Leslie Nelsen
06-17-2008, 10:25 PM
I'm so very late in following up - I'm not sure if anyone even is looking for news. :blush: Sorry! The weeks following the event were soooo busy and we were gone for half of it too. Here is the info for anyone wanting more news. :)
I just posted on my blog (with a few photos), but here is the main part of what I shared there. The event was soooo nice - everything was beautifully done and Rebecca and I both had a great time. She sold over $300 in jewelry in addition to the $1250 bought for the event. I'm not sure of her total sales so far, but I think she must be around $7000. :hcry:
After a short time working at a booth, we were escorted to the main table. We were seated with the main speaker, some gals from the development office who organized the event and two gals whose dhs were sponsors of the event. A really fun table.
One of the gals asked when we sat down if I were the speaker. I said no and indicated that Amanda Lamb was the speaker. I told her that I was speaking only for a short time as the mom of a Duke patient. She told me that this was always her favorite part of the lunch. That she found these talks encouraging and inspiring. I began then to wonder if I could even measure up.
We were served our first course and then shortly afterwards, I was introduced. I wasn't too nervous - I do actually enjoy talking to people. This talk was probably the easiest in some ways - I knew the topic inside out. LOL It was also emotionally the hardest topic I've ever spoken on. I did get teary and a little choked up at points, but didn't cry. A good thing I think.
I began talking about the things I didn't know before Eliana was born. (See my blog post on 11/15/07 for more on this). I used this as a starting theme. I'm not sure I followed it though as then I just began telling our story. I shared the challenges and the victories - all things that I've shared here.
Towards the end I shared that I could often remember seeing other moms handle difficult things and think I just couldn't do it. They must be stronger and more special some how. As a mom of a special needs child that has walked through trials with her, I find that I'm just a regular mom still. A mom that just does what needs to be done - just like other moms before me have done and moms after me will continue to do. Most women would do anything for their child - learn, adjust, struggle and rise to meet the challengs. When you see that "special mom", know that inside she is just like you - one who loves her child and will do whatever it takes. She is one that has been tested in a different way perhaps or perhaps she is someone with whom you identify.
Thank you dear friends for your support and encouragment - for this event and for so much more. Your prayers have meant so very much to me. God has been so good to me. :hcry:
Love you all!
I just posted on my blog (with a few photos), but here is the main part of what I shared there. The event was soooo nice - everything was beautifully done and Rebecca and I both had a great time. She sold over $300 in jewelry in addition to the $1250 bought for the event. I'm not sure of her total sales so far, but I think she must be around $7000. :hcry:
After a short time working at a booth, we were escorted to the main table. We were seated with the main speaker, some gals from the development office who organized the event and two gals whose dhs were sponsors of the event. A really fun table.
One of the gals asked when we sat down if I were the speaker. I said no and indicated that Amanda Lamb was the speaker. I told her that I was speaking only for a short time as the mom of a Duke patient. She told me that this was always her favorite part of the lunch. That she found these talks encouraging and inspiring. I began then to wonder if I could even measure up.
We were served our first course and then shortly afterwards, I was introduced. I wasn't too nervous - I do actually enjoy talking to people. This talk was probably the easiest in some ways - I knew the topic inside out. LOL It was also emotionally the hardest topic I've ever spoken on. I did get teary and a little choked up at points, but didn't cry. A good thing I think.
I began talking about the things I didn't know before Eliana was born. (See my blog post on 11/15/07 for more on this). I used this as a starting theme. I'm not sure I followed it though as then I just began telling our story. I shared the challenges and the victories - all things that I've shared here.
Towards the end I shared that I could often remember seeing other moms handle difficult things and think I just couldn't do it. They must be stronger and more special some how. As a mom of a special needs child that has walked through trials with her, I find that I'm just a regular mom still. A mom that just does what needs to be done - just like other moms before me have done and moms after me will continue to do. Most women would do anything for their child - learn, adjust, struggle and rise to meet the challengs. When you see that "special mom", know that inside she is just like you - one who loves her child and will do whatever it takes. She is one that has been tested in a different way perhaps or perhaps she is someone with whom you identify.
Thank you dear friends for your support and encouragment - for this event and for so much more. Your prayers have meant so very much to me. God has been so good to me. :hcry:
Love you all!