[Believe51]

To my surprise I came home to a beautiful card with some donations for the spa-fund that Karen set up for me. I can still say I am speechless about the whole thing and a tad bit shy. I know, I know....SHY??..Marie is that you???

I cannot express my deepest heartfelt thanks for even thinking of me. At first, like I said I did not know how to react. This has to be one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me and my life is full of riches. You girls are the most amazing group of friends ever and in a sense I do not feel 'worthy'. So many more of you need to go to the spa, so many of you need it more than me. But here you all are donating for me to go, how absolutely unselfish of you!!

I want to thank everyone who has donated for my cause (even if I do not think I am worthy!!). I want to thank you for feeling that I am worthy and making me realize what I mean to you!! How generally gracious you all are to think of me as needing this retreat. I am honored by the love I recieve here and quite proud to call you all 'My Greatest Love's"!! When I told Ed about this (fighting off tears) he too was speechless. I told him I would only go if he was feeling better. His reply: "Whether I am feeling good or not you are going. I will MAKE you go!!" This is really funny coming from a man who has never made me do anything. He does not even ask anything from me, except for maybe..."Are you doing laundry today??"

So with those tears still in my eyes I once again say thank you from the bottom of my very full heart. You all are my inspiration, my support, my deepest true loves. This family has the wonderful ability to fill us with the gifts that we never knew we were lacking. I still will never know where my husband and myself would be without you all. The greatest gift of all: Your loving friendship, it is priceless and with it I consider us COMPLETE!!

With Love and ultimate thanks>>Believe51

PS: Not only getting me to go to the spa, you are giving him a break from me!!! I am sure he will be relaxing knowing not just that I am gone, but that I will be spending quality time getting those "flesh & blood" hugs. I cannot wait to hold you all in my arms and whisper exactly what you mean to me!!!!