Monday, May 31, 2010

My profusion of Peonies........and a Thank You


There is no possible way to thank you for your support during the last two weeks. I am beyond grateful to be able to tell you that my dad is slowly making his way back to us. My last post was published a few hours before we got the hospital call that every family fears and I believe your support and prayers helped in part to bring him back to us. Something worked that night and I am eternally grateful to the many of you who offered prayers and support by comments, emails, and phone calls. Actually, I am beyond grateful and maybe there is a way to thank you in a way that feels right to me.





Today is the 31st, the last day of May. I almost missed the May Giveaway and I am going to go about this one in a slightly different way. It is my way of thanking you for your incredible kindness towards my father, me, and my family. If you left a comment or an email by yesterday concerning my father over the past few weeks, your name is already entered in this Thank You Giveaway. I will post this special gift and select the recipient by the end of the week.


Comfort comes in many ways. Though I had no time to comment the past few weeks, I did enjoy your blog posts that I would read late at night on my laptop, on my veranda, in the dark when I couldn't sleep. The blogging world has become a comfortable one for me and I am not sure bloggers always know how good they are at what they do. I just want you to know that you are a unique and talented group of women...........


..................and totally amazing. XO




All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

53 comments:

  1. What an amazing display of nature's gifts - your peonies are beautiful and I hope they put a smile you your face, even in these trying times. What a gorgeous way to end a long weekend and start a short week!

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  2. wonderful news and a lovely post. Thank YOU for the words of encouragement to us bloggers! Continued good health to your dad....Donna

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  3. Much love and many continued prayers for your Father and for you all
    Love Jeanne

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  4. Dearest Sande,
    I'm so glad to hear this news about your dad!! oh this is wonderful and your peonies are pure bliss!!
    A big hug to you....xoxo Lala

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  5. You must feel a huge sense of relief...take care of you now. It is often after a stressful situation that you feel it more.
    The peonies are so lovely, the petals are so frilly and full.
    Take care.

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  6. Your peonies are amazing. Can't grow them here, so I have to wait till they are available as cut flowers. Hope your dad continues to improve. Take care. ~ Sarah

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  7. I'm so glad your Dad is starting to improve. Your peonies are stunning - I'd love to have nothing else in my garden, they remind me so much of my wedding. Things seem to be looking up. x

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  8. So happy to learn your dad is better. Those peonies have to be heaven sent! Thanks for the wonderful heartfelt thoughts. Hugs.

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  9. Sande, I am so glad to hear that your dad is getting better and that you were able to draw strength from all the wonderful, caring and comforting messages everybody sent you. Those peonies are absolutely wonderful and surely another source of comfort for you. All the best and Love from London, Carole x

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  10. Oh, darling Sande, what a joy to hear that your father is improving! My heart is filled to brimming for you and your family. Sending you big hugs and all best wishes.

    xoxo Gigi

    PS Those peonies are GLORIOUS!

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  11. Dear Sande,
    What wonderful news about your Dad.You and your family must be feeling a great sense of relief.
    Your peonies must be the most beautiful that I have ever seen....they are amazing. You are so kind to thank everyone for their concern but, friends are there for support at times like this and that is what we are all doing.
    I wish your Dad continued progress with his recovery and will be thinking of him and you and your family Sande. Lots of love to you and, take care and look after yourself. XXXX

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  12. Glad to hear that your dad is on the mend. I know what a difficult time it is for a family. The peony is my favorite flower,and I'm uplifted seeing these beauties.

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  13. Sande, this is the best news ever, I have been checking back to your blog to see if you had anything posted. I am so glad that today you do and with such wonderful news. I have tears in my eyes thinking of what your family went through. I know only too well those fearful days of the unknown. I am so thankful for your family that the outcome has turned a corner for the better. Take care, sweet friend, Kathysue

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  14. Thank God, thank God, thank God. You are the second person I know of this week who asked for prayers for a seriously ill father and who has happily reported a recovery. Prayer works (but my grammar stinks - oh well, who cares when Dad is getting better!!!).

    I am simply beyond happy for you. Kisses and hugs to you and your Dad and the rest of your family.

    The peony is also my most favorite flower. Loved the white with purple center.

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  15. Sande, thank God that your Dad is progressing to the healthier side again. I am so grateful, and thankful on behalf of you and your family. xo Lidy

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  16. Sande,
    I am so happy to hear that your father is doing better.
    Take care,
    Mandy

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  17. Dear Sandy, in your own valley, you have blessed others, including us, so much. Thank you for what you have shared with us all today. I pray that the post regarding your peonies has given you as much comfort as it has me(us..your readers). I am battling inoperable spinal cancer for a long time now...3 years... some days are good ..some not so good... and when I opened your blog just now, I literally felt such a peace and comfort come over me that tears fell for a moment. Thank you so very much! We will continue to pray for your father, and of course for all of you . Take comfort, just as you have right here, in sharing your peonies with us, in the moments of each day... I find myself , more than ever before, closing my eyes when I feel a breeze.. and breathing it in... listening to the birds in the early morning hours... and instead of being angry they awakened me... grateful to be able to hear them!... thank you for adding beauty to our lives through your posts!
    graciously,
    Cathy B
    projecthope7 at gmail dot com

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  18. I've been off the computer this week and I'm sad to say I didn't know about your dad until just now when I read your post. I hope he is regaining his health steadily and I can only imagine how scary that must of been for you and your family. Your peonies are lovely and I'm sure it was nice to see such loveliness after such a stressful week. You will remain in my thoughts ... :) K

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  19. Hello Sande, So glad to hear that your father is doing better. The power of prayer is certainly a wonderful thing! The prayers and thoughts will continue for all of you...your peonies are lovelier than ever. Take care.

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  20. My dear Sande, so happy to read that your father
    is making a good recovery. We are all very thankful for answered prayers. You and your family have been in my thoughts the last 2 weeks as you have gone through this ordeal together. I will keep your father in my prayers in the days ahead as he grows stronger. Lovely peony pictures! My favorite flower!!! God bless and keep you all!

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  21. Sande,
    This is wonderful news. Your father must have much more work to do. He has an open heart that is able to receive such blessings and be healed by His hand.
    I have read your moving note to us all. You are so kind. I am reading that every cell of your being and every thought in your mind is radiant with thanks and grace. You are so very special. Your father must be so very proud. xo Lisa

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  22. What a blessing to hear some good news - what a gut wrenching fear that must have been for you. I totally understand - I have been there. Treasure every day - I know that you know that. Prayers continue from me for you all~~~

    Vicki

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  23. Dearest Sande,
    How can I express the shock in only now seeing your posts about your Father. I've been completely wrapped up in my son's impending graduation from HS and haven't been over here for some time. I feel terrible that I haven't been a part of the prayer team that has been supporting you these past weeks, although I'm so relieved that he is making his way back to you!!! Please know now that you and your family and Father will be in my constant thought and prayers from this moment on and never forget that I love you :)
    God Bless You Sande
    XXXOOO

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  24. Dear Sande,
    I dropped in again the other evening looking for an update on your Dad. This is certainly great news for your Dad and all of your family.

    Your auto entry to a thank you giveaway is very sweet however, would you mind a request to remove my name. My Dad means the world to me and if a little ray of good thoughts from the East Coast was felt by yours that works for me!

    Kind regards to you and yours.

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  25. I cannot tell you how relieved I am Sande, truly, just hoping and praying that everything was going to be okay.

    This is a beautiful thank you and your peonies are just amazing.

    much love DJ

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  26. What a beautiful post, and the peonies are stunning! I agree with you that the blogging community is full of amazing women...and YOU are one of them! xo

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  27. Sande,
    So happy and relieved to hear some good news has found it's way to you and your family.
    ~Rebecca

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  28. Sande, this is wonderful news! Your peonies reflect a peace that I hope you are now experiencing in your heart....just beautiful. Continue to take care of yourself and know that the prayers for you and your dad won't stop here.
    Happy Tuesday! xx Suzanne

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  29. I am here in Brazil, hoping for the recovery of your father. Everything will be alright! kisses!

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  30. Iam so glad for your father.
    With my best wishes from Monterrey, Mexico
    Saludos Mogavi

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  31. Thats wonderful to hear your father is doing better. Take care.

    Regards Leanne

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  32. Dear Sande,
    Such wonderful news about your Dad. He is on his way to healing...one day at a time....time is important and he will get better. I feel better just knowing you are feeling better.
    xo

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  33. I am so glad to hear this! We'll continue to keep you all in our prayers.

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  34. I'm so glad your dad has been doing better...I will continue to pray for him, you, and your family!

    Beautiful peonies, by the way...I just love peonies.

    Lots of love,
    Rachel <3

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  35. YOU are amazing!

    YOU are sooo gifted!!

    YOU are uplifting!!!


    YOU have amazing peonies!!!

    You are a blogger whom we all love to see!!!!

    Hugs, Lana (& a happy customer, I must add--I ordered some gift wrap for my mother in law in North Carolina for Christmas and she loved it!!!)

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  36. A beautiful post as always...only better. I can feel your joy and relief and I'm right there with you. Positive thoughts and prayers your way for more good news in the weeks to come...

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  37. I just discovered your blog, I am so sorry about your dad! Saying prayers now!

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  38. You have no idea how happy this post makes me Sande~ My dad just left after his yearly "one week in may" visit with us. I thought about you while he was here, and I think I appreciated him more because of it. I am so happy to hear that your dad is feeling better and will pray that he continues to improve.
    So much love to you my friend,
    xx

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  39. Thought of you today...jsut wanted you to know, Jennifer

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  40. Sande~ thanks for your comment on my blog, it meant the world to me. On another note... are you still coming to Cali this summer? My Mom and I are planning a special dinner for you :)
    So so glad your sweet Dad is improving.
    Love,
    me

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  41. Dear Sande, I am so so so happy to hear the good news!! Thinking of you and your Dad daily.....hugs, Andrea

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  42. Dear Sande,
    What a relief to know that your father is on the mend. I kept checking back here to see if there was any news. I hope he continues to feel better. Undoubtedly you now need some pampering yourself.
    These peonies are a glorious way to say thank you to your readers. I adore peonies!! Are they from your garden?

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  43. Dearest Sande ~

    I've been away from the computer and the beloved blogging world for a few days, but I kept thinking of you and your father. Reading this post makes me take a sigh of relief knowing he is on the road to recovery.

    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  44. I am so sorry that I missed your news about your dad. I'm glad to hear that he is doing better. I've been away from blogging much as well. My mother's illness that began the end of February came to end with her passing on May 13th, so I understand that fear you have been experiencing. It is amazing how strong we can be and yet we really just want to curl up next to our parent and be 5 again. I'm really happy that things are going well for your family. Blessings-Sue

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  45. Amazing peonies! They are my favorite flowers and your photos are beautiful.

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  46. I just passed my 1 year ct scan - cancer free after kidney cancer last year - I truly believe God holds us in His hands and listens to all of our prayers - for peace, strength and to be there for us. I'm so happy for you and your family, Jennifer jennsthreegraces

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  47. Just wanted to say that I am so glad to know your father is doing better. I had to come back a ways to find out after reading your original post about his failing health some time ago. It is much later now but I am so happy to read this post! Hoping all are healing from the trauma of life and death emergencies!
    Kirsten

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  48. So sorry to hear your father was in hospital Sande, I have been away for a while so glad you have had many friends to keep your spirits high :)

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  49. I'm so glad to read this news. your peonies look beautiful

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  50. love peonies and I'm glad to read your news!

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  51. Peonies are my favorite flowers! They make any table so pretty!

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