About your "Bear Maker"...
My name is Debbi. I have been happily married to my high school football player (and I was his cheerleader) since 1976. I love him more today than I ever have and I can't imagine life without him. We have two amazing children, a daughter-in-law that we consider to be truly more like another daughter, a son-in-law that we have known since he was 7 and we have cared about way before we ever knew he would be actual "family", 5 beautiful, sweet & loving granddaughters and 3 very handsome grandsons!!
I am thankful for all these special blessings, despite the ups and downs every life is filled with. Through the years I have been inspired by so many family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors - each one having a unique role in my journey.
I am thankful for all these special blessings, despite the ups and downs every life is filled with. Through the years I have been inspired by so many family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors - each one having a unique role in my journey.
Holding Memories began...
What inspired me to start Holding Memories? Or who? God inspires me and looking back, I know He planted the thought. And through His word I have learned (and continue to learn) the right path. But God uses others to push, hold and enlighten me and when it comes to this business venture...
Let's start with Miss Sallie, a 99 year old woman who I visited when I worked for a hospice group. She turned 100 before she died, but during the time I knew her, she taught me lessons about life I will never forget. As a project for work, I made pillows out of clothing items we gathered for several hospice families - and was overwhelmed by the joy they experienced.
Then there was my Dad, my "Mum" (who came into our lives after my mother passed away) and a woman I have considered my Mom #2 since I was 10. I spent hours and hours talking to them about my ideas and all were so encouraging. They urged me to begin the process.
Of course, my husband and my kids - who always seem to believe in me, even when I doubt myself. They were so supportive of all my thoughts and ideas! Our son is in the Army and he has been to the middle east many, many times, leaving his wife and daughters to serve our country. I'm very proud of him and he is what inspired me to make the bears out of military uniforms. God continued to steer me in this direction through words, moments, people and it seemed every time I felt even slightly discouraged...something would happen to counteract that negativity.
And then I saw my cousin (who is also the daughter of my best friend & cousin). We have always had a very honest and straight-forward relationship and I was talking to her one day, (almost a year after my first thought of doing this) and she told me, " You're nuts if you don't start this business right now. I want you to make me a teddy bear and I know lots of "Heart Mom's" that would probably want one too." And THAT statement turned my thoughts - into action!
So for Erin and her "Heart Moms", in honor of her son Max, an infant heart transplant recipient - for my son David, a soldier, in honor of all our brave military men and women - for Aimee, Joe, Yvette and David, amazing and excellent parents and in honor of my 8 grandchildren - for my parents, those still with me and, in memory of my Mom (Jean) and Mother-in-law (Peggy) - for Miss Sallie and in memory of her and all hospice patients - this work has begun for you!
Footnote:
I have been making these bears and pillows for over 8 years now. I can honestly say that I am HONORED and feel BLESSED to be given the opportunity to sew these for YOU! I have met some wonderful people and heard so many stories - both sad and happy - but each one has truly touched me in some way! Thank you - for giving me this privilege to be a part of your lives and your memories!
Let's start with Miss Sallie, a 99 year old woman who I visited when I worked for a hospice group. She turned 100 before she died, but during the time I knew her, she taught me lessons about life I will never forget. As a project for work, I made pillows out of clothing items we gathered for several hospice families - and was overwhelmed by the joy they experienced.
Then there was my Dad, my "Mum" (who came into our lives after my mother passed away) and a woman I have considered my Mom #2 since I was 10. I spent hours and hours talking to them about my ideas and all were so encouraging. They urged me to begin the process.
Of course, my husband and my kids - who always seem to believe in me, even when I doubt myself. They were so supportive of all my thoughts and ideas! Our son is in the Army and he has been to the middle east many, many times, leaving his wife and daughters to serve our country. I'm very proud of him and he is what inspired me to make the bears out of military uniforms. God continued to steer me in this direction through words, moments, people and it seemed every time I felt even slightly discouraged...something would happen to counteract that negativity.
And then I saw my cousin (who is also the daughter of my best friend & cousin). We have always had a very honest and straight-forward relationship and I was talking to her one day, (almost a year after my first thought of doing this) and she told me, " You're nuts if you don't start this business right now. I want you to make me a teddy bear and I know lots of "Heart Mom's" that would probably want one too." And THAT statement turned my thoughts - into action!
So for Erin and her "Heart Moms", in honor of her son Max, an infant heart transplant recipient - for my son David, a soldier, in honor of all our brave military men and women - for Aimee, Joe, Yvette and David, amazing and excellent parents and in honor of my 8 grandchildren - for my parents, those still with me and, in memory of my Mom (Jean) and Mother-in-law (Peggy) - for Miss Sallie and in memory of her and all hospice patients - this work has begun for you!
Footnote:
I have been making these bears and pillows for over 8 years now. I can honestly say that I am HONORED and feel BLESSED to be given the opportunity to sew these for YOU! I have met some wonderful people and heard so many stories - both sad and happy - but each one has truly touched me in some way! Thank you - for giving me this privilege to be a part of your lives and your memories!
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10 (NIV) For I know the plans I havefor you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) |
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) |