{one of my favorite photos I took this past year. I borrowed Dad's marble collection to take this photo.}It has been a year since I began this journey of blogging , and it has changed my life in so many wonderful ways.
I began my site as a way to express my artistic endeavors, and a way to meet like minded individuals.
I got so much more than I ever expected.. I have made friends that I cherish with my whole heart.
One year ago John was alive and healthy..Then he broke his neck in a freak accident and was paralyzed. My whole world crashed in on me..I had an outpouring of support from literally, around the world.
I requested cards for John's hospital walls, and boy did they come. His walls were plastered with them. And I cannot began to tell you how much those cards meant to him. He looked for the mail everyday..
It made him so happy. And when he moved to a different hospital we made sure we hung his cards back up.
I still have them all in a special bag..Every single one of them.
I had people send John and I both books, small presents..
And when John died as a result of his accident.. I wanted to die. My blog friends came through again. E-mails, comments, calls, cards. Words of comfort left when I was so low that I didn't think I could make it.
I still miss John so much that I can't even begin to imagine him never coming home, or living without him. It is a wound that will hurt forever. But your words help me.. They help me get up in the morning. .They help me to get out and plant flowers in the yard. They help me be creative. My friend Mimi's words of hope helped me to go back to church again..
There are so many of you who have helped me in so many ways.. Patti from Treasure Barn sent John a card every single week he was in the hospital. My friend Maija sent beautiful cards and sent me a book..
My friend Robin made me a book of all my collected quotes, and of things she knew I would love. Donna from Made in Heaven sent me cards and books and John cards. Shelley from Vintage Variety sent cards and books for John and I .
Blondie sent cards and books and jokes.. Dawn from The Feathered Nest sent me a vintage postcard once and it made my day..She also sent one of her lovely creations..
There are so many people who made a difference that I don't have room in this post. But I will be writing about them over the next month. There have also been many people who sent my Dad cards and presents to help encourage him when he was diagnosed with cancer. He is through with radiation now and is doing better..But it is going to be a long road for him. He still has a feeding tube until September.
I am having a give-a-way to celebrate my anniversary. Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing which will be held July 30, 2008.
I have antique photos, paper, material, a journal..
Buttons, beads, and things I have collected for a year to give-a-way..
I want to thank you all for how you have changed my life and for bringing so much meaning to it..
I also want to thank Donna for getting me involved in Brenda's photo challenge. I have meet some great gals from that..
My song tonight is one of my favorites..It is Half Acre by Hem
Please listen to it if you have a chance..
It reminds me of my journey.. 1st video, 1st clip
{ dear friends and gentle hearts...}
I am holding this scrap of paper that can crack the darkest sky wide open...every burden taken from me..
~Nita~
25 comments:
Happy Blogiversary sweet friend ~ and what a beautiful post...you are my hero and I think of you often ~ praying for blessings to shower down upon you. I wish you many more years of blogging and sharing ~ xxoo, Dawn
Nita,
Your blog has been such an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your heart so openly. Hugs and prayers!
Nita Jo
What a neat testimony! May God continue to heal you and use you to bless others.
Hi dear Nita, you have been through so much this past year,and through it all you continue to encourage others. I was very touch by your post about the lady you encouraged at the service station. I can truly feel this ladies pain. I was just approved for my disability and know what it is like to suffer with so much pain on a daily basis.
I believe the Lord will come through for this lady,just as he did for me. Thank God you were senistive to his Spirit and allow God to use you on her behalf. I am so sure you made a big difference in her life. You have a great calling! I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of calling you friend. Hope to be visiting for many more years to come here in blogland.
God bless you, Shelley
Hi Nita,
Your words and thoughts are inspirational, you are one of my favorites that I read daily I may not post all the time but I do read . You are in my thoughts often has you go through this healing process.
what a beautiful post, nita....and a beautiful video and song...loved the photos and how it was done!.....i found you when deena (can i be pretty in pink) posted your and john's picture on her blog when he passed away.....and i am so grateful that she did....i continue to feel your pain and sadness...but as i have said many times...i really cannot imagine all your heart has been through this year....i pray always for your comfort...but through it all, you are an inspiration and your words so often speak to my heart.
thank you for your photos, words and opening your heart to us....and giving so much back.
hugs, and prayers,
kimberly
Happy Blogiversary. I've only recently discovered your blog when I joined in on the photo challenge. Your loss of your husband leaves me feeling so sad, but to hear how so many people came together to comfort you and John during your darkest of times brings me hope. Hope that the world isn't such a dark and scary place after all. It's a great and powerful message you've sent out with this post.
Kari
Please sign me up for your give away darling girl!
You have me in tears. I have just discovered your blog and have enjoyed visiting with you so much...I intend to go back and learn more about you and John...how wonderful that through the blog, John lives on forever here as well as in heaven!
Sandi
Isn't blogging Wonderful??!!!! I would have Never met you sweetheart or any of the other very special people in my life now...without it. I guess we both started blogging within days of each other! You're one of my very first blogging friends...so special. SO! Happy Blogaversary TO YOU!!!! And may there be Many more years to come!! Sending warm wishes and Tons of love...to you! hughughughugs
Happy Anniversary
Nita I can not believe it's been a year since you started blogging. The world has really opened up to those of us who discovered this wonderful road. I'm so honored to be called your friend. Many Blessings to you and your family Nita in the coming year!
I can easily believe that God led you to start your blog because he knew you'd soon need the support of all your blogging friends.
God bless you, Nita, and congratulations on your blog anniversary.
Happy anniversary to you. I always enjoy your posts. They are so heartfelt. Here's to another wonderful year of blogging. Now off to find a tissue.
Susan
You have been such a blessing to me. Reading your words, thoughts and dreams have been so uplifting to me. Even durning your most painful times you reach, out without even thinking, to others.
I think of you everyday. Even if I don't post here daily please know you are thought of. I have told your story to so many people and you are being prayed for by more people then you know.
Stay strong my friend. Never forget that with God all things are possible.
Big hugs to you!
Joanne
Happy Anniversary sweet Nita. Your words are inspiring and straight from your big heart.
Hugs,
Rose
Happy blogging anniversary Nita...I'm so glad you have had the support of so many friends in this blogosphere. It always amazes me how God uses people to extend His love. You are a special person worthy of each and every friend you have made and I hope you continue to find comfort in opening your heart to others...you really have inspired so many people with your honesty and openness...I know it's been a tough road and there have been so many times I just wanted to give you a BIG hug...I'm just so happy that you have been growing stronger and I will continue to pray for you...I just know God has good things in store for you ~
love to you my sweet friend ~
Hi Nita,
Happy Blogoversary!! Mine is in a few weekes also. I'm so glad I met you through the photo challenge, you are so right -- there are so many wonderful bloggers. I didn't know the whole story of your husband and again I am so sorry for your loss but your faith in God and love for your husband shines through in your words and photos.
My dear Nita,
I have been out of commission for a couple of weeks...but I still remembered your in my prayers... you are doing so wonderfully well in your walk to recovery from your loss...
I am so very proud to call you my friend...
Love and {{Hugs}}
Mimi
Oh, Nita, what a wonderful post--so many of us have been following your story and checking in on you for months . . . you have inspired me, made me cry, made me pray harder, and made me smile. Congratulations on your "one year" and I hope with all of my heart that the next year of blogging will be a peaceful, happy one for you full of many more smiles than tears. God Bless You, Warmly, Jann
Oh My Goodness! Such an inspiring story. You must be one of the strongest persons I have ever heard of. God is working through you. He is sending out challenges and you are meeting and exceeding eveyone. Bless your heart. I will add my prayers for your continued strength and good deeds.
we are the lucky ones to have met you, as I have said before, I came across your blog from Joni or Kim and I always loved and still love reading your blog's, you surley have a talent for writting and expressing your feeling's, and I am so glad your in my circle of friends. Here you are going through so much and you still think of others, that my dear friend is a blessing to all of us. God works in a mysterious way, but it's no mystery that we have found each other, it's God's hands leading our finger to click on to your site. I love you dear friend I wish nothing but sunshine on your cloudy days, and a cool sweet smelling breeze when thing's get a little warm and smelly, and most of all....I hope you can feel God arm's wrap around you when you need a hug, and feel his gentle hand caress your face and wipe away your tear's. God has been good to all of us that know you!!!
HUG'S & LOT'S OF KISSES, Annette
p.s. Happy anniversery on your 1 year of blogging, how lucky WE ARE!!
Nita
I enjoyed sending John cards every week. I really wish I had been able to meet you and him. I guess I will meet him in heaven someday.
Please enter me in your give away.
You blog has inspired me in so many ways Nita. You are always there to lift me up even in your sorrow.
You know I love you right?
God Bless You my friend
xoxoxoxo
Patti
Hey sweetie, I haven't been by in awhile and was over at Patti's and she mentioned Coco and I remembered that post. Breaks my heart too. I'm not entering any give-away, I just wanted to let you know you are still in my thoughts. I've loved your blog from the beginning and love you too!
Hugs and more Hugs!
Debbie
Nita,
I feel your emotions in every post. I am glad you have lots of blog friends to support you. You are a wonderful person.
I have been getting caught up on my blog reading. The summer seems to be keeping me very busy with my 3 kids. Some days I wish I could just sit and do NOTHING!
I would love to be entered in your give away if it isn't too late.
:) AMY
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