But first...a favor, if you please.
If you sent me something in the mail, I have your mailing address and can properly thank you. Please bear with me while I do so...my handwriting is just crabby enough that physically writing requires me to take some time, and despite my best efforts the going is slow.
But the YouCaring fund was all electronic, and some of you wanted to remain private.
How do I properly thank YOU?
Over 300 people donated to that fund, and I am very determined to personally thank each and every one of you. But how?
I thought about going over to the Grotto at Notre Dame and lighting a candle and saying a prayer for each person, but I'm worried that might be offensive to somebody, and the last thing I want to do is turn a beautiful gesture of giving into something irksome.
So here I sit in my puddle of happy tears...wanting to shout from the rooftops just how grateful I am to be part of this thing of ours and how this has very literally changed...and saved...my life.
When Stewey died, I told Dr. Melfi that I didn't think I would survive it.
And there you were...lifting me up, dusting me off, and carrying me through the darkness with love and kindness.
When the realization came that I had lost my house after going to hell and back to save it, I told Dr. Melfi again that there was no way I would ever make it through leaving here.
And there you were again.
Only this time you gave me something that I haven't had since my dear dad died. You gave me safety. And a feeling of hope that everything is going to be OK and that no matter what, you've got my back and I can concentrate on getting a new kidney and starting a new life.
How the heck do I thank 300 plus people for THAT?!
You are kind enough to leave comments that tell me that you enjoy this blog and that I have said something that made your day a little brighter, etc. But writing this blog is such a small thing in comparison to what you do for me. If it's resonated in some way...I'm very glad, but it just seems so darn...I don't know what...in the face of such awesome generosity.
So help a spinster out here, would you please? There's got to be a way for me to do this, but I'm completely stumped as to what that might be.
OK, back to the laundry and packing!
Do something fun and come tell me all about it!
There have been times when you have lifted me and inspired me and made things better. You deserve that in return.
ReplyDeletePrayer is never offensive, in my opinion, and we're all in this challenge called Life together, walking our own paths. One big happy, struggling, goofy Family. So get well, move forward and know we're all here for you and you're there for us. Love you, my dear :) -p.
ReplyDeleteI'm always open for prayers - from anyone - positive thoughts bring positivity to you and the person you are praying for, regardless of the religion - that's my opinion anyway. I really enjoy your blog - the only thanks needed is be happy, and if you are able, keep writing. I really like clicking on your blog knowing that, even with your trials and loss of Stewey, you are still positive. You brighten my day and I love your needle work.
ReplyDeleteJust keep us up to date with your wonderful positive outlook on life (and stitching). You inspire and amuse without even realizing it! It has been a pleasure following your blog all these years. We love you Coni!
ReplyDeletePrayers are always gladly accepted. They are powerful. The collective power of prayer is awesome. The prayers of a group of sisters changed my life, worked a few miracles for me, and praying for one another brings miracles in small and big ways. Also, I look forward to reading your blog posts, always. Every post you write is a thank you. It is not a small thing - it is a joy to anticipate and a pleasure to read. Hope that answers your question(s), my dear. Prayers continue.
ReplyDeleteWhat goes around comes around, Ms Connie. Reading your blog has had me laughing through my tears during a dark time in my life. You've given so much joy through your blog over the years...and have inspired me to start cross stitching again...that we are just giving what we have received. xxxx
ReplyDeleteThis thing of ours is really a circle that gives to those that need it and bring joy to those giving. Your blog posts are part of that circle, Coni. You inspire, motivate, and bring us joy and laughter as you write about your life. Prayers and good thoughts are always acceptable and cherished. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I welcome prayers at any time. You have given me a lot of joy and inspiration in the short time I've discovered your writings and I was moved to donate a small gift. Your expressions of gratitude are more than enough for me.
ReplyDeleteJust don't let us go, Coni. Keep on, keepin' on. So many people get so much from 'this here blog' so don't ever stop. Love makes the world go 'round. You have cared deeply enough to share your life with us and we care deeply in return. Through the tears.... love, hugs & prayers, Cathryn ♥
ReplyDeleteFor me it is enough to see you moving forward to your new adventure with a positive spirit. I guess its the concept of "paying it forward"; that we do what we can when we can as a show of gratitude for that which we have received.
ReplyDeleteSeconding the idea of pay it forward. When you are able, of course. Focus on your upcoming surgery and getting well. Keep on posting to this blog when you're up to it. That's plenty for me.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, no one contributed to that account unless they felt in their heart it was right to do so. Prayers are a wonderful thing and everyone could use more of them. Second, paying it forward is a wonderful way to thank people. Obviously, you are a loving person and I am sure you were paying it forward before any of this happened.
ReplyDeleteTurn about is fair play. You have boosted my morale many times. Thank you
ReplyDeleteHow the heck do you thank 300 people? You just did Coni. Knowing that we have lifted you in some way is our thanks.
ReplyDeletePray! That's all I want and need. You've brightened my world many times especially when I lost my horse. Just reading about Stewey and his Mo-ther lifted my heavy heart just when I needed it. Now, go get on with your new life and WRITE about it!
ReplyDeleteDear Sweet Coni, prayers are surely always welcome. I have loved your blog for quite a while and am praying for you too. I have FSGS (tip variant) too but am in remission. <3
ReplyDeleteJust be kind to yourself and take good care.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is all the thanks I need. Reading it is one of the highlights of my day!
ReplyDeleteYou just thanked me. It was a pleasure to be part of helping you through this. Just wish we had started early enough to save your house!
ReplyDeleteI just want you to know what your blog has meant to me over the last 2 years alone.I have always enjoyed your blog but the last 2 years my daughter was fighting oral cancer and your blog was one of the only things that brightened my day and kept me stitching. Your stories, little dog (I'm a dog person have 3 little ones of my own) and your beautiful stitching kept me smiling and stitching when times seemed their darkest. I have read your blog and stitched and laughed my way through surgeries, radiation and many doctors appointments. Sometimes I read them to her. She has won her battle so far and now I will be here for you as you fight yours. You go get that kidney girl! Enjoy less cleaning in your new downsized home (I can't wait to downsize). You will be in my prayers and in my heart.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Rose
What all of them said . . . ditto!!!
ReplyDeleteBut maybe sometime in 2018, we can think about the stitchy retreat that you were thinking about at this time last year. In my day-to-day work life, I have organized a number of special events and would be delighted to help organize. And I know that other readers bring many skills and experiences. Maybe open registration first to donors?
Anyway, that is a thought for the future. For now, prayers and blogging!
Susan (aka Anonymous)
The greatest gift you can give us - just continue being you :)
ReplyDeleteConi, clearly you have no idea how much pleasure your writing has given to so many of us. If you did, you would not wonder why I am looking for no thanks from you. Just continue being your own special self and keep us updated about your life when you can.
ReplyDeleteWe are here for a friend, and that is Thank You enough. I should be thanking YOU, because giving a gift to a friend is the best feeling of all...no thanks are needed in return. Your blog is such a treat for me, I envy your writing style and flair, not to mention your unbelievable stitching...you inspire me in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteHave a good day, kid, and do not overdo!
Yes, I agree with Evelyn, your writing has inspired us, taught us and shared with us the many facets of Spinster Stitcher. Sometimes I may have a hard day and just reading your blog will walk me out of the dark cloud. Who should be thanking who? We thank you, and expect no more than you getting better and continuing with your path. You have a whole team of people wishing you the best, sit back and let us give you comfort.
ReplyDeleteI would love to attend a retreat and stitch with you, it would be my honor.
You just did it....thanked us, in this post today, however all of us can benefit from prayers, I know I would appreciate that. Everyone is going through something in their life where prayers are appreciated. I love your blog and check in everyday, so please just continue what you're doing ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteYou just did. That is enough. You, take care of you. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank us? Coni, you do that every time you write. You make us smile & giggle You lighten our hearts & inspire us with your stitching & organization ( I'lm gonna start on that part tomorrow). Offend with prayer? I think every one of us can use some prayers. Keep doing what you do best... and we will keep reading & smiling. Thank us? No, Coni, thank you. ❤️
ReplyDeleteConi, I am amazed at how resilient you are, and through it all you kept your sense of humor. You don't know how often I think, "If Coni can see the bright side after all she has endured, I can surely handle --- ( whatever I'm fixating about). I would love to see lots of pictures of your new " place" when you get it fixed. Showing us the new Chez Spinster will be great thanks.
ReplyDeleteSeveral people commented on your helping them through their difficult times, so I'd say you've already thanked your friends. So many of us, though, are fine at giving but not so much at receiving. Please just relax and know that your time to be a gracious recipient has come--and nobody wants or expects a grand gesture of thanks. The folks who contributed did so from their hearts and feel happy to have helped. I don't think they would want to add a job to your already full plate. Think of it this way: your friends finally had a way to let you know how much they appreciate the daily pleasure they've had from your blog. Everybody has benefited and nothing more is needed--except for you to continue to include us as participants in your life story. Best wishes as you move, get acquainted with a new kidney, and continue with life in your own unique style.
ReplyDeleteI think that what everyone here wants is just for you to continue to make progress toward a healthy, happy future and to keep being an online friend to us! Friends do things for friends, and sometimes they get repaid and sometimes they don't and that's fine.
ReplyDeleteYou just did!
ReplyDeletedone and done! You made us all feel good about ourselves, nothing more is needed!
ReplyDeleteThe best way to thank us, Coni, is to get yourself moved (with little fanfare), get your bright & shiny new kidney implanted, and LIVE to write and entertain us each day!! That's all we need and all we ask for. If you want to visit the Grotto for some of us ----- even better! Our Lady will watch over you as you move through this bump in your travels, and you'll be good as new.
ReplyDeleteBesides, you've already said "thank you" to all of us many, many times, so no need for more. Just get better....and SOON!!!!!
Love and prayers coming your way!
~~Joanne
I was paying you back for all the times you made my day better with your blog - no matter what you wrote about! I was happy to be able to do something to say thank you to YOU!
ReplyDeleteYou brighten my day every time you post. That is thank you enough :)
ReplyDeleteHow to thank everyone? You just did.
ReplyDeleteYour wonderful blog is thanks enuf! Keep on truckin' girlfriend 😀🐶
ReplyDeleteWow! What a circle of wonderful friends. Everyone said it. You are loved, and have been able to feel it from all of us. Just be well, know we are all here for you in any way we can be. Prayers work. I know they do. You bring a smile to our faces, and laughter to our hearts. Thank you! (I'm not good at this, and I will end up as an anonymous. But this is Donna!)
ReplyDeleteConi,
ReplyDeleteYou've brought so much joy, tears ( happy and sad) giggles, hysterical laughter but especially love to so many people that nothing more is needed. We just want you healthy and happy so are friendship can continue. ❤️
Everyone else has already expressed just what I'm feeling. All of the good stuff sending right back to you. Kathleen
ReplyDeleteConi, the humor and humanity that you share in your blog has enriched my life. No thanks necessary. Susan
ReplyDeleteA prayer is a way of expressing love and who would not wish to have someone loving over them? This Spinster Sisterhood is an expression of the love you have created among us and you have given us more joy and comfort just by being wonderful you, Coni. Let us all pray for each other and know the beautiful bond of upholding one another in love. Bless you, dear one.
ReplyDeleteJust get healthy again and keep writing so that we know how you're doing.
ReplyDelete💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
ReplyDeleteYou give to me every time I read your blog. My favorite thing to do at the end of the day is to climb into bed with my iPad and check in with you. I feel happy and peaceful and connected to this awesome group of people just before sleep. I was able to give to you. It seemed Ike I was thanking you for the richness you give my life. March on friend, and enjoy the love and support. Oh, and by the way, I'd never turn down a prayer. We need more of it in this world. I'd love a stitcher get together!
ReplyDeleteJust keep writing the blog. I'm pretty sure that's thanks enough.
ReplyDeleteAs you can see, your wit, humor, honesty and being yourself is what we all need from you. None of us go through this earthly existence unscathed - we all suffer from something. If we didn't have each other, none of us would survive; but we're "family". A big, personally unknown, but known anyway, family. You may feel your thank you's and prayers aren't enough - but they are. We help each other.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone above me has already said all that is needed!! You know, I am sure, that it is in giving we are blessed!! Just take good care of you, and, when you are able, keep writing your sweet, funny, stitchy posts. That is enough. You bring lightness and joy to your readers. And, we do miss Stewey's wisdom!
ReplyDeleteDebbie in Kansas
The beauty of being the 50th commenter is that it has all been said before, and I agree with all of it! I snuggle into bed at night with my iPad and say (to myself not my husband), let's see what coni has been up to. You have brought immense pleasure to my needlework life, but your spirit and joy for life is the most important thing. You are simply amazing! And I think of you now when I say "I'm going to the target!" Keep up the good work....you inspire us all.
ReplyDeleteKeep writing your blog is all the thanks needed. I have enjoyed being a party of your life through the blog and would miss it very much.
ReplyDeleteI have been away from my computer for two weeks, and have been home for fifteen minutes and I couldn't wait to see what was going on in
ReplyDeleteConi's life and health. That should let you know just how much I love to read your blog. Please get to feeling better and keep us posted! And, I totally agree with some of the others that have said that you have been paying it forward for years!