I have the most wonderful news to share with all of you today! My sister, Donna (that's her beautiful smiling face you see in the picture), who has been battling ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) since last September, is on the road to recovery! They have confirmed that she is in the final stage of ARDS, known as "Resolution and Recovery." She is off of life support now and, as of yesterday, breathing on her own! She's doing so well, we fully expect her to be moved from intensive care within the next few days to a private room! I cannot tell you how truly excited and grateful we are for this miracle! We came so very, very close to losing her many times over the past three months due to this heart-wrenching illness. We have so much to be thankful for and look forward to in this brand new year as we support her now through her recovery and rehabilitation!
Donna has a long road ahead of her as she recovers (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) and I want to be there for her as much as possible during this journey. I'm going to continue my leave of absence from Pals Paper Arts for the next few months so I can support her and encourage her as she recovers and rehabilitates. The leave is only temporary (from January through March) and the very talented Pam Giudici will be filling my spot on PPA while I'm away. I love Pam's work and I know you will too! I won't be completely inactive, as I'll still be working behind the scenes at PPA to bring you new sketches and color challenges for this new year! I hope you'll continue to hang in there with me through the next few months and I trust you will understand and support the reason for my absence.
I can't begin to find the words to express the gratitude I have for all of you out there who've supported both me and my family these last few months with your thoughts, prayers, e-mails, and beautiful cards. Special thanks to Mary and my fellow PPA design team members, and to all of the Stampin' Pretty Pals, who've been there for me, too! It is truly wonderful to know that so many people care!
Margaret - I have missed seeing your beautiful work but it appears you have been doing even more fantastic things supporting your sister! What a blessing you surely are to her and what happy, happy news about her improvements! I look forward to seeing you back to stamping since that will mean her recovery is almost complete.
Posted by: Jen Timko | 01/06/2011 at 08:15 AM
That is wonderful. Continued prayers for her!
Posted by: Lori A. | 01/06/2011 at 11:28 AM
Oh, Margaret! This is wonderful news! Please keep us posted as your sister continue to improve!
Posted by: Ann Schach | 01/06/2011 at 11:28 AM
I adore you, Miss Margaret. Continued love and prayers. Praise the Lord!! :)
Posted by: Debbie Pierce | 01/06/2011 at 11:32 AM
Margaret this is wonderful news indeed! You take care of your sister and we will anxiously await her full recovery and your return to stamping. Have great day!
Traci
Posted by: Traci Davis | 01/06/2011 at 11:37 AM
What a miracle and wonderful answer to many prayers!
Posted by: Linda Peterson | 01/06/2011 at 11:38 AM
Oh, Margaret, this is the news I've been waiting to hear! What a blessed way to start off the new year for Donna, you, and your entire family! Keep smiling those beautiful smiles! I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers as Donna goes down the road to recovery! Thank you so much for sharing this terrific update!
Posted by: Cards by Gina | 01/06/2011 at 11:46 AM
Miracles do happen. You, Donna and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. LOL
Posted by: Dorothy T | 01/06/2011 at 12:38 PM
Margaret, I am so happy to here this!!! I can't imagine the weight that has been lifted off your shoulders. My prayers are with you all. We do miss you!!! Hugs,
Posted by: Carla Bazhenow | 01/06/2011 at 12:41 PM
You are a big part of the miracle . . . you have hoped and endured. Such a beautiful tribute to loving sisters. Hugs, M
Posted by: mary fish | 01/06/2011 at 01:18 PM
I am so happy to read the good news about your sister. I think it is wonderful that you will be able to contune helping her. I wil keep you and your sister in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Cardini- Anderson | 01/06/2011 at 01:37 PM
Miracles do happen and your sister is a wonderful example. I am so happy for all of you. You continue to remain in my prayers. May 2011 hold nothing but good and happy things for your family.
Posted by: Michele | 01/06/2011 at 01:52 PM
Margaret - this is the most wonderful news! I think it was that "card" hospital that she was in that did the trick! I am sure with you and the rest of the family supporting her she will continue her recovery! Fabulous - just fabulous!
Posted by: Linda Callahan | 01/06/2011 at 01:59 PM
Wonderful news. Will pray for her and the family.
Posted by: Janice Johnson | 01/06/2011 at 02:32 PM
WOnderful news, Margaret. Praise God and good sisters like you! Keep up the good work and keep us all posted. We care! Take care of yourself, too!
Posted by: Patti MacLeith | 01/06/2011 at 02:34 PM
Margaret,
What miraculous news. I'm so happy for you. It is true that the loving support of family and friends makes such a difference, and you were there for her constantly!
Congrats!
Mike
Posted by: Mike Funke | 01/06/2011 at 02:41 PM
Margaret - that is such wonderful news! Prayers for you and your sister for the next few months!
Posted by: Joanna | 01/06/2011 at 02:53 PM
Oh Margaret, I was so thrilled to read your post today. What a wonderful start to this year for all of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during her recovery. You are a beautiful person inside and out. You and your sister really resemble each other! Have a great day!
Posted by: Pam Giudici | 01/06/2011 at 03:34 PM
How wonderful! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Colleen | 01/06/2011 at 03:47 PM
Oh Margaret, this is the best news of the new year! I have been wondering about you and your sister and am delighted to hear that she is on the road to recovery no doubt due to your diligent and loving care. Happy new year, indeed! {{hugs}}
Posted by: Nance Leedy | 01/06/2011 at 05:19 PM
Thanks for the update. Take good care of your sister and yourself
Posted by: kim H | 01/06/2011 at 05:47 PM
Congratulations on your good news! I have missed you, but know that your sister needs you now than your fans. Keep us posted on how things are going. God bless all of you.
Posted by: Nancy E | 01/06/2011 at 06:40 PM
Wonderful, wonderful news. Prayers to your sister and family that her recovery is quick.
Posted by: diane oliver | 01/07/2011 at 06:56 AM
This is fabulous news Margaret! So happy for you and your family. Enjoy the time you are able to spend with your sister. I look forward to your return. Karin
Posted by: Karin | 01/07/2011 at 07:48 AM
It is so wonderful to know your sister is making a recovery. God Bless your family in this New year. Laura Redman, Tyler Texas. A follower of PPALS
Posted by: Laura Redman | 01/07/2011 at 10:51 AM