Overwhelmed with gratitude...
What do you say when a million people come to your side just when you need them the most?
You say thank you.
I am truly humbled by the outpouring of love that I have received from all of you. I have hung on your every word and I've read every one of those hundreds and hundreds of comments, stories and experiences that you've shared with me here on my blog.
I was blown away by the kindness of my sisters and brothers at Splitcoaststampers when Jenn posted that beautiful sympathy card and there were 29 pages of comments and condolences.
And I was floored by the amount of flowers, cards, emails and calls both my Mom and I received from you.
All I can say is thank you.
You will never know how much it has helped my family and I get through the last couple of weeks.
This is truly the most incredible industry in the world to be part of. And, you know what's funny. I knew you would be there. You always are. And for that I am ever grateful!
You know what else is amazing about this industry. Although many of us compete in the business world, when the chips are down, we always run to each other for comfort.
So as well as thanking all of you, my designers, illustrators, and my gals at the store, (I love them all so much,) so many other design team members from other companies, Jenn, Daven and Lori from Splitcoaststampers, the members at Splitcoast, Gingerwood, the Stamp Shack and PapercraftPlanet, I would also like to extend a special thank you to my friends in the stamping industry.
Their names are in no particular order but they all ran right to my side.
You are amazing women.
Emily and Nicky from StampingBella
Kim from My Favorite Things
Diana form Scor-pal / Magnolia Stamps
Angela from Unity Stamp Company
Alma from The Cat's Pajamas
Kristy from Hanna Stamps
Jan Marie and the Flourishes
These women sure have a lot of class and they have HUGE hearts! I am truly blessed to call them and all of you my friends.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love, Gina
You say thank you.
I am truly humbled by the outpouring of love that I have received from all of you. I have hung on your every word and I've read every one of those hundreds and hundreds of comments, stories and experiences that you've shared with me here on my blog.
I was blown away by the kindness of my sisters and brothers at Splitcoaststampers when Jenn posted that beautiful sympathy card and there were 29 pages of comments and condolences.
And I was floored by the amount of flowers, cards, emails and calls both my Mom and I received from you.
All I can say is thank you.
You will never know how much it has helped my family and I get through the last couple of weeks.
This is truly the most incredible industry in the world to be part of. And, you know what's funny. I knew you would be there. You always are. And for that I am ever grateful!
You know what else is amazing about this industry. Although many of us compete in the business world, when the chips are down, we always run to each other for comfort.
So as well as thanking all of you, my designers, illustrators, and my gals at the store, (I love them all so much,) so many other design team members from other companies, Jenn, Daven and Lori from Splitcoaststampers, the members at Splitcoast, Gingerwood, the Stamp Shack and PapercraftPlanet, I would also like to extend a special thank you to my friends in the stamping industry.
Their names are in no particular order but they all ran right to my side.
You are amazing women.
Emily and Nicky from StampingBella
Kim from My Favorite Things
Diana form Scor-pal / Magnolia Stamps
Angela from Unity Stamp Company
Alma from The Cat's Pajamas
Kristy from Hanna Stamps
Jan Marie and the Flourishes
These women sure have a lot of class and they have HUGE hearts! I am truly blessed to call them and all of you my friends.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love, Gina
Gina, you are more than welcome. Continued hugs and prayers for you and your family.
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Gina,
One kindness begets another, and we have received many from you. We are giving back what we have received. We love you.
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Dear Gina,
Please forgive me for not writing sooner to offer my sincerest sympathy on your recent loss. My mother passed away almost 3 years ago; and I still have a hole in my heart that is empty without her. I know she is in heaven, without pain, and with my father... but ohhhhh, how I miss her. It does get easier with time. I've heard that sooo many times, and told myself the same words over and over. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May it comfort you to know you all are being prayed for by so many who care about you. Thank you for all you do for us, and for the wonderful role model you are as well. God bless you.
Hugs,
Alice
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Just know you are a very special person and you are loved.
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With time, the pain will ease and all the good memories will come to you. When you want to seek his advice, just sit quietly and the answers will be there.
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Unfortunately I haven't visited your blog for a couple of weeks and I knew that your Dad was very ill but didn't know that you had lost him so recently. I'm so very sorry for your loss, both you and your family. My thoughts are with you and I'm glad you were able to have some comfort from all the messages you received. Chris
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You are a very generous and outgoing person, and you also have a lot of class, which you show to us all the time ...
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Dear Gina
In April of 03 we lost my step son in Iraq. He was 35 (but he loved doing what he was doing & wanted to be there).
In April of 04 I lost my mother to colon cancer. She was 85, but no one new she had this and constantly complained of pain, but no one could find it. It wasn't found till it ruptured through her abdomen & by then it was to late.
I say this to tell you that at the time my youngest son was 10 and he went through HELL the year after his brother died. He just shut down. We had had about enough that year.
I know that if it was not by the Grace of God my son and our family would not have made it. I love God and knows he is there for us at any time. He has helped my now (16) year old son make it.
And also my family.
Gina, when you explained about the life your father had I was truly touched. He sounded like a man who had alot of love and character and was a very special person. ( I can't recall what it was he did you said, but I do remember I felt that way when reading it). I also was very touched when you said how you layed beside him the day before he passed. How very special that was. You have many good memories you can look back on with him and cherish.
This may have ended up kind of jumbled but I am just so touched by your love and compassion for your father, family and all that you do for us on your sight. I am sure that he is happy with you and your family for all you have done for him. Find comfort in remembering the wonderful times you had together - because that is part of what the living have to draw comfort from.
I am a beliver in God. If you are at those times of missing him let yourself go and believe you are in the arms of God with your daddy right there with you. Oh what a time of comfort that is.
I do miss my mom and I just have to remember some happy time and remember she is in heaven waiting for me.
God is a God of comfort, love and compassion.
I will ask God to show you the comfort you need and your family.
Thank you Gina for the thank you and all your wonderful gifts you give and teachings.
I hope this helps you find some comfort.
Blessings
Darlene Mitchell
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oh Gina, you're always thinking of others aren't you? you're so thoughtful to post a thank you card. Of course you're right we would be there for you. Hope you had a very nice birthday. Love you!
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Oh Gina you are so welcome. It was the LEAST we could do to help you and your mom through the pain. It's 7 years ago today that I lost my mom and I still miss her everyday but at least now I can smile when I think of her. Time does ease the pain but it will never take away your memories.
Hope you had a great birthday - I know it can be hard to celebrate after the loss of a loved one but hopefully you took a few minutes to reflect on YOU and what a wonderful and amazing woman you are. WE are all blessed that you are a part of our lives in some way.
Hugs n Smiles.
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Gina...God will continue to give you comfort as life goes on...believe me I know. It will be a year in May since I
lost my husband and you need to take one day at a time and grieve when you
feel the necessity...it defintiely helps heal our heavy hearts and always remember all the good times you shared.
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Gina~You and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers. It is amazing what a wonderful community of friends stampers can be!!
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Hi Gina,
Even through your loss, I hope you will continue to see your blessings. I will be praying for you and your family, and Happy Birthday.
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Gina, my heart goes out to you. I read every new entry and have been touched by the stories of your family and your business, your generosity and your beautiful cards, your faith and your strength, and the way you have been friends with all of us on SCS and your blog. You are an amazing woman and I was so touched by the depth of your relationship with your father. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. My own father passed away almost 20 years ago and I was 2,000 miles away. Believe it or not, I was aware of the time of his death and talked to my mother immediately. I miss him so much, but one thing I am grateful for is the time my children had with him and how many great memories are with us all. Memories are so precious, but I know you already realize this. Thank you for this amazing thank you card.
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Because you are such a kind, caring and loving person, Gina, we can't help but care and love you back. Sending prayers and hugs to you and yours!
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Gina..you are more to us than some lady who sells stamps. We really care about you. I have never met you, but I still think a lot of you.
You are a great lady.
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Gina.......
I'm not surprized to hear of all the love that came your way. So many of us stampers feel like friends, even though we have never met in person. You are indeed surrounded by terrific women.
You, too, seem like a wonderful person.....even though I have never actually met you.
May you and your family continue to feel the love we all have for you during these difficult times.
{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}} to you and your family.
Love,
Stacy
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(((HUGS))) to you and your card is lovely! Thanks for posting to brighten our days when surely its *you* who needs the cheer--you are wonderful!
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You are very welcome--it is not hard to be nice to someone a sweet as you.
Great--so pretty.
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I agree that this is such a fabulous industry and community and this is your time to have the benefits of that. Take comfort in the strength we are all sending your way. On your very worst day maybe it will be enough to help see you through. Please take care of yourself and all the very best to you! xx
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We truly are a sisterhood, I firmly believe that stampers are the BEST people in the whole wide world.
Sending hugs your way.
Carol
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Even though a lot of us couldn't physically be there for you, be assured that your family and you were in our hearts and prayers. Stampers/Paper crafters truly are an amazing bunch of people!!!
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Gina - I just read about your father, and I want to say how sorry I am. As I was reading it brought tears to my eyes. I lived almost exactly your words last month. My father passed on January 10 from lung cancer...on my birthday nonetheless. I flew home to Oklahoma on the 9th praying I would get there in time. However, I knew I would make it, I knew he would wait (I am the baby)...I knew he would wait for my birthday to leave us - and he did. I too sat by his side, rubbing his arm, running my hands through his hair, kissing his cheeks, telling him how much I loved him. I tensed with every labored breath. At 11:01 a.m. CST on January 10 my dad passed. He struggled so hard to stay...I finally had to lean toward him and tell him it was okay, that we would be fine (there are 5 children), that he needed to go be with mom. I knew he didn't want to leave us...but he took his last breath and left us. His final birthday gift to me was reuniting with my mom, whom he loved dearly.
I miss him terribly, and I am still struggling through the pain...but I know he is in a better place with no pain or suffering.
Thank you for sharing, and my prayers and thoughts are with you.
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Dearest Gina, you are much loved and appreciated because of who you are. ((hugs)) Jane
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At www.mygratitudetree.com we have the tools to asstist you in expressing your gratitude to others. Please check it out.
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We MISS you.
Come check out my most recent blog post. I think you will like what I did with your stamps......
http://www.cardiologycardsfromtheheart.blogspot.com
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Dearest Gina ... first off I would like to extend my deepest sympathy for you and your family. My prayers are with you! I just wanted to send you a little note of thanks for the stamp set you donated to Jessica Flick for her birthday sketch challenge. I actually won and have just received it in the mail. Thank you so much, I love your "Trees Silhouettes". Also, I gave you a blog award and if you like visit my blog for more details! Take good care of yourself and your family! Hugs!
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You are loved, Gina. (((hugs)))
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Hi Gina,
I'm sure you're overwhelmed with cards and thoughts and notes and prayers - just want you to know we miss you and your blog. Looking forward to your return and please know that you, your mom and your family are still in our prayers.
Hugs n smiles.
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I just found your blog, is beautiful.
God bless you and hugs from México.
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I play games every day with my mother
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