The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence–from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
The Supper of the Lamb: A Culinary Reflection (Modern Library Paperbacks)
Things I Have Learned: Chapel Talks
Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking
August 5th, 2009
Happy 5th-8th Birthday, Elise!
I know it took me forever to complete. I’m trying not to hyperfocus on that. Trying, but often failing. So I’ll tell the whole story again to distract me.
When our daughter Elise was born (still) in 2001, I was so out-of-my-mind overwhelmed that I didn’t bring any clothes for her to the hospital. The gentle and firm OB nurses found a little dress in their “drawer” — a dress that some lady in Greenville county had smocked for her. I was so thankful and touched.
To celebrate her birthday every year, I decided to “pay-it-forward” by smocking another dress for another little girl whose first day of birth was in Heaven.
On Elise’s fifth birthday, I was ready to do something a little different. I wanted to make a party dress for a little 5-year-old girl. But Gavin was brand new, and I was overwhelmed. I didn’t finish it.
And then the whole BJU thing happened, and I was out-of-my-skull overwhelmed again (I’m sensing another theme here!).
But I just finished it. Last night! So I now just need to find a little size-6 girl who wouldn’t otherwise have a happy little dress!
Anyway, Happy Birthday, Elise! Your brothers, your daddy, and I are going to have red velvet cupcakes to celebrate you!
August 5th, 2009
Becky Says :
(((((Camille))))) What a beautiful dress and beautiful tribute to Elise! I’m not sure if you know of any agencies in Greeneville to contact, but there is a statewide organization that you could call for children with cancer – http://www.camphappydays.com – they may be able to help you find a little girl who needs a beautiful dress!
August 5th, 2009
Roanna Says :
how wonderfully precious. what a gift.
August 6th, 2009
stacy Says :
That dress is beautiful. A wonderful gift.
September 1st, 2009
A Time to Laugh » Watching a Tennis Match Says :
[...] so clearly done for years. :/ The other email described an actual blessing — how God is using Elise’s little cherry dress to show a young, nearly-forgotten girl how much He loved [...]