other families thru Caringbridge and I've spent hundreds of hours reading thru their sites. They are difficult to read at times, but they have made me a better person, wife, mother and nurse.
Thank you for continuing to write about your journey in life.
Brooke ( in Kansas)
I am a few days behind, but stopping in to say hi! I am an orginal follower from Allie, and a FOH member. I have such admiration for you and your family, and I can truly say Allie changed my life in so many ways. Now I see each day as a blessing. I now see the many faces of childhood cancer and want to do something about it. I love checking on you and your family and look forward to your blogs.
Happy Holidays!
Hi!! I've kept up with your family since before Allie passed. I lit a candle for her during those last few days all the way in Hawaii. We are now in Arkansas, as my husband is a US Marine. I keep up with y'all through here now! It's great to see how happy y'all are and still honor Allie's memory. I am thoroughly enjoying watching Maggie grow up, it seems like yesterday you were announcing your pregnancy! You and Andrew are terrific, loving parents.
Merrry Christmas y'all!
Hey Jenny!
Remember you from Babycenter- my son was born Feb '04 and I would always read the December board to see what the older babies were up to. My husband and I followed Allie's story all the way through and kept up with you through the years.
Love seeing the amazing work you are doing and seeing beautiful Maggie!!!
AND Brandy ;)
We have laughed with you and cried with you... thanks girl..
Karen from Maine
Greetings from the windy city! Like many of the others, I have been following your lives since the early days of Allie's illness. I first learned about Allie from Babycenter. I continue to check in to read updates. Allie and the rest of your family have touched so many lives, and continue to do so. Keep up the good work!
Pam from Chicago
I just came to read your blog because I was looking for sugar photography and remembered how she takes wonderful photos of your darling family. I have been a long time reader of your blogs, originating with scotthousehold. Little Allie still pops up in my dreams, memories, prayers and I only hope for the best for you, Andrew, Maggie & Brandy for many more years to come!
Amanda
Avondale, AZ
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