"I call them my little butterflies. They flew in just long enough to steal a part of my heart, and then flew away to Heaven."

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

First Official Donation on it's way to NICU!

With the wonderful help of others, the first box of donations from Grandma's Promise is on it's way to bless premature babies and their families in the Johnson City Medical Center NICU in Johnson City, TN!!!!  My hope and sincere desire is that new items will be delivered on a monthly basis.

Because of your encouragement and support, I humbly announce that this first official donation consists of 90 items!!!!  Yes....90 items!!!! (And I'm not even counting the butterflies in the total!)
Bagged up and ready to go!
This first donation consists of:
     8 Angel Gowns
     8 Angel Afghans/Quilts
     8 Angel Bonnets/Hats
     8 pair of Angel Booties
     58 individual hats for daily use

Yesterday was a very busy day as we prepared everything for shipment.  The last step was to create a card insert that will be given to the parents of the precious little ones that receive any of our Angel Ensembles.  The crocheted butterfly is placed inside the card for the grieving mother.

It's hard to comprehend just how much has been accomplished in a short amount of time.  I am so thankful to all of you!  Almost two months ago, Morgan and Meghan were born and two days later went to Heaven.  Less than one month ago, the decision was made to create this blog in order to allow others to know my heart's desire to begin this ministry in memory of Morgan and Meghan.  In fact, the very first blog post was posted April 9, 2012.

A picture is worth a thousand words....so take a look at everything that is included in this first donation.  Information under each photo shares the name of the crafter or name of someone who donated financially to purchase supplies.
Entire Angel Ensemble handcrafted and donated by Marianne
Entire Angel Ensemble handcrafted and donated by Marianne

Afghan, Hat and Booties crocheted and donated by Candy
Gown supplies funded by Shirley

Afghan, Hat and Booties crocheted and donated by Candy
Gown supplies funded by Shirley

Funds for all supplies donated by Marie

Funds for all supplies donated by Marie
Funds for all supplies donated by Marie
The very first Angel Ensemble I made for Grandma's Promise
Sampling of the 58 individual hats donated
Crafted by Candy, Marianne, Theresa
Crocheted Butterflies are included in each Angel Ensemble
as a small gift to the child's parents

I know that people are helping without any expectation of recognition, but I had to share with you the giving hearts of others.....from actually handcrafting the items to monetary donations to purchase supplies.

I'm also excited to share that others are busy making items to be included in future donations.  Just let me know if you'd like to help!  We can use everyone!

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see crafters from all over the world become representatives of Grandma's Promise?  Wouldn't it be great to see the list of NICU units receiving donations grow!  Anything is possible....one day at a time!

Again, I want to thank ALL of you for helping me honor my promise to Morgan and Meghan.  I believe in my heart that they are happy to see the good that is being accomplished in their memory.

Blessings,
Theresa (Grandma)
Boxed up!

13 comments:

  1. This brought tears to my eyes. I know these families are going to be so grateful!!! Love you Theresa may God continue to give you and the rest of our family comfort.

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    1. Thank YOU Shea for caring and helping to get the word out. Each day brings new opportunities to see this ministry grow which will enable us to reach out to even more families who are experiencing the same loss as our own family.

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  2. Theresa,
    I just read your latest post and I am so pleased that you have so much support with your project. These items are so beautifully crafted and show so much love! I am sure they will be greatly appreciated by the families and staff.
    Cheryl

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    1. Thank you Cheryl. I believe every child deserves beautiful things. I stay amazed at the generosity of others. And since you mentioned the hospital staff...I felt from our own experience that the NICU nurses wanted to do everything in their power to ease our pain (including dressing our babies for us to hold and cherish for just a little while).

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  3. It is just so like you,Theresa, to turn your family's recent tragedy into a ministry to benefit others experiencing the same loss. The love you have put into this effort shows in the details, like the crocheted butterfly rememberance gift. Once again, I look on you with awe. I pray, to one day be able to support you financially. Until then, I pray for unlimited blessings to come in from around the world.

    Sheri

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    1. Sheri, for me personally, helping other families who are experiencing a similar loss as we did is my way of "coping". Don't give me too much credit. I could have easily let grief overcome me, but that would not have honored my grandchildren, nor would it have helped keep their memory alive. In response to your desire to help...please pray for the babies who will be wearing the hats needed to regulate their body temperature for them to thrive and grow....and also pray for the families who will be the recipients of the Angel Ensembles. Because if their babies are being dressed in these sets, that means that those babies are in Heaven and their parent's arms will be empty here on earth. It's very sobering to craft these ensembles, knowing why they are needed. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers!

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  4. God bless the little Butterflies and you, Theresa.

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  5. What a wonderful ministry! thank you for honoring your grandchildren in a way that blesses others!

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  6. As a mother who lost a baby shortly after birth this is really amazing. I know these families will love this and appreciate so much. Thank you for what you are doing.

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear of your own loss. My heart hurts for you and everyone else who has experienced the loss of a child. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Blessings!

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  7. Theresa, thanks so much for the sweet comment on my blog! I found you through jeri Johnson and I actually grew up my whole life till college at grafton baptist!

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  8. The twins are my precious babies and Theresa is my mom. She was with me every step of the way through the delivery and whole experience. She is amazing and has inspired many people from a promise she made to her grandbabies. We were so excited and blessed to have the twins in our lives, even for such a short while. My mom has spoiled my other 3 children and was so looking forward to doing the special things for the twins as well. I am greatful that she is helping to spoil other babies and comfort other families the way she has our. She won't take credit for much, because she never does. She has started this ministry to bring us all comfort and give us something to occupy our time that should have been filled with caring for our twins. I have learned to crochet to honor and remember my babies and it gives me a peace to help families the way many people were there for me, especially my mom. Happy Mothers Day Mom. Shannon

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    1. My dearest daughter Shannon, you have successfully made me cry and have left me speechless at the same time. I love you and I love ALL my precious grandchildren! Also, I am so proud of you learning to crochet! Actually, I'm very proud of you for many, many reasons! Happy Mother's Day to you also!

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