THE AMAZING RETREAT
To ALL the MOMS that attended and all those that are curious.
I have to say that the retreat was held in one of the most majestic places I have ever seen with these tired eyes! It was so green and alive with nature that you could hold your hand out and feel the electricity in the air. The night sounds were overwhelming and the day sights were pure eye candy.
We were exhausted when we finally arrived after getting lost for over 2 hours in the great smokie mountains...the roads were tiny and some spiraled up then down and NO SHOULDERS!!! At first I was scared but my little white van held the roads and the curves like it was built to do just that. Alexsis was my co-pilot and she never once got nervous...well...until she came face to face with the full grown black bear that was smelling the foilage at Teri and Barb's chalet...ROFL I have never seen my babygirl run so fast back to the van and stutter out M M M M MMMM MOM!!! B B B B B B BEAR!!! I have to say she scared me witless and thats not an easy thing to do. I have thanked God everyday since for keeping the bear at bay and Alexsis safe when she ran back to the van.
I wanted to thank everyone for listening so closely when I told the story of the butterfly that seem to come back to life in my hands. Alexsis and I have received so many thank you notes for the butterflies we made and we are so happy that most everyone seems thrilled to have received them. It was truly our pleasure to have been a part of this years retreat. We couldn't imagine how much planning and hard work went into putting together such a wonderful event.
The live Butterfly release totally blew me away...there we were outside, Alexsis and I opened our little triangle boxes and watched as our two butterflies flew up into the trees and lit side by side on a branch...sat there as though they were watching everyone down below and once again reminding us that our children are so free now. Alexsis and I have talked about this one event several times over and over. It was such a touching event, our lives will never be the same...ever.
The bracelets that we were taught to make by Vonna are also a treasure to have for a lifetime, what an amazing person she is, so patient and so creative! I had the pleasure of seeing some of her other pieces and she is truly not just a jewelry maker by she is an awesome artist!
All the Moms and Dads that we met were so wonderful. I will never remember everyones name but We were thrilled to be able to hang out with all of you and have wonderful conversations and share all of our tribulations and accomplishments with each of you.
When we returned to what we know as normal like I felt once again that door close, no more talking about my beautiful baby girl that lives in Heaven now, no one here to understand the pain that never goes away. I know we all experience this same thing. People seem to be the same everywhere when it comes to death.
For me and for Alexsis, having the opportunity to share MayLyn's life with sisters and brothers that understand our pain and sorrow, there is no better medicine in the whole wide world. No one understands better than US, all of US. And for that opportunity I thank all of you each and every day. Without you, all of you, I would not have the will to go on. I send all of you my heartfelt love and thanks and hope that you find some peace in your following days and months.
I did get to spend a whole day visiting with Delaine, you all know her as Suzie Edwards. She is truly my sister in every way, the sister I never had growing up. We have seen and been through so much together....she is my heart and will forever be.
All my love to all of you.
Jacqueline, MayLyn's Momma, PLH
I have to say that the retreat was held in one of the most majestic places I have ever seen with these tired eyes! It was so green and alive with nature that you could hold your hand out and feel the electricity in the air. The night sounds were overwhelming and the day sights were pure eye candy.
We were exhausted when we finally arrived after getting lost for over 2 hours in the great smokie mountains...the roads were tiny and some spiraled up then down and NO SHOULDERS!!! At first I was scared but my little white van held the roads and the curves like it was built to do just that. Alexsis was my co-pilot and she never once got nervous...well...until she came face to face with the full grown black bear that was smelling the foilage at Teri and Barb's chalet...ROFL I have never seen my babygirl run so fast back to the van and stutter out M M M M MMMM MOM!!! B B B B B B BEAR!!! I have to say she scared me witless and thats not an easy thing to do. I have thanked God everyday since for keeping the bear at bay and Alexsis safe when she ran back to the van.
I wanted to thank everyone for listening so closely when I told the story of the butterfly that seem to come back to life in my hands. Alexsis and I have received so many thank you notes for the butterflies we made and we are so happy that most everyone seems thrilled to have received them. It was truly our pleasure to have been a part of this years retreat. We couldn't imagine how much planning and hard work went into putting together such a wonderful event.
The live Butterfly release totally blew me away...there we were outside, Alexsis and I opened our little triangle boxes and watched as our two butterflies flew up into the trees and lit side by side on a branch...sat there as though they were watching everyone down below and once again reminding us that our children are so free now. Alexsis and I have talked about this one event several times over and over. It was such a touching event, our lives will never be the same...ever.
The bracelets that we were taught to make by Vonna are also a treasure to have for a lifetime, what an amazing person she is, so patient and so creative! I had the pleasure of seeing some of her other pieces and she is truly not just a jewelry maker by she is an awesome artist!
All the Moms and Dads that we met were so wonderful. I will never remember everyones name but We were thrilled to be able to hang out with all of you and have wonderful conversations and share all of our tribulations and accomplishments with each of you.
When we returned to what we know as normal like I felt once again that door close, no more talking about my beautiful baby girl that lives in Heaven now, no one here to understand the pain that never goes away. I know we all experience this same thing. People seem to be the same everywhere when it comes to death.
For me and for Alexsis, having the opportunity to share MayLyn's life with sisters and brothers that understand our pain and sorrow, there is no better medicine in the whole wide world. No one understands better than US, all of US. And for that opportunity I thank all of you each and every day. Without you, all of you, I would not have the will to go on. I send all of you my heartfelt love and thanks and hope that you find some peace in your following days and months.
I did get to spend a whole day visiting with Delaine, you all know her as Suzie Edwards. She is truly my sister in every way, the sister I never had growing up. We have seen and been through so much together....she is my heart and will forever be.
All my love to all of you.
Jacqueline, MayLyn's Momma, PLH
Replies
It was an amazing weekend. It was great to meet you and Alexsis. Thank you for sharing the story of the butterfly and MayLyn with us. Hugs, Kim
Thanks so much for the beautiful buterfly and the beautiful framed inspirational message....it will forever be a cherished item in my trove of little treasures.
I am so glad that you made it this year...it was like time stood still...you looked great and I loved meeting Alexsis. Thank you for your positive and supportive comments of the retreat...I know that the superheroes that worked on it deserve every bit of appreciation that can be given.
You are very special to me Jacqueline...I have always felt that we somehow have always been connected...I know you understand that.
Love,
Ann
I was so humbled by the story that you told on Friday night. I also wanted to tell you how proud I am of Alexsis and what a fabulous girl she is. I know you are so proud of her. I cried so much hearing your butterfly story. bUt it was a cleansing cry that we all need at one time or another. I had an amazing journey this weekend and I will never forget it.
Thank you for the beautiful glass butterfly and wonderful story. It meant alot for you to sign Justin\'s name on it, also. Just a wonderful time that I will always remember forever and ever. Love, Kelly
How perfect that yours and Alexis\'s butterfly would lite on a tree side by side...I truly believe that was MayLyn saying a special hello to you both. Your experience with the butterfly coming back to life was so amazing and the butterfly gifts were simply beautiful...you are precious...love and hugs...Karen
It was a pleasure to meet you, your daughter and to hear your beautiful story of MayLyn. It is so precious that her children continue to feel her spirit and remember their mother. I absolutely love my butterfly. It is already in my kitchen window. I seem to be in that room most and as the early morning sun reflects of the wings, I think of my son and your amazing generosity. Thank you for your talents and sharing them with us. Love to you. Robin
My butterfly is hanging on my window, it is just beautiful....thankyou thankyou thankyou - a million times thankyou.....
I loved meeting you and your beautiful daughter thank you so much for the butterfly it is one of treasures love to you
It was nice meeting you at the retreat, and I was very honored to receive the georgous glass butterfly, so beautifully wrapped and packaged. I specifically picked an orange bag because it was my son Michael\'s favorite color! I put it with my other gift I got that night, actually inside a gift bag, but for some reason, the orange bag and butterfly were not there when I packed up to leave... Nevertheless I thank you for the lovely gesture--I can\'t even imagine the amount of work it must have taken to make so many!! You are such a talented artist!! I will remember the thought, and the story you told--that is what counts, after all... Love to you, Cherie
It was nice meeting you and Alexis, hearing about MayLyn and the butterfly, and the stained glass butterflies are beautiful. Thank you so much, I\'ll think of you and MayLyn everytime I look at it. Hugs, Lynette
Sounds like it was a fruitful trip for you. Thank you for sharing & I am glad your daughter came to no harm from the bear. Love to you, Linda
A beautiful journal of a beautiful experience. I SOOO love my stained glass butterfly! I\'ve finally found a home for it where I can see it everyday. It\'s on the wall right next to the TV in the family room. I often glance over at it as I\'m watching TV and smile, think of Kala, and thank you and Alexsis for such a special gift.
It was PURE joy to my soul to meet Alexsis!! I just wanted to pack her in my bag and take her home! She is an amazing young woman and you have much to be proud of. Did she tell you my secret? My haircut secret? hahahaha!!! Should have known I could never pull it off!
Love you both~~Teri