1000 CRANES

Several weeks ago a project was begun.

In January, my blog friend Kathy Bell, asked me if I thought Kayla would benefit from recieving 1000 origami cranes. There is an ancient Japanese legend that if you fold 1000 paper cranes, you will get your wish or miracle.
HERE IS KAYLA WITH HER CRANES HANGING BESIDE HER BED.
Kathy coordinated a similar project last year for our dear friend Ellen Crush, once her cancer seemed to be unrelenting. Ellen recieved those cranes, folded by Bloggers all over the world who had come to know Ellen through her blog. When Ellen recieved those cranes she was absolutely overcome by the love and time that her friends had put into this project for her. Recieving them had made such a difference to Ellen and brought her such great joy in her last days. I will never forget how good it felt to be part of that gift.

When Kathy suggested the cranes for Kayla, in January, I thought it was not going to be necessary for Kayla to need the miracle which the 1000 cranes would entail. At that time, Kayla seemed to be doing so very well, I fully believed she was beating the cancer. Sadly, I was wrong and as most of you know, her condition has changed , none for the better.

So a few weeks ago, I got back in touch will Kathy and said "Lets do it. Kayla needs a miracle now". Keeping the cranes a surprise was important, so I did not announce the project on my blog. Instead, I sent out emails to as many people as I could contact.

Well, you guys responded in a most unbelievable way. I recieved more than a thousand cranes! And they are still arriving.!!!! Not only did people make cranes especially for Kayla, which was incredible to see. But also, Curtis Crush, Ellens husband, sent out Ellens 1000 cranes to double the effect. I am overwhelmed by the love and support of everyone who helped. You guys are incredible! I love you all so much for all your help in this. I beaded the names of everyone who participated onto a long neclace for Kayla to wear around her neck like a hug.

Kaylas Great Aunt Valerie, Keith and myself, walked into the hospital with armfuls of cranes, amidst ohhs and ahhs and lots of curious looks. We hadn't told Kayla's mom about it either. We just told her we had a big surprise and to meet us in Kaylas room. When we walked in her room with this beautiful presentation, Kayla was dumbstruck. She just didnt know what to say. But the smile on her face said it all. I explained that her family, friends and Bloggers from around the world had pitched in. That so many people loved her and where praying and rooting for her. She just couldn't believe that that many people cared enough about her to do something like this. All the nurses came in and shared in the wonder. There was such a positive energy in that room just then. We could feel the miracle of the cranes starting to work. Even if that miracle was to let a little girl know she is so dearly thought of, and to bring some small bit of joy into a very sad time.
Here are Keith and Great Aunty Valerie with some of the cranes hanging in the window. Aunty made 300! Keith is wearing the beads.

My children, Kayla's cousins did alot. Folding these cranes was theraputic for us as a family.

We sat around the table in our pajamas one weekend and just folded for hours.

At one point they put cranes in my hair and pretended they were attacking me, so we had some fun and healing for ourselves also.

A huge thank you to each of you for taking part. You will never know what this has meant to Kayla, my Family and myself. I hope that your involvement in Kayla's Crane project gave you a good feeling.