Thursday, January 14, 2010

{Kate McRae} My Visit to Phoenix Children's Hospital to Decorate on Kate's Birthday

On Kate's birthday, the day after Christmas, I visited Phoenix Children's Hospital to decorate her room and bring her the many wonderful gifts you all sent. It was an emotional experience for me. I was so nervous. To meet her. To meet her parents. When you read Holly's blog (her mom), you feel her emotions, the ups and downs of this trying journey. What do you say? {photo of kate courtesy of ohsoposhphotography}

Her dad, Aaron brought me up to her room, where I wore a cape and mask before entering. He introduced me to Kate, but she wasn't feeling well at all. He explained that she was on many medications, including morphine. She looked right at me for a long time, and her eyes were mesmerizing. Clear, beautiful blue. She was the most gorgeous little girl. I wanted to run over and hug her, and hold her like she was my own. Aaron took her to another room so I could decorate and set up her gifts. I worked quickly and nervously, hanging snowflakes from the ceiling, hanging a gorgeous banner on the window and setting out all of the gifts. Kate's nurses came in and gushed about how cute everything was. Kate's mom, Holly came in, and she was so appreciative of everything. I had an emotional chat with her and Kate's nurse, Erica. I cannot imagine being in Holly's position, yet her strength is undeniable. She is such an amazing mother. I am grateful to have had the chance to tell Holly how she has inspired me personally. Kate is so blessed to have caring, loving parents by her side at every moment of this terrible experience. Kate's nurse deserves a gold medal. What a difficult yet rewarding job she has, caring for these children with cancer. Her heart poured out as she spoke of Kate and her strength. How inspiring this experience was.

Unfortunately, Kate was feeling terrible when she came back in. Holly assured me that once she was feeling better that she would love opening her gifts. I decided it was my time to leave, and as soon as I left the room, the tears started streaming down my face.

Kim, Thank you for the amazing decorations and gifts. Please pass that thanks along to everyone that donated. Late last night Kate felt like opening some gifts so we did. What great things people sent. We are so grateful that so many not even knowing her personally are praying and also doing tangible things to help. It makes the very hard days a little more palatable. So thank you! I am leaving the decorations up!
Much love, Holly

Thank you, Holly for allowing me to do this little thing to help brighten Kate's day.
PLEASE FOLLOW KATE'S JOURNEY HERE &
CONTINUE PRAYING FOR HER RECOVERY!

A HUGE THANK YOU
to all of my readers and friends who sent
the most fabulous decorations, gifts & attire for Kate's special day:
Sally - Polka Dot Market - Gift Buckets, Custom Shirts and Totes for the McRae Family, Polka Dot Leggings, Notecards & More (some items courtesy of Lilybella & Sticker Shop)
Jess - Polka Dots & Pirates - Tutu & Birthday Banner
Kristina - Modern Frills - Snowflake T-shirt

Amy - True Love Found - Snowflake Crown
Mia - Dolce Vita Mia - Crocheted Hats

Jess - Pen 'N Paper Flowers - Aqua & Red Bubble Set
Melissa & Kellie - Icing Designs - Cupcake Stand
Trisha - Daisys & Dots - Aqua & Red Flag Banner
Jill - Pocket Full of Posies - Canvas Artwork

Kara Hartman - American Girl Doll
Kristi Hansen (my BFF) - Snowflake Decorations
Sandi Arata - Oh Baby Shower Decor - Snowflake Banner
Kim -
The Celebration Shoppe - Princess Crown & Carriage

Please let me know if I forgot anyone!
There were so many wonderful things to keep track of!

26 comments:

Unknown said...

tears...your post put me in tears.
i ADORE kate and her family.
wish i could've been there to help you set things up and stare into those beautiful blue eyes.
so glad i could participate in such a heartfelt gesture.
my heart, prayers and thoughts are with the mcrae's on a daily basis.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful birthday.

Imjustagirl said...

Oh the tears!! I can olny imagine what this family has and will continue to go through! and I can only imagine the emotions you felt. I can not wait to support such amazing businesses and people that have helped this family!! Thank you Kim for posting this.

Amy H. said...

Thank YOU Kim for going above and beyond to create such a magical memory for Kate McRae and her family. Such a beautiful soul that little girl has...

Sweetly Sweet said...

You are a wonderful woman Kim and God will bless you beyond your imagination!

A Blissful Nest said...

Kim- That was such a wonderful thing to do. You are such a caring person- and I dont even know you!! You hear cancer touching almost every family these days but I could not imagine if it was my child. We all have to do a little something to help each other in these times. You are so amazing for all your efforts!

Kristi said...

I have started typing my comment a few times and I'm just not sure what to say...Kim you did a wonderful thing for a wonderful family and inspirational little girl...

Anonymous said...

Wow! The emotions. SO glad that her room looks like a happier place to be for sweet little Kate, SO sad that she has this terrible disease to battle. THANK YOU, Kim for doing something so special ;-) You are the best!

Christi Bennett @ pisforparty said...

You were so wonderful to pour your heart and soul into her special day and for your continued support of her family.

xoxo!

Shelley @ Divine Party Concepts said...

This was so wonderful and it warmed my heart to read about what you did!! What a wonderful girl Kate is!!!

BeesKneesParties said...

You rock ~ period.

Amy @ Living Locurto said...

This is wonderful! I will be praying for her.

Save the Date for Cupcakes said...

Aww~ this sent chills down my body! The tears are flowing! I'm sure you know you are truly remarkable for putting yourself out there and doing such a selfless act for Kate! The decor was gorgeous! Wish I could've helped out! Following her story now!

Vicki Lynn Photography said...

Wow! I totally teared up reading this post! I know this has been VERY touching to you personally and I can't even imagine what you must have been feeling meeting this wonderful family!

Loving you,
V

Meredith Nelson Photography said...

Wow, really awesome Kimmi.

Anonymous said...

Kim,

It was absolutely amazing in Kate's room. Everything was done in such detail I was so impressed. What a complete blessing for our family it was. Thanks so much for everything that you have done.

Stephanie
(Holly's Sister)

Enchanted Expectations said...

What a fantastic and emotional post. Tears are flowing. This was a fantastic party that you did for a special little girl in need. Just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration on making us all want to do something like this.

Double the Giggles said...

Kim - you created such a beautiful birthday room for Kate! You and your talents must have been a ray of sunshine during that difficult day for her and her family. I not only get choked up when reading Holly's blog, but also when I read your blogging about her. Poor little angel. You are beyond sweet for doing all you did for her!

Jill said...

Thank you sweet Kim for creating such a special day for precious Kate!
What a joy and a blessing!
Jill

Bird said...

What a beautiful little girl!!! I can't even imagine what her parents must go through seeing their little girl like that..My heart and prayers go out to them!

What a sweet, generous gift from you and all those who contributed to make her specail day a little brighter!! Well done for that!

Very moving post...

Heather @ Glitter and Gloss said...

Kate and her family are absolutely in my prayers.

Thanks for making such a special day for her!

Angelena said...

Kim your are a wonderful woman what a lovely setting.

A To Zebra Celebrations said...

WOW!! No words Kim! So awesome. God will continue to bless you abundantly! Awesome job!

Kim - The TomKat Studio said...

Thank you all so much for your kind words! XOXO

LittleBird said...

God Bless you for doing this special thing for her. You are an angel on earth!

Unknown said...

It's so easy to see what's wrong in the world this day & age (with the news etc) but times like this my heart is reignited- thank you!! It's amazing to see all the love & compassion shared here- thank you for brightening my day!! God Bless-
Cheyenne.