Sebastian!

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It's hard to believe that it's been almost three years since I first introduced you guys to Sebastian.  I mean, seriously, the kid is a third grader now!

Here's part of what I said in that first post about Sebastian...

My heart breaks because I know that eventually Sebastian will notice the finger pointing. He will learn, at an early age, that people can be cruel. Whether it is a desperate need to feel better about themselves or for reasons that not even they understand, people will be cruel and Sebastian will be seen as an easy victim.

Well, guys, that day has come.  Sadly, Sebastian has met his first bully.

Last night I checked in on Facebook before going to bed and found this post from Sebastian's mom...

Today was the day that I've been dreading and preparing myself for, but you can never really prepare for your child getting bullied.  There was a little boy in school who made fun of Sebastian for being the slowest runner in third grade.  Sebas has been telling me how he wishes he could run faster and I always tell him that God made him in his perfect image.  Sebas said that he walked away and got really sad and went to sit away from everyone else and he felt like crying and the bully followed him to continue to tease and tell how stupid he was.  Another little girl came up and stood up for Sebastian and told one of the staff.  Thinking of him feeling so hurt and alone really tears me up.  I tried to hold back the tears as he told me.  I tried so hard to just listen and be strong for him.  There were a few moments when I caught myself choking up and I had to look away so he wouldn't see me.  I told Sebas that there are always gonna be mean people.  They are hurting and when they see people that are happy they get jealous and they hurt you to make themselves feel better.  I told him that we can't be perfect or the best at everything we try to do and that he might be the slowest runner in third grade but he has the best heart in the whole school and that I rather have a kid that runs slow, with a beautiful heart than a kid that runs fast with an ugly heart.  We prayed for the bully, that God may heal his heart and make him a better person.  It hurts to see your kids have someone try and convince them that they aren't good enough.  I'm so proud of the little girl that stood up for him.  We need more kids like her.

Seriously, how awesome is Sebastian's mom?  She said and did all the right things!

She is so much better than I am, because after I read this I wanted to hop on a plane to Los Angeles and bully that bully! 

I mean, how could he do that to Sebastian?  My favorite person in the whole world is Sebastian.  Why would anyone hurt him?

Then I started thinking about the positive in the story.....the little girl in who came to his side.  How awesome is she?!?  Thank goodness she was there.  She's now my second favorite person in the world!

I am having a hard time dealing with the fact that there's nothing I can do to make things better for Sebastian.  I don't care how old he gets, in my mind, Sebastian will always be the kid who walked with me to close the playground gate so that he could protect me from monsters and bad guys.  I mean, I know that the best thing for him is to bundle him up in love and send him out into the world, but what I really want to do is go back and freeze time so that he never has to cross paths with this kid.

I want to protect his heart and his confidence and his pride.  I want to shelter his mom from the pain and helplessness she feels.

I want to do these things, but I can't.  We all live in the real world where bad things happen and bad things get said and we have to hope the people we love don't let the bad things get to them.  We have to hope that we have bundled them in enough love to protect them from the bad.  We have to hope that they believe that they are as wonderful as we know they are.  We have to believe that love will always win over hate.  And when we have a hard time hoping for and believing in these things we have to fake it until time passes and things get better.

I told Sebastian's mom that he still has people all over the world who love him.  I'm going to send my love to him and his mom in the form of cards.  (That's what I do when I don't know what else to do.)  If you would like to send a card too that would be wonderful.  Just send it to me and I promise I'll get it to him.

Sebastian
c/o Ms. Brown's Class
Greynolds Park Elementary School
1536 NE 179 Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162

His mom's name is Priscilla, if you would like to send one for her.  I think she could use a little cheering up now too.



 

A favor for Sebastian, his mom & me!

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Sebastian's mom reached out to me today and shared this news story about a little boy with an inoperable brain tumor wanting cards for his sixth birthday.

Just look at that adorable face!

As soon as I read his story, I knew I would do two things:

1. Make and send a card even though I am truly horrible at card making and
2. Share his story with you guys because you are truly wonderful at card making

We missed his birthday, but that doesn't matter.  We can still send cards.  We can still cheer him up.  We can still do something to help make him feel a little less lonely.  This story was originally aired on July 19th and he had received around 40 cards at that time.  We can do better than that!

Sebastian, his mom and I have all witnessed your talents and generosity.  Now, it's time for Danny to feel it too!  Please read and share Danny's story, send a card and make a little boy's day a little brighter.

I know that you guys will do this because you are totally awesome and always step up when I ask for help.  I know that you will do it because that's just the kind of giving people that you are. I know that you will do this because it's something Sebastian has requested and it's way too hard to say no to Sebastian.  I know that you will do it because just like me you've looked at Danny's picture and fallen in love with that smile.

Let's get his kid some cards!

Danny Nickerson
P.O. Box 212
Foxboro, MA 02035

Let's spread the word and get him even more cards!  Leave a comment on this post showing the card you're sending and/or where you've shared Danny's story and I'll round up a prize or two to give away.

You guys are the best!

Dear Los Angeles...

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Dear Los Angeles,

I know that you have lots of good things going for you. You’re the City of Angels. You have beaches and ports and famous people everywhere. We have those things too. We have them without the smog.

You have very few rainy days where we have a very prominent rainy season.

You have Chinatown. We have Calle Ocho.

You have Venice Beach. We have South Beach.

You have restaurants that are known for the fabulous food. So do we.

You have the hills. We have the everglades.

You have The Lakers and we have The Miami Heat.

I remember reading somewhere that the city of Los Angeles moves one-quarter of an inch to the east every year. If that’s true, then even you are trying to come to the East Coast.

We have a lot in common and yet we are so very different.

I think that the very worst thing about you is that, even with your gradual move east, you’re over 2700 miles away from Miami Beach

This is the worst thing, in my opinion, because my little buddy Sebastian and his mom are leaving Florida and moving to Los Angeles. I know that I should be happy for them. They’re moving to a new place and getting a new start, but I’m not happy because I’m selfish. I am selfish and I don’t want them to go.

Even if I don’t see them often, I like knowing that they are here. Miami is better with them here. I am better with them here. He’s the kid that makes you want to be better. A better teacher, a better person, a better anything and everything, because he is better.

He’s the kid who is so inspirational that thousands of people from all over the world have fallen in love with him. They send cards when he’s in the hospital and still email me daily asking for updates.

The kid who reminds you to “just be nice”. The kid who has faced more in his seven years on Earth than most of us would or even could face in a hundred years…a thousand years. The kid who relishes the things he can do and gives little thought to the things he can’t . The kid who deserves the world, but would never think of asking for it.

His mother is no less inspirational. She made Sebastian.

She gave birth to him and taught him right from wrong. On the many days, especially when he was younger, that her life would have been made easier by simply doing things for him she chose not to. Instead of coddling him she blessed him with a sense of independence and pride. She is the reason he has overcome so much. She is the reason he will continue to overcome the many obstacles that he will face.

Los Angeles, you are about to become better. We are sending you two of the best that we have. Take them in. Welcome them. I mean, there doesn’t have to be a ticker tape parade or a presentation where you give them a key to the city or anything like that. Although, that would be really cool if you could arrange it. Just don’t let them fall between the cracks. Don’t disappoint them. Don’t let them become like so many others who have moved there in search of a better life only to be heartbroken.

You are lucky, Los Angeles. You are lucky and I pray that you prove worthy.

If you live in the Los Angeles area or know someone who does, please feel free to share this post.  Maybe you'll see them and can welcome them to the west coast. If you do happen to see Sebastian and his mom when they are out and about in LA tell them Ms. Brown says hi and that Miami misses them.

Is it Christmas yet?

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I passed one of the fifth grade teachers on the sidewalk this afternoon and she said, "Only 9 more days."  She was referring to the number of school days we have until Christmas vacation and I didn't have the heart to tell her that we've actually got 14 more days.

I can't believe we have school until the 21st!  UGH!

The good news for the day is that 4 more cards arrived for Sebastian today!  You can find the updated list of cards here.

Remember....there's still time to send a card!

Sebastian
c/o Ms. Brown's Class
Greynolds Park Elementary School
1536 NE 179 Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162

The cards have started arriving!

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It's so exciting!  The first card arrived for Sebastian on Friday.  It came all the way from Mount Airy, Maryland.

So far we've received cards from:

Harold & Marydon in Mount Airy, MD
Rita in Rudolph WI
The Tucker-Wolek family in Glendale, AZ
Michael in Harrisonburg, VA
The MacKay family in San Juan Capistrano, CA
The Thiede Family in West Salem, OH
R. Miller in Visalia, CA
Shirley in Buffalo Mills, PA
Odalis in coral Springs, FL
Beate in Austria
The Lefebure Family in Canada
Cyn in Scottsdale, AZ
Carmen in Collinsville, Il
Judy in New Zealand
Annette in Lakewood, CA
Linda in Pompano Beach, FL
Mari in Boardman, OH
Laura in Alhambra, IL
Loly in Huntsville, AL
Alice in San Jose, CA
Sherryn in New Zealand
Laura in Alhambra, IL
The Mehrberg Family in Cardiff-by the Sea, CA
Melissa in Aurora, CO
Dennis & Karen in El Sombrante, CA
Miss Goldberg's Third Grade Class in North Miami Beach, FL
David & Patti in Midland, TX
Tim & Jessica in Clarence Center, NY
Shawn & Buffy in Williamson, GA
Miss Pearson's 9th grade Honors Science students at Fort Pierce Central High School, Fort Pierce, FL
Mrs. Papir's Kindergarten class  in North Miami Beach, FL
The Hemans family in Wailuku, HI
The Fogans Family in Canada
Marlena in Grove City, PA
Thiem in Nevada City, CA
Loi in The Netherlands
Sherry in Minneapolis, MN
The Polomson Family in Simi Valley, CA
Caroline in Ottawa, ON
The Bertram Family in Cincinnati, OH
Maureen in Floral Park, NY
Crissy in Hollywood, FL
The Macke Family in Fayetteville, GA
Mrs. Pearson's Kindergarten Class in North Miami Beach, FL
Mrs. Coleman's First Grade Class in North Miami Beach, FL
Mrs. Schwartz Pre-K Class in North Miami Beach, FL
Jennifer & Travis in Collierville, TN
Jess in Hackettstown, NJ
Betty in Laredo, TX
The Schilling Family in Jeffersonville, IN
Suze in New Zealand
Charlene in Canada
Barb & Rosie in Canada
Lisa in Sudbury, ON

There are also cards from Australia, Centennial, CO, Buckley, WA, Pittsville, WI, White Lake, MI  and Maple Valley, WA


Now, I need all of you wonderful card makers to visit the awesome Amy Tsuruta at Tsuruta Designs!  She is hosting a card challenge in Sebastian's honor and there are some great prizes!  All you have to do is make a card, blog about it to help us spread the word about the card drive and link up to Amy's blog. Of course, we also need you to mail the card. lol!

Amy is just so amazingly talented and kind that it's unbelievable.

I don't want the card card makers out there to be left out, so my neighbor and I are hosting our own little challenge here. 

You see, store bought cards are welcomed too!  We understand that not everyone has the time or in my case ~ the talent to make a card. 

We're hoping that you'll help us spread the word about Sebastian's surgery and the card drive.  Make a blog post, send an email to your contacts, post it on face book or twitter or google+, share the information with your church group, your book club, your bowling league or post a sign in your front yard.  Then send me a link, copy, email or picture.

Please, if you post a sign in your front yard ~ send a picture cause that would be so cool!  lol!

While we were out running errands today my neighbor and I hit up Michael's to pick up some goodies we could give away.  Now, as I'm sure you know Michael's on a Saturday afternoon in December is no place for the fainthearted or easily bruised and I am easily bruised!  We had no idea what to buy since neither one of us are card makers or stampers, so we decided to just pick up some things that we thought were cute.  Forgive the horrible pictures we used her phone so that I could get this posted.

First there are these cute plastic stamps



Some rubber stamps



Maybe someone can explain the difference between the stamps to me.  I mean, other than the obvious wood, rubber and plastic thing.  lol!

And some glitter



I picked out the glitter cause if I ever learn how to make cards, I am going to make cards with glitter. Lots and lots and LOTS of glitter! Glitter rocks!

I've also got two $10 gift certificates to Whimsy Stamps to give away.

These prizes are all courtesy of my neighbor and her husband ~ even though he doesn't know about it yet.  And...even though he doesn't know it yet, OCG is going to cover the cost of postage.  Don't worry we'll tell them sooner or later.  lol!

Sebastian
c/o Ms. Brown's Class
Greynolds Park Elementary School
1536 NE 179 Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162

Another surgery for Sebastian

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Remember the text message I promised to tell you about?  The one that reminded me of just how lucky I am?  Well, here it is...

"Sebastian is scheduled for surgery on Dec. 19 for his right arm.....He's scared but he's being a little soldier."

I was reminded of how lucky I was to know such an amazing little boy.  My scars will heal and no one will ever be the wiser.  Only the people I have chosen to tell will ever even know what I've gone through. 

Sebastian's scars are different.  There is no hiding them.  They are there for anyone to see.  He is only six, but he is confident enough in who he is as a person not to hide these markings. 

He is a soldier.  He is a tiny little six year old soldier who is facing a very big battle.

This surgery will be more difficult than the last one.  It will bring more pain and possibly even more rewards.

You see, if this surgery is a success, Sebastian will have movement at his elbow.  He will actually be able to bend his arm.  Can you imagine that?  Something that seems so simple to you and I could make all the difference in his life.  Just think of all the possibilities that could open up for him!

This surgery is also scary because he's had it before...on his left arm.  That surgery didn't work.  There is no movement at his left elbow.  There is no movement, but there is a scar.  A permanent reminder of what might have have been and what we hope can still be.....someday.

If this surgery is a success the doctor's are willing to go back in and redo the left arm.  Another surgery.....another chance....endless possibilities.

This surgery is different because Sebastian is six now.  Even though it's been less than a year since his last surgery he will tell you that he is a year older.  A year older because he is six now. 

He is no longer in Kindergarten.  He still likes Justin Bieber.  He still thinks that everyone should just be nice.  He still loves Spiderman and video games.  He now wants to be a doctor when he grows up ~ a doctor who helps children with their bones.  He still loves the smell of his mommy's house.  He wants to grow up and get married and have children ~ a boy and a girl.  I know that he would still save the princess if he could.  He is still the bravest person I have ever met.  He is still my hero.

Christmas will be very different for Sebastian this year.  I am sure that he will receive the normal presents and well wishes that all six year old boys hope for this time of year, but there will also be doctors and casts and pain and medication and sleepless nights for him as well as his parents.

 Because he is six now, Sebastian is that much more aware of what going to the hospital means.  He is more aware of the pain he will endure.  He is more aware of the hard work that will come after the surgery.  He is more aware of his differences and how special they make him.  He is more aware of the world around him and the looks he gets from strangers.

Perhaps the biggest and best gift Sebastian can receive this year is hope.  Hope for a surgery that accomplishes what was only a dream a few short years ago.  Hope for an arm that works the way it should. Hope for the future that he dreams of having.

I am once again asking for your help in filling his hospital room with love and hope.  The cards you sent for the last surgery meant the world to him.  He still talks about them and the far away places from which they arrived. 

Do you think it's possible to get even more cards this time?

Please share this post and send a card if you can


Sebastian
c/o Ms. Brown's Class
Greynolds Park Elementary School
1536 NE 179 Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

For those of you that are new to my blog and don't know Sebastian's story, you can read about his last surgery here.

The return of Sebastian!

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Look who came to school today!!!!!.....And.....check out that Spiderman cast!!!!!.....And.....look at those cool wheels he gets to ride around on!!!!!

(That's Ms. Natasha, my new college volunteer, in the pic with Sebastian.)

Sebastian returned to school for a little while today and everyone was so happy to see him! He came in a little shy and uncertain, but it didn't take long for him to warm up and flash some of his famous smiles.

We even got to open some of the mail that came to school during and after spring break. That was so much fun! There was a beautiful space themed pillowcase, some Spiderman goodies, (He's wearing one of the Spiderman socks he got in the pic!) and a box full of beautiful blank cards with envelopes that Sebastian can use as thank you cards for his doctors and nurses.

Sebastian didn't stay for very long today and may not put in a full day at school for some time, but that's ok.

Today he came to school and for just a little while my class was complete again.

Sebastian is home!

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Sebastian was released from the hospital on Sunday!

Mom says he is still in a lot of pain, but that he is very happy to be out of the hospital and in his own house. I think they're all getting more rest now that they can sleep in their own beds.

There really is no place like home!

Next week, (I think it's on the 21st) Sebastian is scheduled to go back into the operating room to get a new cast put on his leg. The one he has now is a combination cast/splint/wrap thing that they put on because there was lots of swelling from the surgery.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get a picture of his new Spiderman cast to show you!

Sebastian and his mom and dad are still busy reading all of the cards Sebastian rescieved. Here's another picture of some of his goodies...

My friend April is hosting a challenge at Scrapbook Flair that involves making pages for Sebastian and there are some adorable ones that have been posted. There is still time to join the challenge! I know there's some sort of prize involved, but I'm not sure what it is.

He is going to love seeing all the pages with his pictures on them!

Hospital visits

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I have been lucky enough to visit Sebastian in the hospital two more times since my visit on Wednesday.

On Thursday, he was awake when I arrived but was running a fever so he was given some medication and soon fell off to sleep.

Friday, I arrived as mom and dad were stepping out for a much needed break. Sebastian was in his room having x-rays taken as his worried uncle watched from the hallway.

Talk about heart breaking! Try standing in the hallway and watching and listening to the cries of a little boy in pain as his leg is turned and twisted in every evil way possible for x-rays.

If you've ever had a hurt or broken bone x-rayed you understand what I'm talking about!

Sebastian was a champion though!

I had shown up with a few more goodies that had arived at school for him ~ a bag of candy he could use to offer his visitors something sweet. (That made him feel pretty grown up!), a book to read and some more cards.

I opened one of the cards and read it to him. It was so sweet! We even found some monkey stickers inside the card! Sebastian shared one of the stickers with his uncle.

I didn't stay for too long. Mom hopes they'll be released from the hospital soon. Maybe even on Saturday! (Keep your fingers crossed!)

I've seen the cool wheel chair Sebastian will be spending some time in when he goes home. Mom and dad were going to try and get him into it for a little spin around the hospital after I left and I can't believe I didn't remind them to send me a picture if they did. UGH!

The cards and packages you guys sent are still helping Sebastian and his family pass the time. They are working their way through them slowly but surely and have loved every single one they've read.

The bravest boy ever!

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Sebastian had to be at the hospital by 5:45 AM. I know mom and dad weren't able to get any sleep Tuesday night, but Sebastian was awake and ready to go...

I have a hard time understanding how anyone can smile that early in the morning, but a couple of hours later he was still smiling as he waited for the last visit from the doctor before being taken in for his surgery...

The surgeon went into this surgery thinking that he may have to take a bone graft from Sebastian's hip for his foot, but after three and a half hours he came out of the operating room and let mom and dad know that it wasn't necessary. The surgery was over and he said he couldn't have been happier with how it went.

After school another teacher and I showed up at the hospital with the more than 500 cards and packages from all around the world that you guys so kindly sent in...

Sebastian was awake (barely) and watching The Karate Kid on TV. He was tired and fighting against the meds to stay awake. He let me take a picture of his cast, but let me know that he will be getting a new cast with Spiderman on it next week. How cool is that?!?!

Even though Sebastian was sleepy, he managed to say "cheese" everytime his picture was taken.

Even though mom and dad hadn't slept much they agreed to pose for a picture too so that you guys could see where Sebastian gets all of his cuteness...

Seriously, how can two people in desperate need of sleep look so camera ready? lol!

Then mom and dad helped Sebastian look through some of his cards...

Sebastian really needed to sleep, but was forcing himself to stay awake because he didn't want to miss anything we were talking about so we decided it was time to leave. Mom and dad needed to get some rest too! Sebastian gave in to the sleep monster before we were even out of the door, but thanks to you guys, he has plenty of goodies to keep him busy when he wakes up.

Another Sebastian Update

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The new surgery date has been set! Sebastian will have his surgery on March 7 at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. I know some of you have been holding onto your cards and others were worried that your cards wouldn't arrive in time. We have plenty of time to collect even more cards, so please keep sharing the link!

Now.....time for a couple of feel good stories!

I know that several of you mailed your cards to the hospital before we learned of the surgery delay and were worried about what would happen to them. NEVER FEAR! Someone at the hospital went out of their way to make sure that the cards got to Sebastian. They delievered them to his house! How awesome is that!

This next story shows just how small the world really is.....

Sebastian's physical therapist came to see him today, just like he does every Tuesday, but today he took the time to tell me a story about his daughter.

His daughter, who is in second grade, came home from school last week and told her parents how her entire class had made cards for a little boy named Sebastian. After listening to everything she had to say, her dad pulled up my blog and showed her the pictures of Sebastian on the card request post. Having no idea that her dad knew Sebastian, she very excitedly said, "That's him!" Her dad explained that he knew Sebastian and had even been working with him for several years now. She had no idea that her dad had already given me a card for Sebastian or that her dad is one of Sebastian's favorite people in the whole world.

Apparently, she was very excited about going back to school and sharing her Sebastian "connection" with her teacher.

Update on Sebastian and an apology

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***Sebastian's surgery has been rescheduled for March 7, 2012***

We still don't have a new date for Sebastian's surgery. His mom has promised to let me know as soon as she hears something and I'll pass that info on to all of you.

Whenever it is, we'll be ready! I have three big boxes full of cards and treats waiting to decorate his hospital room and everyday I get emails letting me know that there are more cards on the way. You guys are the best!

I've heard from a few of you that were concerned because your cards were mailed to the hospital. We're working with someone there to track down any cards that arrive and they have promised to hold them until Sebastian goes in for surgery or we can pick them up ourselves. One of the girls I work with is handling that part of our card drive so we're in good hands! The only problem is that, for now, I can't add those cards to the list of cards we've received. I promise they will be added though!

Please, continue to spread the word about the card drive! The delay in surgery just allows us more time to collect cards.

Sebastian's mom is so touched by everything. She had no idea that so many people from so many places would reach out to cheer up her son.

Now, for the apology! I've had a crazy week and while I've tried to keep up with all the emails and comments concerning Sebastian I'm afraid I've fallen behind. Not only have I fallen behind in answering them, but I think I may have lost/deleted some messages. I promise I didn't do it on purpose! Things kind of went all screwy when I didn't get my cell phone replaced right away. So, if you've sent me an email or commented about Sebastian and I haven't gotten back to you please email me again!

I want to make sure all of your questions are answered to the best of my ability. I want t o thank you for making cards and sending packages and spreading the word about our card drive. I want to make sure you know that you are appreciated. I want you to know that I will gladly return the favor in any way that I can.

By the way, I'm trying to encourage his mom to blog about their experiences and how Sebastian handles everything. I think it will serve as encouragement for other families that are dealing with the condition Sebastian has and as inspiration for idiots like me who believe that a lost cell phone is the worst thing ever.

Random

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Do you ever stop and think about all the random things that affect your life? Lately, I've found myself thinking about them quite often.

On some random day back in 2008 I had the random idea of starting a random blog. I had no idea what I would blog about or who would care enough read my ramblings, but I blogged anyway.

I blogged about the random things I saw, felt and did. I blogged about things that were funny and things that were sad and things that were just so random they made no sense at all. I blogged and for some random reason you found your way here.

Many of you have been with me for years and others have found your way here more recently. You have all left random comments and sent random emails that have cheered me up, encouraged me, made me laugh and lifted my spirits.

Time went by and for some random reason I kept blogging and you kept reading.

Then, two weeks ago I had another random idea. I decided to tell you about a student that had randomly been placed in my class this year and you opened your hearts to him.

Today, after school, I stood in my class with two other teachers as we read the random postmarks on over thirty cards and packages that had arrived for Sebastian. Cards from different states and countries. Cards from people that we don't know and will probably never meet. Cards that have served as reminders of how truly awesome people can be!

You can keep up with the cards that are received in this post. And just think....it all started with that random thought on that random day all those years ago.

Sometimes, random is good!

And the winner is...

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Before I announce the winner of the gift certificate to Bugaboo Digi Stamps I just have to say that I can't thank you guys enough! Your kindness has been overwhelming and I just can't wait to see Sebastian's face once he has all of his cards. His mom and I have already talked about taking a picture so that you guys can see. Between the cards you all are sending and the cards from the kids and teachers at school, he really should have a hospital room filled to the brim with love.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

And now the winner is.....

Chris of Creations in Bloom!

Chris, I just need your email address to get your little goodie to you.

*** I love all of the cards that I have seen posted online and once I learn how to use those copic markers I got for Christmas you girls are in trouble! I am going to totally "card lift" all of your ideas! lol!***

Cards For Sebastian - Update

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***Sebastian's surgery has been rescheduled for March 7, 2012***

***Come back tomorrow for the girl version of this wordart***

***Sebastian's surgery has been postponed until March. I will hold the cards until then and they will be placed in his hospital room. I just can't wait to see them all!***

First of all, just let me say WOW!!! I have updated the Amazing post from Wednesday with all the links I could find that mentioned Sebastian and the card drive. Please check it out and let me know about any links I've missed. I don't want to forget to thank anyone for helping with the cards for Sebastian.

Thursday night, one of my friends suggested that I call the hospital and let them know about the card drive we're doing for Sebastian just in case cards started arriving early. I called and they were so nice, but the person I actually needed to talk to was out of the office. I left a message with my phone number explaining what we were doing and said that I just wanted to make sure cards didn't get returned to the sender if they arrived early.

Friday after school Sebastian's mom told me that she had gotten a message from the hospital saying that they needed to reschedule Sebastian's surgery. She hadn't had a chance to return the call at that point so she wasn't able to give me any details, but promised to let me know more as soon as she could. She was worried about all the kind things people are doing for Sebastian, but I assured her that everything was going to be fine. I can simply hold onto the cards untill they get another date chosen. Plus, it gives us more time to get cards for Sebastian!

I am hoping that it's just a short delay and that they will do this surgery sooner rather than later for Sebstian and his mother. I'll let you know as soon as a date is set and promise that pictures will be posted of Sebastian with all the cards he receives.

On Monday morning, if I haven't heard anything from the hospital, I'll be calling them again. I have seen the adorable cards you've posted on your blogs and I want to make sure none of them get lost.

I also have to let you know that cards have already started arriving for Sebastian at school and it is so exciting! I will try my best to keep you updated on them as they come in. So far we've gotten cards from...

Susan in Santa Ana, CA
Betty in Placerville, CA
Beverly in Grabil, IN
Charlene in Canada
Laura in West Chester, PA
Tim in Brighton, MI
Michele in Maple Valley, WA
Sherry in Minneapolis, MN
The Bakers in Pittsville, WI
G. Wicks in Norman, OK
The Pollexs in Leesburg, FL
Donna in New Middletown, OH
De Quetta in West Fargo, ND
Emily in North Reading, MA
Julie in Glendale, AZ
The Torstensons in Gilbert, AZ
Erin & Ben in Nevada City, CA
Carolyn in Norwalk, IA
Shelia in Oskaloosa, IA
The Shears in Buckley, WA
G. Passow in DeKalb, IL
The Christensons in Brigham City, UT
Jen's Craft Corner in Norton, MA
Ros in the United Kingdom
Amy in Maple Valley, WA
R. Salamon in San Diego, CA
The Gustafsons in Cotati, CA
T. Matheson from Charlotte, NC
Patti in Sacramento, CA
L. Darda in Winamac, IN
Jessica in Clarence Center, NY
R. Miller in Visalia, CA
The Zoo in Brea, CA
The Rothekers in Elkhart, IN
M. Gigliottti in Coconut Creek, FL
Christine in Birmingham, England
R.D. Henry in Hyde Park, NY
The Wolfes in Nashville, TN
Carmen in Miami, Florida
Carolyn in Martinsville, IL
North Miami Beach Senior High School
Scott Rakow Youth Center
Greynolds Park Elementary School
Karen in California
Virginia in Canada
Nancy in Birmingham, AL
The LaBombards in Midland, TX
The Nelsons in St. George, UT
The Eschs in Clarence Center, NY
Kristy in Burbank, IL
Vanneska in Hallandale, FL
The Eltons in Stow, Ohio
Elaine in Vancouver, WA
The Johnsons in Stafford, MO
The Gregors in Oak Creek, WI
Wanda in Ridgewood, NY
The Ashers in Franklin, NC
Shauna in Preston, ID
Amy in Manson, WA
L. Seabrook in Port Alberni, British Columbia
Alice in San Jose, CA
Betty in Mexico
Shahrul in Malaysia
Mellisa in Hammond, LA
The Crumps in Flemingsburg, KY
Jessi in Canada
Cathie in Canada
Mary in Holmes Beach, FL
Virginia in Placentia, CA
Jo Ann in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Valda in Rio Rancho, NM
Theresa in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Yvonne in Singapore
Kelly in Ladera Ranch, CA
J. Goff in Pompano Beach, FL
Melissa in Scottsdale, AZ
Lauri in Germany
Sandie in Annapolis, MD
Judy in Edgemoor, SC
Delores in Gibsonville, NC
Anne-Marie in the United Kingdom
The Murphys in Murphy, NC
Donna in Copenhagen, Denmark
Mrs. Ingram in the United Kingdom
K. Clifford in Canada
Linda in Fayetteville, GA
The students and teachers at Dorado Academy in Puerto Rico
Jennifer in Sherwood, Oregon
Nyree in Waterbury, CT
Amanda in Burnsville, MN
April in Waxahachie, TX
Linda in Fayetteville, GA
Janine in Tucson, AZ
Margie in Williamston, SC

There was a care package from Linde in Waunakww, WI, The Wheater Family in Monroe, NC, our school librarian, The Schilling Family in Jeffersonville, IN, Chris in Elkhart, IN, Ana in Miami, Florida, Sherry in Santa Fe, Texas, one from a volunteer at my school and one from the teacher across the hall.


There are also cards from England, Monroe, North Carolina, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Cuba City, Wisconsin, Australia, Canada, Indianapolis, Palm City, Florida and several others from right here in Miami.

Plus there are cards being made by children in our school, another local elementary school, the local high school and a high school in Riviera Beach, Florida

You guys are the best and I can't wait to see what comes in the mail on Monday!

Amazing!

Download wordart here

AMAZING! Amazing is the word my friends and co-workers have used to describe you guys all day. They are amazed at how you're reaching out and helping with the card drive for Sebastian. Personally, I'm not surprised at all. You see, the secret that I know and they don't is that crafters are the BEST people in the whole world.

I learned that Amy of Tsuruta Designs has offered up a challenge to her blog readers and is offering the chance to win a $25 gift certificate for anyone who sends a card and blog about the card drive. You can find the details here.

Why would she do this? Why would someone who lives on the other side of the country and has never met me or Sebastian go out of their way to help insure he has cards waiting for him on the 15th? Because she is a crafter and crafters are the BEST people in the whole world!

Politicians should become crafters. The world would be a better place!

Amy, I tried to email you but my computer wouldn't let me. It said something about the "default mail client" not being installed and then it laughed at me. (really!) Please send me an email! I have a thank you gift for you and would love to help pay for the gift certificate you're giving away as part of your challenge.

As I find the blog posts you're all making to help spread the word about Sebastian's card dirve I'm printing them out for his mom. She is saving them for Sebastian. Isn't that a wonderful thing to be able to add to a child's scrapbook?!?!

Please, let me know if you've posted on your blog. I don't want to miss anyone. Plus, Orange Croc Guy has kicked in some money to have another gift certificate give away here. If you would like the opportunity to win a $30 gift certificate to Bugaboo Digi Stamps just post about the card drive for Sebastian and leave a link here for me. I'll pick a winner on Sunday.

Sebastian is a big Justin Bieber fan and on Saturday I tweeted the link to my blog post to him. (Yes, my friends are still laughing at me for that one!) I figured I had nothing to lose ~ either he would read it or he wouldn't. I'm guessing he didn't since he hasn't tweeted me back. lol!

If you're on twitter and aren't too embarrassed to tweet Justin, please do. Maybe he'll answer you. lol!

Because I just can't say it enough ~~~ THANK YOU!


UPDATE:

Here are blogs I've found that posted about the card drive for Sebastian. Please let me know if I've missed yours or if you know of others I've missed.

1. Tsuruta Designs
2. Paper and Ink Playground
3. Gifts from deeyll
4. Chick n Scrap
5. Lauren's Creative
6. Jen's Craft Corner
7. Daizeefli's Flower Patch
8. My Little Slice of Bliss
9. Do More With Less
10. Homemade Cards by Erin
11. Creepy Glowbugg
12. It's All Rosie
13. Scrapcat Cards by Linda
14. Scrappin Rabbit Designs
15. My Happy Place
16. Sherry Gardner ~ Life is Good
17. Jen Shears Designs
18. From My Bungalow
19. Scrappy Pink Corner
20. Sylvia's Stamp Corner
21. Such Pretty Canvas
22. Arty Scrappy
23. Miller's Ink
24. Fresh Squeezed Designs by Ryann Salamon
25. Creations in Bloom
26. The Bald Dragonfly
27. Button Junkie
28. Yes, Virginia
29. Life with the Tucker and Wolek Clan
30. Cheryl June Girl
31. Paper Daydream
32. Cards Friends and Angels
33. Alice's Little Wonderland
34. Seabrook Designs
35. One Crafty Mama
36. Twin 2u2 Designs
37. ScrapClose2The Heart
38. Just Add Glue To

And Facebook postings that I know of...

1. Shelly
2. Karen Azeka Ladd
3. Susan Pearson
4. Sebastian's Mom

Cards for Sebastian

Download wordart here

***Sebastian's surgery has been rescheduled for March 7, 2012***

***Sebastian's surgery has been postponed until March. As soon as I know the exact date, I will share it with you. I will save all the cards that we receive for his hospital room. To see a list of the cards received to date click here

Sebastian is a student in my class and his mother has given me permission to share some of his story with you.

Sebastian was born with something called Arthrogryposis. It's a big word and an even bigger condition. I won't even try to pretend that I understand it fully. As a matter of fact, until the day I met Sebastian, I had never even heard of Arthrogryposis. Basically, it means that he has stiff joints and abnormally developed muscles. I don't know or understand why some children are born with this condition or why some are more seriously affected than others. I do know that Sebastian's arms, hands, legs and feet are affected by this condition.

I am his teacher and if I do my job with any measure of success he will leave my room a little wiser than he entered. The things I have taught him are considered valuable and useful. The lessons I have learned from him are priceless.

I have learned perseverance. Picking up a dropped pencil or paper isn't always easy when your fingers, hands and arms don't work the way they were meant to work. While it may not be easy, with a little effort and a lot of determination, it is not impossible. Nothing is impossible.

I have learned patience. It would be easy for me to simply "do" things for him so that I could move on to the next item on a checklist of things that must be accomplished everyday. However, the easiest thing isn't always the most honorable. Sometimes, no matter what anyone tells you, the lesson plans can wait.

I have learned perspective. The challenges I have faced in my entire lifetime are nothing compared to the ones he has faced or the challenges he will continue to face on a daily basis.

I have learned that screaming like a frightened little girl when I see him start to tumble and know that I can't catch him before the fall isn't the best reaction.

I have learned, that sometimes, letting him fall is the kindest thing I can do ~ literally and figuratively. It is the only way he can truly test himself. The only way for him to explore and expand his limitations.

I have learned the true meaning of courage. I have seen the scars that mark his little body. Scars from more surgeries than most people undergo in a lifetime. Scars that will be added to as he faces even more surgeries.

For the first time in my life, I have actually learned what the quote, 'You are as happy as you choose to be' really means. This little boy, who has every right to be angry at the world isn't angry at all. He has chosen to be happy and that happiness is contagious.

He is loved, protected and happy. The world is his playground. While he will always be loved, he can not always be protected and sadly that means he may not always be happy.

Recently, his mother told me that she was out in town with Sebastian and for the first time she noticed other children pointing him out because of his differences. She cried because the thought of anyone looking at her child and not seeing the wonderful little man that she sees breaks her heart.

My heart breaks because I know that eventually Sebastian will notice the finger pointing. He will learn, at an early age, that people can be cruel. Whether it is a desperate need to feel better about themselves or for reasons that not even they understand, people will be cruel and Sebastian will be seen as an easy victim.

He will be judged and found unworthy by people who are not worthy of judging. People who don't know him and will never take the time to have a conversation with him. People who have never seen him walk with me to close the playground gate so that he can scare away any monsters or bad guys that may be lurking near by. People who don't know that his alter ego is Justin Bieber and he only goes by Sebastian when he doesn't want people to know that he's famous. People who have never seen him rush to the side of a classmate he believes is sad or hurt and heard him ask, "What's wrong, partner?" People who have never heard him answer their response with a determined, "I'm your friend." People who don't know that he loves the smell of his mommy's house. People who don't know that I have warned his mother, on more than one occasion, that he will probably be the president of his college fraternity someday. People who don't know that if he were Mario, he would save the princess everytime. People who weren't there to see the look of pride on his face when he walked across the swinging bridge on the playground for the first time. People who don't know that he wants to be Spiderman when he grows up. People who don't understand that what the world really needs is more Sebastians.

I have come to you so many times in the past and asked for things that you have given openly and freely. Your response has always exceeded my expectations. Today, I am asking you for something that means more to me than anything I have asked before.

On February 15th, Sebastian will go into the hospital for another surgery. I would love to have his room filled with cards wishing him well and cheering him on. It would be wonderful for this little boy to feel the love that each card brings. (I know it will help to cheer up his mom too.)

Maybe, just maybe, when the day arrives that he notices the finger pointing and hears the name calling instead of being sad he'll remember the day that people from everywhere filled his hospital room with love.

If you can help out, please send a card to him.

If you're worried about your card arriving too soon or too late, feel free to mail it to me and I will make sure it gets taken to his hospital room.

Sebastian
c/o Ms. Brown's Class
Greynolds Park Elementary School
1536 NE 179 Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162

***Since the surgery has been postponed until March, it will be best if future cards come to the school address. We are saving the cards and will decorate his hospital room with them.***
Thank you so much for helping. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.