I know, call me CRAZY! Don’t commit me yet!!
I decided on a huge whim that I am NOT making my Christmas cards this year! I BOUGHT THEM!!
Before you pass out from the shock, keep reading.
So I was going though my emails, and I had one in there from the American Cancer Society.
This is what it read:
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This year, do two good deeds at once by sending your holiday greetings in a card designed by the American Cancer Society, New England Division.We have six cards to choose from.All cards will say: In the spirit of the holiday season a contribution in your honor has been made to the American Cancer Society, and you get to choose the sentiment.There are no fees for printing, shipping, or processing, and 100% of your donation will help the American Cancer Society continue its programs of public education, patient support, lifesaving research, and advocacy for social policies that reduce the public’s cancer risk.
You should have your cards in hand within 5 to 7 days business days of placing your order.
View them now and place your order online.
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How could I NOT do this?
Christmas time for me is always sentimental for me. I ALWAYS look at the photos from the Christmas right before Alexa got diagnosed with Leukemia. I get a huge wave of emotions this time of year. So much can change year to year.
This one in photo in particular, ALWAYS stands out to me.
Her long dark brown hair. So shiny and thick. You cannot tell by the photo but it was down to her waist. She looked so happy, and full of life. Christmas for Alexa always begins in July! She gets out the movies and starts with the carols! She’s so funny.
I often wondered if that would be her last Christmas, once she got sick. I HATE those photos of her. It makes me really remember that you never know what may come from one year to the next. Who will be with you, who won’t. What can change in a single second.
I felt so vulnerable. Something I loved more than anything was threatened to be taken away by a horrific disease. There were too many scary times to count. So many times I planned her funeral in my head. Im not saying that to be morbid and negative, its just the raw truth of what you are faced with. I often would not let my mind wander, for the thoughts that would fill it were awful. Many tears flowed, and still do time to time. I don’t think I let myself deal with it head on. I couldn’t let it all in then. I still feel like it was one big BLUR. Two and a half years of going through the motions.
Then came the following year, Alexa and her now bald head, holding her gingerbread house. She was so proud of that house. Again full of life, happiness and the magic she once had. I was amazed at her, being a typical kid, after everything she had gone through, once again so happy.
That photo makes me happier that the one before. It is proof that God can answer prayers, and that research makes a difference. Too many other mommies lost their babies before me, so that research could later save mine. My baby is still here, but no one is promised tomorrow, NO ONE. When you come close to feeling that, it never leaves.
I cannot tell you how thankful “I” am personally for all the research that has been done over the past decade. I learned that had Alexa got sick just 10-12 years ago she would have most likely received a death sentence with her diagnosis! But with research she had a 96% Cure rate, and is currently in remission! The fear never leaves, but I truly believe she has beat this. I believe God has big plans for Alexa.
I thank God DAILY for that. There are no words to say what that gift means to me. So I decided I would support a cause I was affected by and believe in, and at the same time I make a small difference, and let go of the STRESS of making all my holiday cards!! Its the one thing I don’t enjoy about the holidays. I am relieving myself of that and the guilt this year!
Now don’t think I’m not going to make stuff for the holidays, I absolutely am! I have my new My Timeless Templates, and other fun ideas that will help with that. I just decided this was a nice thing to support, and gave me a fabulous excuse out of something that stresses me out every year, as I’m not big on mass production, and it will allow me more time to focus on HANDMADE stuff for everyone again!
I will also include a photo of all of us in there, like I normally do. I may not even go through the crazy hustle of the professional photo shoot! I want to keep it fun and natural. No crazy poses and waiting for 2 hours for our appointment. I want to take this season and be thankful, give back, and start new traditions.
So thanks for letting me share my liberation! I hope you check it out too. I feel so good about it.
Also Alexa’s set– 100% of the proceeds support Pediatric Leukemia & Lymphoma Research! Sorry I had to toss that in there for those who may not know about it 😀
Well thanks again for reading. Tomorrow I have 3 more posts!
OK maybe I AM crazy! LOL!
Good night world 😀
20 Responses for "Guess what? I’m not making my Christmas cards!"
Those are beautiful pictures of Alexa and what a great idea to take some stress off of your plate and help a wonderful cause at the same time! This will allow you more time to enjoy your family during the holidays 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
I think it is great you are helping such a worthy cause, besides, this will give you more time to create different cards to put on your blog for OUR viewing pleasure!! (just joking around, you know I think you are great).
~Meredith
You did good Lauren.
I agree with you.
Mi mom who i love so much almost died from Cancer when she was only 24 years old. I was really little. I am the eldest of 3. At the time i was 8 my sister 4 and my little brother 2 years old.
My family went through a lot… and were pretty sad because they said that the cancer was pretty advanced.
We never lost hope. Even though they told us there was a pretty good chance my mom wouldn’t make it to the next day.
But a miracle happened and my mom got well
just this last year at the age of 36
my mom got cancer again. This time we found it soon.
And my mom went through the treatments again…
And i can tell you how glad i am to have her with me.
And how grateful i am to Heavenly Father for letting me have her now.
I love her and appreciate her so much.
She is one if not the biggest blessing of my life.
And all of us need her.
So i can understand when you talk about Alexa.
Always have faith. And God will provide.
May He bless you and your family.
Rosy
[…] You should have your cards in hand within 5 to 7 days business days of placing your order . View them now and place your order online. —————————————————————-. Read more […]
I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW GLAD I AM TO HAVE HER WITH ME
She is one if not the biggest blessing IN MY LIFE.
(sorry sometimes i type really fast)
Such a wonderful post. You are so right in how quickly a life can change. I never dreamed in that when my dd got married in Sept ’06 that 8 months later Rodney would be gone after a 4 month battle with cancer – at the age of 48. It all happened so quickly.
I can only imagine how you were filled with fear when your sweet little girl was diagnosed. I am so very grateful that God felt she had much to do here. And I also believe that she WILL do much!
Love to you and give her a little squeeze from me.
I just wanted to tell you that I, too, had a child that teetered on the verge of losing his battle to live. He was born with a birth defect and spent his first months in NICU and had surgery after surgery. He’s now 10 years old and I thank God every day for giving him back to me! I read your story and cried like a baby. 10 years is a long time unless it involves your loved one and their health. Then it becomes just like yesterday. I’m so glad your daughter recovered and applaud you for supporting such a wonderful cause!
Thank you for sharing your story and reminding me. I am off to hug my kids.
not sure if I told you this before, but a dear friend of mine had Leukemia in Elementary School, which was about 18 years ago. She went into remission a few times and she would come back to school when it was “safe” and her and I would connect again, but sadly, she lost her fight with cancer, and I miss her so much. When you post these things it reminds me of her and makes me tear up! Glad that Alexa is blessed enough to be alive now & experience all of the advances in medical care as well as the research improvements. You all in always in my prayers.
Have a good one!
Angie
I’m not committing you Lauren. I think your reasons make perfect sense!
Oh Lauren you have so touched my heart with this post. I will have to check into this. I lost my MIL & FIL to cancer and I am always looking for ways to support cancer research. Your sweet Alexa is so beautiful with or without her hair she has such a wonderful spirit that shines through. Thanks for this wonderful info and God bless you and yours. TFS.
Debbie/Phx AZ
I think that is a wonderful idea. We lost my dad to cancer 15 years ago and several friends and relatives since. I don’t think these days that there is any family that hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way. I am so glad your dear brave Alexa is doing well. When you look at her pictures there is a light that shines from within. Ann Lind
As a breast cancer survivor, I just want to say thank you. Blessings to you and your family.
Lauren~
Your baby is beautiful…before and after treatment :] I see that sparkle in her eye – I’m sure you’re right about the Lord having big plans for her :O) She’s in my prayers.
I think your idea about ordering the American Cancer Society Christmas cards is wonderful! I haven’t checked out the link yet, but I’m liking the sound of “Christmas freedom” and not mass producing :O)
Take care Lauren…and thank you for sharing with such sincerity.
Good for you Lauren…I think that’s incredibly sensible actually. Very touching to read your words regarding Alexa’s journey …it really struck a chord with me when you said no one is promised tomorrow…how very true but I don’t often stop and realise that….and I should, so I don’t take things for granted. Thank You!
I love your honesty and willingness to share your thoughts and your family with all of us. You’re a great person and there is nothing morbid about the overwhelming thoughts that can take hold of us. Loosing our children or spouses is a fear that we all have, the only difference is that yours very nearly became a reality. Thank you for being you.
Hugs,
Justine
You are an amazing woman, Lauren. I admire you so much! You and Alexa have been through a lot, and I’m so happy that she is all well now! Your pictures warmed my heart, and I can only imagine what you went through. Thank goodness that is OVER!!! This Christmas will be a GREAT one for all of you! And your entire family is just PRECIOUS! I cried from your heartfelt post…it’s so very hard when a family member has a serious illness. . .
Have a great weekend!!! Your creations are beautiful, and those stamps are very cute. It’s as if they were made from pics of YOUR kids!! 😀
HUGS…
I totally understand this post. Glad everything is going well for Alexa and pray that this winter will be a good one without any colds to deal with. Take care and Alexa is still in my thoughts and prayers as are you my PTF.
What a beautiful, heartfelt post. Your daughter is beautiful and is so lucky to have a Mom with such a big heart!! Wishing your family a blessed Christmas, and enjoy all that extra time together saved from making cards!!
hugs, Jami
Beautiful pictures of Alexa!
Yes..God does hear our prayers!!
Lauren..you are a remarkable young mother.
Your story has touched the Hearts of many!!
Alexa and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take Care!
Hugs..
Dee
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