Featured Stamper this week is Sandie, a.k.a. sistersandie!
I was browsing through Sandie's wonderful gallery bookmarking cards to make the hard choice later, but then I ran into this card and knew instantly it would be the card.
* I used the same theme, colors and image (although from a different company).
* I tweeked the layout to make everything fit.
* Instead of a border punch, I used die cuts.
* I put a sentiment where she had gems.
* I added a heart & bow... because I had stamping boo-boo.
Techniques: The heart is actually 4 or 5 layers to make it thicker like a button. Before stamping the numbers on the main image, I stamped the footprints on scratch paper before stamping on the cardstock to get a shade lighter.
About the card: The reason why I knew I would CASE Sandie's baby footprints card is because I bought this stamp for one reason... to make a scrapbook page for the March of Dimes ~ Walk for Babies 8 mile walk I did a few years ago. One in eight babies are born prematurely every year in our country. Many more are born with birth defects or are stillborn. March of Dimes helps families, doctors and researchers, etc. I can't help them as much as I used to because I lost my job. But every little bit counts because it adds up. And because of that, more babies can be saved.
My story: My firstborn child was born 16 weeks too early and weighed 1 pound and 4 ounces and was 12 inches long. He is 18 years old now. He has cerebral palsy and high functioning autism, but he has a personality that makes it difficult for classmates, teachers and health professionals to forget. Two years before he graduated, Brian had major surgeries on his legs, knees, ankles and feet. It was a long recovery. He uses his wheelchair to go from room to room in schools, but he can walk short distances within a small room. He prefers his wheelchair. So it was a surprise when at graduation ceremonies, he chose to walk across the stage to receive his diploma (certificate of completion - special ed). His classmates gave him a standing ovation, followed by the teachers and then the whole auditorium full of families. It was unexpected and truly amazing. If Brian had been born 5 years earlier, there would've been no way to save him. But a new substance was made to mimic what our lungs have so the walls don't stick together therefore allowing us to inhale air again. Without that chemical substance, a respirator wouldn't be able to work. I'm positive there have been many more discoveries in the past 18 years that I'm unaware of but are so very important to many babies and families.
When Brian was 5 yrs old, I went into preterm labor again. Unfortunately, he died during delivery. There was no time for a c-section and 18 weeks early was too soon. He weighed one pound and was 11.5 inches long.
When I participate in a March of Dimes Walk for Babies, I have a special shirt that I had made. On the back it says, "Walking in honor of Brian and in memory of Blake."
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2013 GMT Views: 1620
Favorited:2
Registered: November 7, 2006 Location: Willamette Valley Oregon Posts: 34500
Sat, Dec 14, 2013 @ 11:56 PM
Thank you Jen for sharing your heart and your family story here. I have chills just reading. One of my dear friends became a grandmother 15 weeks early as her grand baby was born with similar stats as you mentioned. But on Tuesday Caleb is going home at +5lbs 15ozs. Still a few weeks shy of his 'official' birthday. He is making tremendous progress every day.
love the patter of little feet...walk on ((((hugs))))
------------------------------ Susan~~~One4Joydaily I'm a FAN CLUB member, U? MY GALLERYof visual Delights MY BLOG
Registered: March 7, 2009 Location: Where the corn is knee high by the 4th of July Posts: 17498
Sun, Dec 15, 2013 @ 12:48 AM
Thank you for sharing your touching story about your sons, Jen. Brian has such fortitude and is such an inspiration to others. Your card is a terrific case of Sandie's card.
Registered: January 29, 2009 Location: British Columbia Posts: 6675
Sun, Dec 15, 2013 @ 1:26 AM
Great card. Thank you for sharing your story. Sad as well as encouraging. Your Brian sounds like an amazing person. You've obviously been through so much and yet you still manage to give everything and more to your son. He's very lucky to have you as your are him. Fabulous card with such feeling within it. TFS. : )
Registered: June 29, 2010 Location: Recently moved to the seaside, with views over to the Isle of Wight Posts: 13689
Sun, Dec 15, 2013 @ 2:22 AM
Thank you Jen, for joining in on my very special day. And thank you for choosing one of my cards that had a meaning for you personally. It makes YOUR card extra special to ME.
Registered: March 20, 2005 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 77633
Sun, Dec 15, 2013 @ 3:39 AM
My nephew (now in his 30's) was born weighing 2#...his foot was the size of my thumb. He was fortunate and had no problems....after approx. 3 months in the hospital and then a special needs home.
Your story literally choked me up. How very proud you must have been of Brian!!! I bet there wasn't a dry eye in the auditorium...what a very brave son you have raised, Jen! Well done! I am sorry Blake didn't make it...you have an angel.
Your card is an awesome tribute to both your sons!
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Registered: February 22, 2012 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 43340
Sun, Dec 15, 2013 @ 9:36 AM
Your card is a sweet tribute to both your sons. Your story brought back the memory of my God Son's birth. He weighed 2 lbs, 1 oz. He is 24 now and you would never know his beginnings were so tenuous. Thank you for sharing your story. Congratulations to Brian on his fortitude and strength. My deepest sympathies on the loss of his little brother, Blake.
------------------------------ Priscilla (aka - PJ)
QFTD187 My Gallery
Registered: August 18, 2008 Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK Posts: 31972
Sun, Dec 15, 2013 @ 11:01 AM
Jen, this beautiful card is all the more special for hearing your story - you've been through so much, and I'm sorry for the pain of your loss. What a proud, moving moment to see your son receive his dimploma and the recognition of his peers - congratulations to you both!
Registered: May 28, 2008 Location: Arnold, Missouri Posts: 15273
Sun, Dec 15, 2013 @ 5:26 PM
Jen, such a beautiful card and even more so with the explanation of it. Thank you for sharing your story. And what a special tribute to both your sons - to the accomplishment of Brian's graduation and the memory of sweet Blake.
------------------------------ "The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8