Hey! So remember a few weeks ago I told y'all i would fill ya in on what's been going on right? I didn't forget it's just hard and a bit emotional to type it all out but here goes....
**WARNING this is going to be a long post get a cuppa something to enjoy**
In late April my Gma was hospitalized with congestive heart failure and we were told she would die. It was so hard watching such a strong woman that I love and admire greatly be in a hospital bed in pain and fighting to breath. But she fought and was released. She is doing well now thank goodness and is determined to prove the doctors wrong and out live everyone.
Then on Saturday May 4th my family's world was turned upside down when we got the call nobody should ever have to hear...She's been in a bad car accident and it does't look good.
My 19yr old little sister Jessie is the sole survivor of a terrible car crash that took the lives of 3 other young people.(don't shake your head some might be thinking I've said I'm an only child which is true. Jessie is biologically my cousin but was raised as my sister). Jess was in a coma for almost a month. She was broken and bruised and she fought with all her might. She wanted to live and she did. She had multiple surgeries. She almost lost her arm, her back was broke, she had head trauma with scary brain swelling, her right eye got a nasty infection and she is legally blind. When I saw her hooked up to all those machines, tubes coming from here and there, beeps, noises, i wanted to pick her up cradle her in my arms so I could rock her and sing to her but I couldn't. I couldn't do anything except talk to her, hold her hand, beg her to keep fighting, and ask for a miracle. Then it happened things started looking good, she was doing good, and it was time for her to come back to us. She was slowly brought to. the first thing she mouthed in her groggy state was home! and I love you! After her last surgery it was time to start her on her way to rehab and that was full of ups and downs and lots of tears. She was finally ready for rehab a couple weeks ago and made the transition from ICU to the rehab center. Being at rehab has been a full time job for her and visitation is strict and limited but if it's best for Jess and can get her home faster then that's good with all of us. So fast forward... Jessie is amazing us all and she is truly a miracle! She is walking, talking, and being Jess. She's almost ready to go home and makes sure to remind us of that numerous times each visit which we all smile at because we want her home too. She has a long road ahead of her but she is strong and so very happy to be alive. Right now she doesn't have all her memory back and she doesn't know about the accident only that she's been in an accident. She has made so much progress she is going to be coming home soon but will be told about the accident and her friends before she leaves rehab. I'm scared and worried about that cause she's doing so great now so if you could send good vibes, prayers, well wishes her way it would be greatly appreciated. Like I said she has a long road ahead of her. She will need someone with her around the clock when she comes home for awhile. She will be very limited what she can do.She will continue therapy and treatments for many months. She's alive and happy to be here. There is a reason for her and a higher power has plans for her that is for sure. She's our miracle girl.
Now onto this week... My parents were visiting Jessie on Tuesday night when my mom had a heart attack. Thank goodness she was at the rehab center and it's attached to the main hospital. The staff rushed her over to ER to be treated. On Wednesday we found out she has 2 blockages 1 is 80% the other is 95%. She will be treated with medication and change her lifestyle they couldn't put stints in because it wasn't an option. She is doing well today and should be home tomorrow.
So that's where I've been 3 different hospitals, 3 different cities, 3 ladies I love needing me for the last 3 months. All of this has changed our lives so much and made us stop to think what is truly important in life and that is family,the moments together, the stories, the time shared! Things have changed. My priorities have changed. I'm no longer working behind the scenes at Cocoa Daisy(i'm still on the DT), I'm enjoying the creating process and telling our stories, I'm spending lots and lots of time with my family, I'm smiling more, I'm here in the now and living for the now because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
I told you this would be a long post are you still here?
I know I probably should have shared some of this before but I still teeter on that line of what to share and how public to go with the personal stuff ya know? you can see that with this post some is there but not all the deets. Also the emotions were running at an all time high and I cried every time I started to type this up.
Some friends have asked how they can help or is there anything they could do?
We've had bracelets (i'll have to add a pic of the exact bracelets later) made to help raise money for Jessie because this is going to be a long road for her. If you would like more info send an email to mandy_koeppen@hotmail.com I'm trying to figure out how to set up a button thing on the sidebar for this after
Kim shared the idea with me.
Also I thought it would be fun for Jessie to get postcards or cards sent to her from around the world. She will be home bound for awhile and it's not going to be fun, she's going to need the cheering up and support. So if you would like to send a postcard or card email mandy_koeppen@hotmail.com and I will get the info to you.
GIVEAWAY
I said with post 501 I would be doing a giveaway but since 3 is the number right now around here I am going to be giving away 3 postal packages filled with goodies. All you have to do is leave a comment and if you'd like a second entry become a follower of this blog(if you already follow just say hey I already do and you'll have a second entry). You have until next Wednesday July 3rd to enter.
THANK YOU so very much for reading this post! Thank you for your kindness and support!
Hugs~MK
did you see this is being typed at 3 am seriously 3 is the number right now.
Another Hop you say??Yes why yes it is another Hop! That's 3 in a week. CRAZY! You still have time to enter The Stringery Hop below.
Really easy I should have taken photos while creating so you could see but I'm really bad about that because I'm a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal when i create it just happens and not really planned out. Back to the card once I had all the circles scored and folded I adhered to another circle and started layering the"petals" til I had the full flower head repeated this with the pinked circle small flower.
Add a circle for the flower center to cover up the over lapping "petals" and done. I rolled and pleated the ribbon stems and adhered the flowers to the card. 
Really fun and created in less than 45 minutes.
Anywho here is my layout.
