Post #2: Creation of Grateful Heart

The journey of creating the Grateful Heart ornament: researching symbols and colors of gratitude, designing concepts, crafting the first sample, all culminating in the ornament's creation.

Emotions run high in the days and weeks following difficult news. I endured a long week filled with doctor appointments, biopsies, waiting for results, and more appointments, with countless thoughts swirling in my mind. Despite the chaos and exhaustion, I felt immense gratitude for the team of doctors God provided during this challenging time. Each step in this daunting journey has been accompanied by blessings. From biopsies to mammograms to MRIs, the technicians have shown great compassion. At every appointment, the nurses and doctors have been exceptional, offering their time and expertise. It was overwhelming, but the caregivers I've met along the way have been gifts from God. One day in the shower, I thought that I wanted to give my surgeon something on the day of my surgery to express my gratitude. I wasn't sure what it would be... Later that day, I opened a gift from my college best friend, which included a charming ornament. My husband and I exchanged a look, and we both knew this was the way to show our appreciation—a meaningful keepsake that could sit on a desk or computer as a token of gratitude.

But how would I start such a project and complete it within three weeks before my surgery? I researched but couldn't find how to create the ornament I envisioned. I reached out to a friend, recalling her mention that her husband's company could make various items. One thing led to another, and her husband delivered meticulously. The vision I sketched on my phone became a prototype of perfection!

Tomorrow is my surgery day, and I have my first two Grateful Hearts wrapped and ready to give. I can't quite express why this is so important to me, but it is.

I'm incredibly thankful to those who helped bring this vision to life.

My gifts all ready for my two amazing surgeons - ready to give them on my surgery day.

First pic is me in the pre-op room, last snap to my family. The next two pictures are with my amazing surgeons after giving them my Grateful Hearts.