A Time for Giving...

Ok...so I'm taking a stamping break for a minute. My cousin heard the story of a woman in need. It's a sad story, and so I wanted to share. My cousin is organizing everything and is trying to get donations for this family in need. Here is the story...told by my cousin, Emily:

"Kara married her husband Hutch Henrie less than a year ago (about 7 months). They were so in love and happy. Recently, the newlyweds were involved in a tragic accident. I believe Kara was the driver and she swerved to miss something in the road, but was unable to keep control of the car. Her husband was thrown from the car and died shortly after. If this story isn't heartbreaking enough there is more; Kara was a couple months pregnant when she lost her husband. Not only that,but they did not have life insurance because his company didn't offer it, and she will shortly, if she hasn't already, lose the health care benefits her husband had through his work. The financial burden on top of the emotional and spiritual heartache is too much for someone to bare on her own. There has been an outpouring of love for Kara and her family, but I feel like we can do a lot more. She has to deal with so much more than I can imagine. Kara's story has really struck me to the point that I cannot lie down to go to sleep without thinking about her and what she is going through right at that moment. I do not know Kara personally, I know her sister-in-law a bit but I have such a strong feeling that I need to help her. I wanted to do all I could anonymously, but I feel I could do a lot more by asking for YOUR help. The Henrie family has lost 3 members of their family in less than a decade: Their sister at age 21 to a car accident, their mother within the past year or so to breast cancer and now their brother to another tragic accident. I know that Heavenly Father must feel like this family is strong enough to endure the pain and struggle they have, but I feel like we can help ease the basic needs of Kara's and help her to focus on the things she needs to in order to get through this hard time. I think about the baby that is such a gift from our Heavenly Father, but which might feel like such a burden and she must have so many mixed emotions about her situation. It was supposed to be such a happy time for her and her husband to be starting a family together, and I feel like she can find peace eventually, but with the stress and burdens she has I feel like she needs our help. I know these are tough economic times for a lot of people, but I also know the blessing of giving yourself to a deserving effort. Here is how you can help: There are 2 separate trust funds set up at Zion's Bank and America First, email me if you are interested in donating to one of these and I will send you all the information you need. I am also taking cash or check donations in her name, Kara Henrie, as well as cards, gifts,etc. If you know companies or businesses that would like to help out please let me know and I will do all I can to support them in helping Kara. Please remember her this Holiday Season and find someway to help a part of renewing hope in this devastating situation."

So there is the story. It's so sad and I feel so bad for her situation. If you would like to help at all or need more information, have questions, whatever....please email Emily at givebig33@gmail.com. You are welcome to email me at designwithink@gmail.com as well. Even if you can't donate money (and any bit would help!), I am sure she would love a handmade card from you so she knows the love and support that exists for her and that people are thinking about her. (Hint, hint! :) ) So if you would like to do this, feel free to get in touch with me and I will give you my address to send the card. Then I will gather them all up and get them sent to her as they come in.

Thanks for taking the time to read this! Please let Emily know if you have any questions (givebig33@gmail.com) or me (designwithink@gmail.com ). Happy Holidays!!!