So, now you've come out and said hello. Don't be a stranger. Blogs are meant to be interactive. That is why there is a comment section! Now, I can't promise that my blog will stir controversy (like some people sometimes have on their blogs), and it may just be about my family or my opinions about something, but you are welcome to comment too.
Nice to meet you all (and yes, I read ALL the comments--as of now--all 224 of them!)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Well nice to meet you!!
"You asked for it!" I loved seeing that comment from you all! Yes, I asked for it. It has been so interesting to watch the comments come in. And keep coming. Oh wait, and now there's more! Thank you all for your sweet words about my girls. With Allie's birthday Monday, I am even more acutely aware of her absense. I appreciate beyond words the love and support to my Allie. You're right--she was pretty darn incredible.
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34 comments:
Hi Jenny! Well, you may remember me as a frequent poster to your old website, and followed your story with Allie while she was sick. Posted on the FOA website for awhile, too. I'm from Virginia, and just love hearing about how Maggie is doing, and still love hearing stories of Allie. That child has made me a better mommy. Thank you so much for sharing her with us.
Maybe one day I will come into the Heros office while I am in Texas. What could we get started in Washington state?
Linda
Linda--we welcome anyone to visit us at the HFC office!! So long as they don't mind stepping over a box or two. It always seems like there is something. Currently our office is lined with gift bags from a first grade class for cancer kids. They are so cute!
Hi Jenny,
I have been following your story soon after Allie was diagnosed w/ cancer. I am a teacher in Richardson and my husband and I live in Plano w/ our 3 children, 17, 15 and 7 years of age.
I left several comments during your journal of Allie and she was constantly in my prayers. I was also one of the many who gave platelets to her when she was fighting so valliantly. I had the pleasure of meeting you at Medical City during her Candlelight Vigil. I know you met so many people and it was probably a blur to you, but I know you will always remember what a special night that was. I was so honored to be a part of that in honor of your brave, courageous and precious baby girl.
I still check in from time to time to see how you are doing and it does my heart good to know you are so happy and making such a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.
BTW, Maggie is just gorgeous...those big blue eyes of hers and long eyelashes are so beautiful. You both deserve every happiness and I am so glad God and Allie brought this little blessing into your lives.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2008!
~Kelly May
Hi Jenny!
This is actually my first ever comment to your blog, though I started reading everything you write back when Allie was in the hospital. My youngest is just a month younger than Allie. I spend countless nights sobbing over your posts and feeling the deep unfairness of what happened to her and all of you. And being impressed by the love you and your husband have lived out for each other.
About me: I'm from Chicago but came to Hungary as an exchange student in college and just stayed here. I now have three kids (daughter 12, sons 6 and almost 4) and have settled here permanently. I do freelance translation work, so I'm on the computer a lot, which also helps me feel connected with my home culture. Before I went on to become a linguist, my very first foreign language was French, in high school :)
I'm so happy that you have your wonderful Maggie (nice name!!) and that she is healthy. You all are a gorgeous family. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Jenny,
I have a question for you....
I have just created a blog and am going to try to blog things too. What do you use as a tracker and how did you get it on your blog?
Thanks
Michelle
http://michellesdivorceblog.blogspot.com/
I have been following your site ever since you were at TheScottshousehold. I love hearing about Maggie! She and Allie are beautiful!!
Controversial?
MOI?
But I'm a goddamned peach. I don't know what you're talking about!
It's so funny you said that, because I actually typed a total rant about the "Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas" debate last night, but haven't posted it, because I just KNOW it will piss off the masses. But then...it's been awhile since I've done that.
Hmmmm...
Hi! I'm Brooke, and have followed your story since Allie got sick. We live in OKC (We being, my husband, and our two kids, Oliver and Charlotte). Maggie is Precious!
Hey Jenny! Way back in 2004, I was on an IVillage parenting board when somebody posted Allie's story. I have a little girl who was born in November 2003, and your story struck a chord with me. I followed Allie's battle with hope and then tears. I actually have a journal that I've kept (well, now 2 volumes!) since I found out that I was pregnant with Brynn, and two entire entries are about Allie and her life, and how inspiring she was. So my children (if they ever care about Mom's old journal) will always know who your daughter is! Ever since then I've followed your story and love seeing how happy you are!
I don't use my blogspot account, but I do have a xanga, if you'd like to "see" me! It's www.xanga.com/rachbe83 :)
Hi Jenny,
I too followed your other website. I'm a mom to three in Michigan, an 8 year son and twin 6 year old daughters . I stay at home during the day doing all the mom things and get out at night to check my sanity at a part-time job.
Thanks for having us de-lurk!!!
Happy Holidays to you, Andrew and Maggie. I guess I shouldn't forget Brandy either!
I think another commenter said it quite well when she said "Allie made me a better mother to my kids." The same is true for me.
Hugs,
Jennifer
Hi Jenny,
One of the many that has followed Allie and Maggie and Brandy too. My son had a huge giraffe painted on his nursery wall and I will always remember rocking him to sleep the night Allie passed with tears streaming down my face and I stared at that giraffe.
Is it weird that I feel like we're friends even though you don't know me?
You are a blessed woman. I wish your family a very Merry Christmas. You have a very special Angel sitting atop your tree. :)
http://casacombs.blogspot.com/
Yep, you asked for it!
I'll be thinking of your and your family as you celebrate Allie's birthday next week.
Mary Beth
Thanks for making us lurkers feel welcome! There have been many times I've thought to say something and I just don't because I don't want to intrude on you. I'll feel more inclined to go ahead and say it in the future. ((((HUGS))))
Amy in Michigan
I am from Dallas and now living in Indiana. I have been following your family story since the fall of 2004. I love what you do and would love to see you go national!
I will be thinking of your family come Monday.
How is BB??? I had a golden and it broke my heart to see Brandy with a shaved behind!
Hi Jenny~
I've been following your website since Allie was diagnosed. I first heard of your story through Babycenter as my son was due in Jan 04. He is getting ready to turn four on 12/30. I also have an 18 month old son and am pregnant with twins. I am just behind your friend Debbie at 25 weeks, 5 days. I am having a boy & girl.
Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and say I love following your story. I'll be thinking of you and your family on Monday!!
Hugs,
Kelly in CO
We met on Babycenter, as I have three littles near your girls' ages. I followed your story on Allie's site and have continued ever since. Good to see the smiles here... Now get Dana blogging again, too!
Hi Jenny, I've followed your life through your websites for a few years now. I've posted a few times and have a blog of my own =)http://mamaof2psinapod.blogspot.com/
My daughter Piper turns 4 on Tuesday, the 18th, and every year since I first read about Miss Allie, we say a special prayer for her on the 17th. Piper refers to it as her birthday prayer for Angel Allie. I love seeing Maggie grow up before our eyes and hearing the stories of your lives. You seem to be a very strong person and I am grateful for HFC! I would love to get involved somehow, although I am in Kansas....Thinking of you!! Liz Dodds
Hi Jenny!! I have been following your blog since Allie got sick. I heard about your sweet little girl on Babycenter, and ever since I have been amazed by you and your family. Your strength amazes me the most! I come at least once a week if not more. I think you have such beautiful girls!! Maggie was born a week or two after my son, who was born on Oct 11th. By the way, congrats on the potty training!! My son is a long ways from that accomplishment!! Happy Holidays!!
Tammy in Pa
I've been following your journal from nearly the beginning. You have an amazing and wonderful family!
Hello to you! I've been visiting your web site for years now, and Allie's fight gave me reference and strength when my own son was in treatment for AML. Your Maggie was born not long after my twins, on my oldest son's birthday. I enjoy visiting with your family, and love to see your smiling faces.
Anne
http://archiesroom.com/blog ~or~
http://www.archiesroom.com
Hey Jenny,
LOL at Andrew's comment. Clearly you're Very interesting or why would we all be here? :)I think it's great your tracking us.
My name is Sandra and I live in Fremont, CA which is in Northern Calif in the San Francisco Bay Area. I work full-time. I have 2 daughters. Paula is 6 going on 15! and Shawna will be 5 in Janaury. I'm married to Todd and we have a dog named Rosie who is 10 mos old now. Although, my husband doesn't necessarily agree she's a dog. She's a LhasaPoo (cute as a button) and he likes BIG dogs like Alaskan Malamutes. He really wasn't ready for a dog, but I was. For me it was either get a dog, or get pregnant and we did not want another baby, but my body was sending me the baby urges. A puppy fixed it for me. The compromise was he wanted a non-shedding, non-barking, non-pooping dog. He got 2 out of 3. haha
I learned of you during Allie's illness. A mom from my mommy board mentioned something about Allie either in her journal or on our board. I've been reading ever since. I've donated to HFC so I get occasional updates via email or snail mail. That sometimes triggers me in remembering I haven't checked in on you in awhile.
Maggie is just adorable! She's such a hoot! Allie is of course the sweetest angel ever. Speaking of her, a local glass jewelry maker near me makes a Giraffe Series that you should check out if you're interested. I thought of you and Allie immediately when I saw them. If you google "Corrie Glass Niles" his website should come up. His Grandson inspired him to make them actually.
Hi Jenny,
I'm yet another "Jen" who has been following your blogs since Allie was sick. I have three little ones of my own (ages 9, 6 and 2) and it broke my heart reading about what you and your family had to go through when your beautiful girl was sick. I guess I just got so used to reading your blog that when you moved here, I thought I'd keep on reading to see where your life's adventures would take you and your family! Maggie and my son are just a few months apart, so it's fun to hear your stories about her that are so similar to what I'm going through with my son at this age. Anyways, thanks for letting us be peeping tom's into your corner of the world for so long now! You are a very brave, strong woman who is doing sooo much with HFC...you should be so proud of all of your accomplishments!
So nice to meet you too!!!
Jen from Denver
Hi, Jenny! I actually can't recall if I posted under your last entry or not. So I'm introducing myself again. :-)
I heard of Allie's site, from a friend, back in Spring of 2004. Even though she was only a few months old, she taught me so much. And, the chubbiness...my goodness those adorable rolls!
Now, I love reading your updates on Maggie and on life in general. The photo header of her lifting her sweater is hilarious. My three year old son just did that during his preschool Thanksgiving concert. Lifting his shirt as well as ripping the buttons apart at the top to show his imaginary Superman "S" on his chest. Yes, he did this as his little class was singing on stage. All that can be heard on the video is my laughing! Anyway...
Happy Holidays!
Hi Jenny,
I just wanted to leave a comment. I had found the incredible story about Allie on the BabyCenter Birth Club boards and followed the story faithfully and still do follow your blog. I love to hear about the Hero for Childrens activities and events. Unfortunately I leave in Pittsburgh, PA so I can't volunteer for anything but I have gotten involved in organizations that I am not sure I would have previously.
I have a son that is 2 so your stories about Maggie relate to my life so much!
Take care and have a wonderful day!
Christie
Pittsburgh, PA
Jenny~I have been following your story from when Allie got sick. I have cried many tears and felt so much sorrow for you and your family. I continue to read your blog weekly and really enjoy reading about your many adventures with Maggie and your awesome group of friends. You are a great writer and have taught me so much about childhood cancer and stregnth. Last year I losty Dad to lung cancer. It was so devastating. I would love to get involved in helping the fight against cancer in Sacramento but don't know where to start. I would like to somehow help other families cope. Any suggestions?
~Jessica
Jen,
I'm one of those people that has never posted... never offered words of sympathy, encouragment or love. I guess as a total stranger I have felt like there isn't anything that I could say that would be of value or support. I would just quietly check to see how Allie was doing. Cried when she passed, smiled when I learned you were pregnant, then cried when Maggie was born.
I've been watching your beautiful family's progress for so long, it took me a minute to remember how I even found you. Eight years ago I moved from Arizona to Utah, leaving behind all of my friends. Two weeks later I discovered I was pregnant with my fifth child in 6 years. I was sad, lonely, and overwhelmed. One day on the Internet I found an iVillage message board full of moms who were all expecting the same month I was, May 2000. This was my first introduction to cyber socialization.
In 2004, I decided to visit the May 2000 Playgroup to see if any of my old "friends" were still there. There was a post requesting prayers for a little girl from a December playgroup. I clicked on the link, and Allie grabbed onto my heart and she's never let go since.
And that is how I found you.
Yeah....just realized that my Xanga was blocked...now it's not, in case you were wondering! :)
Hi
I too, like so many others, have been following you since Allie's journey. I have been so touched by your words and I check on your site almost daily.
You are an inspiration. And I love seeing cute little Maggie.
I do have one question for you now.....can you help with adding a stat counter to my site?!?
You could email me the information, that would be wonderful!!
Hope your family has a wonderful holiday!!
Hey Jenny,
I just started to read your blog again a couple of weeks ago. I was an avid reader with gorgeous Allie and became a volunteer with HFC a couple of years ago. I also had the opportunity to meet you at your home with some of the other volunteers. You were pregnant with Miss Maggie.
My has she grown, what a doll. I can remember checking your blog non-stop while you were in labor with her.
I had to step away from HFC because of family issues, but I would like to volunteer in my free time. I only had one little girl, Taylor, when I volunteered. I am now blessed with my daughter Samantha who was born in October of this yr. Between nursing scool, work and the kids, I would love to catch up with HFC.
Merry Christmas!!
Natalie Willingham
I've been following your website since Allie was diagnosed. I first heard of your story through Babycenter. My name is Sheila from Phoenix, AZ. I spoke to you a few times last year when my husband won an award at work and his employer would contribute to a charity of his choice. Heroes for Children was the first to come to mind.
Anyway,I just wanted to say hello and I love following your story. I'll be thinking of you and your family on Monday!!
Hi Jenny, I have followed your site since Allie's diagnoses. I have volunteered at your 5K for the past two years...and will be back next year.
Allie has changed me & my life in many ways. I now follow several children via Caringbridge and Care Pages. I plan on volunteering at Camp Hope in Kansas this summer; I try to do just about anything I can for our cancer babies.
Amytime you are ready to expand Heroes for Children... I am seriously ready to take on that challenge here in Kansas.
Thanks again for sharing Allie & Maggie.
Carrie Wunsch
Hi Jenny,
I have been reading your blog for a few months now. I found it through Sarah Harrington's blog and I am so glad that I did. I love reading about Allie and Maggie and HFC.
I have my own little Maggie. Maggie Jane was born on 4/4/07 with a severe heart defect. She has done amazingly well through two open heart sugeries and has one more to go. She is our miracle baby. We also have a 2 year old little man, Trent. They are my world.
I love your Sugar pictures. My mom is a photographer so we love to check out Sugar Photographies newest shoots.
Thanks for your writing and for sharing your life.
http://www.republicansoccermom.typepad.com
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