16 April 2011

Hope & The Tale of 7,000 Bracelets

"Hope...is not a feeling; it is something that you do."
~Katherine Paterson, American Writer

My children are both sick this week. What started as a crushing headache, lethargy and a sore throat developed into strep throat for Tiny Dancer. And Rocket? Well, what looked like the telltale strep balloon parade in the back of his thoat is nothing more than a nasty cold. They are doing fine, thank you very much, and will recover soon.

It is times like these, trying my patience and make me lose a little sleep due to the hacking and sniffling, that make me thankful that the worst health problems for my children can be cured by the occasional bubble-gum pink amoxicillin or Sudafed decongestant liquid or chewable Tylenol along with some rest and plenty of fluids. 

It also makes me think about worse case scenarios and how I would deal with that.

  • What if my child were the recipient of a gene so rare that there was no known cure and few people even knew how to treat them?
  • What if my child suffered daily from a condition or almost worse, the social stigma attached with having something seem not quite right about them?
  • If my child had a rare disease, there is a very real statistic that 30% of all children diagnosed with these genetic disorders could die before they reach the age of five. How would I cope with that?
 I have been doubly blessed with two relatively healthy kids, and I have often wondered how that happens. The right combination of heredity with an environment that is safe, I suppose. Or maybe just dumb luck. But for those that deal with a rare disease daily, I can only imagine the struggles that they go through. And even though I may not be able to sympathize with this situation because I have not experienced it myself, I can empathize and offer my support.

Enter the Global Genes Project. This advocacy group aims to raise awareness and provide support to those families that are dealing with rare diseases. They are connected to the Children's Rare Disease Network that is working to educate the public and support the families caring for a child with a rare disease.


{After the Rain, oil painting by Ann Waisbrot}

I am delighted to lend my talents to the Global Genes Project and their 7,000 Bracelets for Hope campaign. I am donating a bracelet called 'Tamarack Mist' to the project with the hope that this will bring some peace to a mother who is caring for her child. This bracelet was inspired by a painting by local artist Ann Waisbrot titled 'After the Rain' that was part of my 'Inspired by..." Gallery Q exhibit from last summer. And I think it is fitting for this project to remember that rainbows follow rain, and there are sunnier skies ahead. That is the embodiment of hope to me.


'Tamarack Mist' features a pewter button from D'Arsie Manzella of Mamacita Beadworks fashioned into a hook clasp. Glass beads in bright blue skies and soft gray clouds fill one side, while the other highlights three polymer clay beads that were made just for me inspired by the painting. These clay beads have swirling colors of the soft sunset light after the rain are by Organic Odysseys.

I will write a note to this mother. I will tell her that when she wears this bracelet, I want her to know that I
am thinking of her. As this bracelet encircles her wrist, I want her to feel me enveloping her in love and light. I want her to know that as a mother I share her concerns and her fears and her hopes for her child, for all children. I want her to know that I will continue to send my positive thoughts to her across time and distance. It might not always be easy to watch this loved one go through a life that is less than she hoped, but there is comfort in the knowledge that others are walking your path and solace that there are those in the world who care, even if you have never met.

This post is part of a blog hop that Lori Anderson coordinated of jewelry designers who want to lend their talents to the 7,000 Bracelets for Hope. Please go to her post to find the rest of the participants and read more of their stories of hope. Or better yet, go to the Global Genes Project and find out how you can help.

 
Enjoy the day!

64 comments:

Barbara Lewis said...

What a beautiful piece ... so generous of you! Someone will be lucky indeed!

Beetique said...

This is a breathtaking piece!

Dee said...

lovely piece and love the theme behind your design!

Courtney Breul said...

Really beautiful!

Alice said...

What a noble cause. My older sister was born breach which caused brain damage and a host of other problems. All her life she suffered the rude remarks, the stares and whispers, horrible pranks, and people who pretended to be her friends but really aimed to take advantage of her. I think we might be more aware of these issues nowdays, but we still have a long way to go. The old saying about walking a mile in their shoes should always come to mind before making judgement.

Unknown said...

lovely work!

Unknown said...

Okay I have tears. I love your kind heart and I am sure when she receives it she will love it just as much. I am so glad we all participated.

windrock studio said...

This is such a soft and lovely piece, really good work! A mother somewhere will be blessed.
SusanMarie

Tracy Statler said...

Absolutely beautiful bracelet and wonderful moving post Erin! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Yes a Noble cause! I love what you made and someone will Love this too Erin!

Elysian Studios said...

I love your design, Erin. Your kind words and lovely bracelet will be appreciated by its wearer!

stacilouise said...

Lovely!!

steufel said...

Oh Erin, you worked magic again:-)

m.e. said...

Wonderful components ,Wonderful design !!!
Something that the recipient will be able to wear often !!!
Interesting,yet "user friendly" creation !
PERFECT!!!
m.e. :)

CraftyHope said...

Your bracelet is just lovely and your sentiments are heart-touching!

KJ said...

Love that button clasp and what a great bracelet.

Anonymous said...

Stunning! I love the color blue in the beads, very calming and soothing. I'm sure it will be treasured!

BooBeads said...

Gorgeous, and a wonderful post!

Kym Hunter Designs said...

Very lovely bracelet! Beautiful colors and I really like the button clasp.

Honey from the Bee said...

Beautiful post and bracelet... The family will feel uplifted I'm sure.

Heather said...

Lovely words from the heart and the bracelet is wonderful. Love the button clasp.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the clasp/focal! Very unique!

Pretty Things said...

That's lovely! The button is such a nice touch, and I love the different blues you used!

Thank you so much for participating!

Stacey said...

Perfect words to go along with your bracelet...no doubt this will bring a sense of love and light...your bracelet is beautiful - the inspiration is beautiful.

Brandi Hussey said...

Healthy children is something that I will never take for granted. A friend of my sister had to rush her daughter to the ER recently because she wasn't herself. Turns out, she had diabetes and no one knew. If it wasn't for her attentive mother, things could have gone very wrong very fast.

At least with diabetes there's treatment and a course of action. I can't imagine how it feels to have a child with a rare disease that can't be treated. I can't imagine.

I love your bracelet, friend! It's gorgeous and touching.

Unknown said...

beautiful post & fabulous bracelet. I really like the use of multi strands & the button

Lutka And Co. said...

A lovely bracelet... so much thought.

Francy said...

very pretty design. hope your kids are back to their old selves soon.

Off the Beadin' Path said...

Erin, you really tied it all together with the painting, the clouds followed by blue skies, and the mother who is blessed with your bracelet will be in tears of joy whenever she reads your letter full of love and hope.

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Erin you always touch me deeply with the thought you put into your posts and what you did for the mother who will receive the gorgeous bracelet you created. You rock and inspire me!

Shyme said...

A really beautiful bracelet!!

Green Shoot Jewellery Designs said...

Beautiful design as always
Deb x

Anonymous said...

lovely bracelet! what a wonderful gesture!

Kate said...

Lovely bracelet and even more lovely sentiments!

VS said...

What a lovely bracelet & what a wonderful cause!!! Thanks for sharing your creativity & HOPE!!!
Hugs,
Susie

rosebud101 said...

Beautiful bracelet, Erin!

Anonymous said...

Your bracelet is lovely. I'm very pleased to be a part of this cause. #48

Clayworks by Lisa Boucher said...

Erin ~ Definitely a one of a kind & very special creation. That silver button really makes the piece. I always enjoy seeing what you put together!

elisabeth said...

Love the button, your bracelet is really wonderful (so not surprised :-))

Judy said...

Erin your words are beautiful and will mean as much to a Mom as your beautiful bracelet. I love the pewter button and how you added it to your creation.

Jenni said...

Beautiful design and bracelet, Erin. Your words really made me think, Erin. You certainly know how to write and it is apparent to all you have a very big, generous heart. Whoever receives your bracelet will treasure it.
Jenni

Cory said...

What a beautiful bracelet and such a lovely post.

Cindy said...

Beautifully said, Erin. Just like you, I feel blessed to be born with healthy children and do not take that for granted. Your bracelet design is just gorgeous and will be treasured, I just know it - especially with the note you will enclose with your words of hope.

hello gorgeous said...

oh so gorgeous! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Mary Harding said...

What inspiration your words about this project--what a beautiful bracelet. I love that so many of us have come together to support this worthwhile cause. Love you letter to the mom who will receive your beauty and hopefulness.

Shirley said...

Erin, I wish you could write my note for me! What lovely words, to go with a lovely bracelet. I feel so blessed to be a part of this project, and especially to see the gorgeous creations everyone has made, to show love and care to a stranger and her family. I pray that our efforts will bring a lightening of their hearts, if only for a moment.

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

What a beautiful post - not to mention the wonderful bracelet and message you will be sending.

I've seen your comments on several other blogs which I follow. It is an honor to finally meet you, Tesori.

You have a very large heart.

WTF Store said...

I love your design! It's light and pretty, but bold. It's a bracelet for someone tough, like a mom. Beautifully done!

Jennifer Pride said...

That's beautiful.

Marian Hertzog said...

The bracelet is very pretty! Love the button!Your words of encouragment will be such a blessing to someone!

somethingunique said...

Hi Erin, my you most certainly have a way with words i know when i am feeling down and need some encouragment to get me through i can always count on a post from Miss Erin to push me along & see the bigger picture and i am very certain that your special words will mean so much to the mother who recieves your beautiful bracelet.I made a bracelet and am having a very difficult time trying to get pics from camera to computer to blog i have worked 24 hrs the last 2 days at the hockey school i help runand now that everyones belly are full i am trying again ti figure this out my son just went to the neighbors to see if they have any clue as to what i can do thanks again for your amazing post and sharing you beautiful bracelet ttfn L:)

Rebecca said...

Beautiful post, beautiful bracelet, beautiful Erin :-)

Anonymous said...

Erin, your bracelet is so lovely! The beads, the color and the design are just perfect!

My Life Under the Bus said...

Oh so sweet! I am laughing at the wooden mannequinns you commented on because mine had had book pages on them then I decided I didn't like it and soaked it off! Now I don't know what to do with them!
Thanks for stopping by!

jeannieK said...

My dear, dear Erin. The letter you write will be so moving and from the heart just like the bracelet. It tells a great story like all your jewelry. I love the button and the inspiration for your bracelet. The painting is beautiful.

I did not join the blog hop, but Lori was kind enough to give me the information. I sent mine out last week. My letter was so lame.

I too am blessed with a healthy family and give thanks everyday.

Unknown said...

Your clasp is amazing....beautiful inspiration for that special recipient.

jamberry_song said...

It's a beautiful piece with a gorgeous inspiration. This will wrap with love around some young one's wrist. :) There are few things so lovely... Wonderfully done!

Karyn said...

Such a beautiful piece Erin - I love the addition of the button.

I hope your kids are feeling better... it does make you think how lucky we are that the worst our child may suffer from is a cold.

Karyn

Charlene said...

I love your bracelet and the inspiration behind it. I am sure it will be treasured.

SueBeads said...

Gorgeous Erin! You are a beautiful soul!

Raida said...

What a beautiful bracelet! I love the colors and I love the button clasp. I hope your kids are feeling better soon!

Christine Altmiller said...

this is beautiful! great colors and beautiful button!

Rebekah said...

Beautiful, beautiful bracelet and your message is so special! It will surely be treasured!

Serena Trent said...

I love the button, the double strands on one side and the lentil beads on the other! I love creating bracelets like this! Awesome job!

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