The Kindness of Strangers

In the relatively short time I have been blogging, I have noticed that there are amazingly kind and thoughtful people out there. I post a blurp, a thought, a plan in my head and people respond. I would have never dreamed that I would form bonds with people I have never met before in my life and probably never will. Whether it be a kind comment or someone offering to put a link on their blog to yours or sending a gift, the offering of friendship can be overwhelming.Last year, I met Karin from Creative Chaos. I mentioned that I was planning a Witches Tea for my friends and how I had a concept for an invitation. My "idea" involved vintage crepe paper and in my mailbox came vintage orange crepe paper from Karin. How thoughtful! I've never met this woman but I knew her from her writings and kind gift. In November, she let the blogging community know that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
A few weeks before, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Karin and my mom happen to be on the same chemo schedule; same day and time. My mom doesn't own a computer (I know, weird!) so I would make copies of Karin's blog for her to read. My mom loved having someone else to share her experience with. For months, we checked in with Karin to see how she was coping. My mom's chemo ended but Karin still has to contiue her fight through radiation now.
Last week, I received a package from Karin. It contained a beautiful set of earrings that she had made (I won them in a giveaway she had) and this lovely piece of art she made for my mom.

Thank you, Karin, so much for the thoughtful gift! You continue to amaze me and I know with the blogging community behind you, you will beat this terrible disease and have more time and energy to enjoy your art and family. Our prayers are with you!

I would also like to thank everyone for their kind comments and taking the time to have links on their blogs. Thanks to Risa at The ParTea Planner for being the first blog I ever read and being my party planner friend, Amy at Living Locurto for offering to promote my site, Dana at The Stone Rabbit for the funny socks and pink mask and all of your sweet comments, and Brenda at Party Planning Mom for sending me coupons for first aid kits for my son's birthday party. I loved meeting Natalie from Little Shindigs and Cindy from Cute Pink Stuff. (We must go to the Rose Bowl Swap Meet again!) I truly appreciate your kindness and taking time out of your day to think of me.