WOW!!! That's all I can say. WOW!!! Your response to my birthday card appeal for the troops through the organization, From Our Hearts, has been overwhelming, to say the least! As of this morning, I have received more than 600 cards. I say more because I know there are many still in the mail and there are many in a box by my computer that I've not even been able to open yet!
We returned home on Monday (Memorial Day Holiday) after a few days visiting family in Iowa. I had asked my neighbor to collect my mail while I was gone. Little did we expect to come home to such a welcoming sight! When my daughter went next door to get the mail, she returned with a huge shopping bag full of boxes, packages and cards (see the photo on the right). Her response to me was, "Well, I guess you're the princess of popularity". It made me laugh, it also makes me feel very humble. I am amazed at your generosity and your willingness to help!
So imagine then my surprise when I arrived home from work on Tuesday. As I drove into the driveway, I glanced on the porch to see if the mail had arrived, and this is what greeted me. LOL -- now the post office is so overwhelmed with your response that they are bringing mail to my home in an official US Mail crate! Again, I am amazed and humbled!
Thank you, each and every one of you, for sending so many wonderful birthday greetings and wishes my way and for doing it in a way that will support our deployed troops and their families! I will continue to update you as I receive even more cards throughout this week! And of course, there will be the big blog candy winner announcement to come in the future! You can read the original post about this project HERE.
Many of you are asking how you can be more involved with making cards for our troops through From Our Hearts. Just click on their name to go to their website. Martie Shea and her faithful volunteers do a great job at keeping everyone updated on their progress and needs. And there's lots of information there about how you can make and send cards to them, with all the details of what to include and where to send them.
Thanks, everyone! I'm trying to send acknowledgements and thank-you's as I open your cards but as you can imagine, it's taking a bit longer than I originally anticipated! With each card I open, I like to imagine the looks on the faces of the soldiers and their families who will send and receive these cards! What a birthday present you have given me! I do feel like the princess of popularity today. But I also feel very humbled, fortunate, and blessed! Thank you!!!
Gretchen
I am so happy with the response. but then again why are you surprised. You are a blessing to many and your generous spirit can only get back what you give to others. This is how the principle of sowing and reaping works.
blessings in abundance
patti moffett
Posted by: patti moffett | June 02, 2010 at 07:55 AM
I am so glad so many people are helping you out. The troops will love it.
Posted by: Anita | June 02, 2010 at 03:38 PM
I just mailed my box today! So much fun to get all that mail, huh?
Posted by: Patti MacLeith | June 02, 2010 at 04:09 PM
Wow, Gretchen, Wow, Wow, Wow. This is 2 full boxes of cards that can be mailed overseas! Of course, they will be dispersed among the many boxes we ship over so that there is a variety in each box. I can't thank you enough!! And A BIG thank you to EVERYONE who has taken the time to sit down, create a card (and many who have created MANY) and put them in the mail!
Posted by: Martie Shea | June 02, 2010 at 06:13 PM
Thanks Gretchen for thinking of this great way to help with remembering the troops. Hope is raises their spirits.
Blessings to everyone that responded.
Marge W
Posted by: Marge | June 02, 2010 at 08:03 PM
That's great! A Happy Birthday to you and then a wonderful deed sending them over seas.
Posted by: Evelyn | June 02, 2010 at 08:52 PM
I always knew that card makers had the biggest hearts --- and this just proves it! I'd like to say --- without ever meeting you in person --- that your heart size tops the list! It was a pleasure to participate in your project, and I know this will always be a birthday to remember! KTH in San Jose
Posted by: KT Hom | June 02, 2010 at 09:14 PM
Gretchen, WOW that is great, I hope you got my package and so glad so many participated and why not it was an awesome reason and reason to make your wish come true. Glad it helped on both ends. Thanks for the chance and it was a pleasure to participate.
Posted by: Billie A | June 02, 2010 at 11:03 PM
You lead and we will follow...Thanks for opening the door for so many. You really aren't a princess - queen would be a better description :D Mary Jo
Posted by: mary jo | June 03, 2010 at 11:51 PM
AWESOME, Gretchen!!! It was such a wonderful idea and I'm glad that your idea is turning out so well. This birthday will be forever remembered, won't it??! God Bless You!
Posted by: Regina | June 04, 2010 at 02:23 PM
I am glad that I can say that I helped on this project! Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help support the troops, I know they will really love all the cards!
Posted by: Karen Ross | June 05, 2010 at 07:27 PM