Please accept my apolgies for this long overdue thank you. I can't tell you how much it meant to us to receive one of your beautiful baby blankets when our son ended up in the NICU at Henrico Doctors Hospital after his birth on October 16, 2009. We were far from home and during the days of missing our daughter at home, my roller coaster hormones, hours by his bedside, and many many tears, it was such a pleasant surprise to walk in one morning and see him snuggled with the blanket,and to find out it was ours to keep! Fast forward nine months and 25 pounds later and our little chubby bubby is a smiling, adorable, bouncing baby boy. The memories of the NICU are never far from our mind, however, neither are the people that made that time bearable ...wonderful people like you. You make a difference.
Our blanket has a permanent spot on his crib still today, and I imagine it will be something near and dear to my heart for years to come.
Sincerely,
- Chad & Lynne
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the drain bag holder.
I'd been wondering how on earth I would manage the drain from my mastectomy after I left the hospital. Then my nurse gave me the colorful little holder that was perfect for the job, and I was thrilled. But even more important than the practical aspect was the incredibly comforting knowledge that somewhere out there, people I didn't even know cared enough to help. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. - Ruth
Hi there from Richmond Animal Care and Control. As a team we want to thank you so much for the regular deliveries of beautiful blankets for the animals here. They are currently lining almost every cat and kitten dwelling here at 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue, and some of our puppy dwellings too! Our guests are always impressed and our staff loves being able to provide the softest bedding for our animals in need. Thanks again and keep them coming! -Maria
Hello angels with knitted wings! I wanted to send an e-mail to the two addresses offered to let everyone in your knitting circle know how one of your recipients feels. I've never seen such lovely colors breathing a sunset into a day riddled with shades of gloom. Thank you for all you all produce, work on and provide. The soft yarns sometimes are the only gentle part of the day. One can't say these things in person. Being yanked and prodded and turned and twisted leaves less dignity that a horse often gets in a well tended stable. The warmth and beauty the chemo blankets and fluffy scarfs and caps bring can't be described other than to wear a sunset on a gloomy day. I hope you get to see and hear what comes of your huge sacrifice and love. To another day...
We wanted to take a moment and thank you for beautifully knitted cap our daughter received when she was born last month (November 2009). It really touched us that you would use your talents and give the gift of love and time to our precious gift! Thank you again. Jill and Mark
I just wanted to let you know how very much I appreciate my drain bulb bag! I had my second breast cancer surgery with tram flap reconstruction on the 21st of September at St. Mary's Hospital. I was so touched and grateful to receive this to wear home and hide my drain. I continued to wear it to doctor's appointments and around the house while recuperating. Thank you so much for your kindness and compassion to those of us who need your help! May God bless you all and keep you happy and healthy! -Tammy of Glenn Allen,VA
Recently when my husband was cared for in the Palliative Care unit at MCV we received a beautiful knitted prayer blanket (afghan) that constantly reminded us of the love and care everyone was demonstrating. Steve passed away on July 20th but the blanket remains with us as a beautiful reminder of your efforts and generosity. Thank you so much. I know that you must hear those words a lot. Please know how deeply we appreciate it and how very much it means to our family. With great appreciation, Dottie
It made me feel good to receive the "bulb" bag holder on discharge from U. VA Hospital. So attractive and convenient. The satin ribbon strap adds softness and style. Thank you! Jeanette, Natural Bridge Station, VA
I received a prayer bulb bag holder and a prayer seat belt pillow upon discharge from my 2nd breast surgery; with auxiliary nodes removed this go around at UVA. Sounds like the pillow will come in handy when I get my chemo port too. Thank you for praying in advance and making these gifts available with prayer to boot. There is power in prayer. My pathology from this surgery came back clean, and I am recuperating extremely well from this go around. God is Good!
Love in Christ, Cheryl from Waynesboro, VA
Just wanted to thank you so very much for the "comforting blanket" that was given to my brother who was in MCV hospital recently (March 2009). One of his daughters found much comfort in holding the blanket close to her heart as her father passed. She said that she will forever keep the blanket. Bless you for all your kindness. The Harrison Family
Less than two weeks ago I received a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. Today I had a "port" surgically implanted near my collarbone so I can begin chemotherapy. The car seatbelt falls right across the port. Our "Cancer Navigator" here in Fredericksburg gave me a small, thin pillow that's perfect to place between the port and my seatbelt. It really makes the seatbelt more comfortable and less painful. The pillow was handmade and donated by your group and its really a blessing. I'm sure I'll use it every time I'm in the car for as long as I have this port (maybe up to a year). Although I don't know the individual that made the pillow there's no doubt it's an angel. Thank you for making my difficult journey a little easier. Please pass along my gratitude. God bless you all. Vicki Taylor
Hi! I was the recipient of one of your wonderful gifts when my daughter was born in 2006. The time and love given to knitting the hat really moved me. Thank you! Ashley Rhodes
I've enjoyed getting to know all the wonderful people in this group. I've been knitting for from the heart since 8/05. In this time I've been able to learn new things and help others learn too. I'm so happy to have found this community. Everyone is so supportive of each other.
Jackie P. in Henrico, VA
http://knitterwithcritters.blogspot.com
This is a wonderful way to use your God-given abilities...and benefit lots of people. You're giving a gift that will warm their body but also warm their heart...that's really reflecting God's love. It's great to see your organization growing so rapidly. I'm going to tell my mother (who loves to knit) about your organization...I think she'd love to help. Pat (Richmond, VA)
What an amazing thing you guys are doing! I have been involved in several organizations, but this one really comes "from the heart." I admire you for the giving of your time, using your talents, and your energy... in helping so many. May God continue to bless each one of you. Jackie J.in Richmond, Va
I browsed your site, fromtheheartstitchers.org - I wanted to let you all know how one recipient's day turned around to a lighthearted choice of which beautiful yarns and/or blankets would take care of a newly diagnosed mother with stage 3C ovarian cancer. The last 4 weeks have been jolting shock after shock. The weariness and fear left no room for sadness as a simple diagnosis of a cyst to keep a watch on, became an immediate surgery for ovarian cancer. I strolled into the Hawthorne Cancer Center looking for information on preparing for Chemo. It seemed so strange as I have been a volunteer there for 5 years. I have delivered wig choices and hats, caps and blankets to so many lovely people, male and female. Some were in the hospital at JW, some too weary to venture out, and as far away as MCV and the Hawthorne listing of groups always accompanied the love from yarns and soft materials so sorely needed when moments are filled with cold, colorless worries. So many ladies are surprised that they can don a free "$200" hairdo in only moments from one of the many shades of stylish wigs at the Hawthorne.
They are so gladdened when the fear of balding is replaced with sunrise and sunset colored hats of yarns so soft that you would think a lamb had directed the process. I have sent an e-mail or 2 about the impact your love for an unknown stranger has had on the people I have helped or watched select items from our free boutique at the Hawthorne Cancer Center. I have never had to select a hat or chemo blanket for my Mom until now. When my Dad was on dialysis, I got to see how much a warm, fuzzy, easy to handle blanket can mean. One that doesn't drag the floor and get caught in wheels and one that is a happy color for all to be lifted by.
My Mom has a beautiful pink blanket to start her chemo with now and two of the most beautiful hats with incredible stitching to so admire. The Director of the Hawthorne, was so generous with her time as you all are with your hands and time and resources. I started to leave the Hawthorne after asking about Chemo Ports and she scooted me toward your hats and blankets. I knew I would bring Mom her favorite assorted groceries, a smile, and a warm, handmade polarfleece type blanket. It was the color of a beach sunrise along with two warm, soft hats for her soon to be balding head that would remind her of sunset and the ladies somewhere like Cinderella mice, knitting away, knitting away. Thank you for starting From The Heart. You all will always be my Cinderella mice! Love...a recipient of your kind labors.
Guestbook for From the Heart