Alberto is doing better this week. We both have post traumatic stress, but lots of rest is helping.
One thing we do everyday is read all the blog comments, and emails, and Facebook comments wishing us well. We marvel at the Paypal donations still coming in. And we love when our friends in New Orleans stop by to visit us, bearing food, donations, and hugs and kisses.
A New Orleans friend paid for the Flying Nurses with her credit card at the time of our flight home, and I must pay her back in full by December 1, so every donation is so appreciated.
With tears in his eyes, Alberto tells me he is most touched by the bloggers. He still can't wrap his mind around strangers helping us, and not judging us. I keep telling him, this is what bloggers do, this is what bloggers are about. You are not strangers, but a unique family of friends.
The other day I got an email out of the blue. I share it with you:
Valorie,
You probably don't know me. I have followed your blog for some time and commented occasionally. The situation with your husband Alberto, really touches my heart.
When you said that you held Alberto and he was as if an infant, I felt your pain.
OK, I am launching an online store tomorrow. We are going to promote it every way we can. We are doing all sorts of giveaways and E-mail blasts etc. We think eventually, it will be a good thing for us. We don't have a clue if we will sell anything out of the chute or not, but we want to give you and your husband 10% of anything we do through the grand opening . The grand opening is the 16th through the 22nd. I'm going to E-mail Décor To Adore and see if we can add this to the link auction, even though it is not really an auction.
I'm sorry this is so last minute. We have been extremely busy. I'm not really ready to launch the store but things are never going to slow down, so I'm just going for it.
I hope we do a lot of business and can send you a big check. You are already in my prayers. Mona
I read this to Alberto, my voice filled with tears. This is what bloggers do.
So please go over to Mona's new online store, Providence Ltd. Design Shop HERE, and have some fun shopping.
Also check out her blog Providence Design HERE.
And please continue to donate on Paypal HERE - you just type in our Paypal email address: boutique@planet-tango.com
I'm so happy to hear that Alberto is still doing well and that you 'both' are getting the desperately needed rest that you both deserve.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely check out Mona's store...what a sweet thing to do, she truly knows what you're going through.
I participated in the online auction and yesterday my winning bidder let me know that she had made her donation...Laura and Deb's inspirational efforts touched many hearts.
You're both continually in my prayers...xo Jessica
amazing.
ReplyDeleteValorie,
ReplyDeleteMona has been one of my bloggy friends for quite some time. She is a jewel of a woman and always so bright and cheery. I did not know her story though and will send her my prayers shortly. You and sweet Tango Man Alberto, I hold close in my heart. Rest...I know it is a comfort to you both to know so many love you.
With much love and giant hugs.
xoxo
Wow that letter so touches my heart. Thanks for sharing and I'm so glad Alberto is still mending well.
ReplyDeleteI just love non judging bloggers!
ReplyDeleteBest to you both!
pve
Life is beautiful! Not that is has obviously his hardships and undeserved terrors, but to experience all that kindness must give you both such enormous strength!
ReplyDeleteI think of you every day and my wishes for a speedy recovery are going your way!
Love!
Victoria
There are a lot of really great people in the world. It is good to hear the good things. I enjoyed visiting your blog. I love your style!
ReplyDeleteWow, such an amazing email and woman!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Alberto is getting better. Without going into too many details, my mother was flown to a hospital and spent a week in ICU. She is alive today - truly a miracle. It shook our family to the core. Take time to just rest and enjoy life's little pleasures. It will take time to get back to "normal"
My prayers continue to be with you.
xo,
cristin
I think we all have tears in our eyes after reading this Valorie....xv
ReplyDeletehi, valorie,
ReplyDeleteso nice to have your evening visit, and to know that both alberto and you are coming back to yourselves!
yeah, we have some common experience in the design industry, and we're all talkers, but there's something very special about you and your life with alberto and cholo and new orleans which is compelling.
as soon as i started reading visual vamp i wanted to be friends with you. your kindness, your goodness, your insights, your 'valorie', i guess, is instantly appealing. when trouble came, there was no question of looking the other way, we already lived in a big house and were sharers of some of the best of life. the feeling was different from obligation or duty--it is natural and right to care about you both and about cholo. wonderful to know mona's kindness to you, too.
much love and growing health,
m
michael/bagelbrookefarm
Hi Valorie,
ReplyDeleteI just read about Alberto's awful attack in Canada. I am so very sorry to hear about the awful experiences of the airport, hospital and doctors. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. God must have wonderful plans for the two of you!
Hugs and very best wishes for a full recovery,
Granny Smith Green
Reading how people having championed to the needs of you & Alberto are the best Thanksgiving gift for me. Through the negativity in today's world, connecting with the heartfelt stories of those who care for you both make those sad feelings fade. A big bravo to Mona & wishing her much success with her new, fabulous online shop.
ReplyDeleteI've been a big supporter in changes to our healthcare system since the change in our Presidency. Those that are so adamant about seeing HC reform fail completely are individuals that have never be through what you have been, or have never been denied benefits because of a pre-existing condition. Until they walk in those shoes, how can the say that we don't need change.
As always I send my love & praying for peace and calm for you both.No judging from this blogger, ever.
xo xo Deb
Valorie I am so pleased that Mona wants to helpyou and Alberto as well. I do still want to donate a painting to help, will find the right venue....So glad you are reading and blogging.
ReplyDeleteCome enter my giveaway from Empress of the Eye! You will love the interview!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Dear Mona,
ReplyDeleteI am not a decor blogger..but rather a tango dancer..and close friend of Valorie and Alberto.
I do read Valorie's blog however...and was so touched by your generous offer of assistance to my dearest friends.
May I add my heartfelt thank you!! to you for all that you are doing for them.
I say all...because while the money is needed and is most appreciated...the fact that you have stepped up to offer love and support for them is most extraordinary...and probably even more important.
Bless you.
Jessica
What a warm and generous gesture for you, Alberto and Valorie. I'm not surprised that so much love is coming your way.
ReplyDeleteWow just when you think the world is cold and unwelcoming you read a wonderful letter like this. How wonderful! I so glad your home, and Alberto is on the mend. Keep the faith, things will work out. I'm sorry my country could not have been more hospitable, were I able to change that I would in a heart beat. keep well.
ReplyDeleteValorie,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to read that it is getting better with Alberto! And oh dear I was touched by this wonderful letter of Mona!
A big hug,
Greet
Hi Valorie...It's so wonderful to hear Alberto is doing better! I've been following your story. It's incredible and truly heart-warming to witness how bloggers support eachother. Mona's letter was so touching...I hope everyday the bad memories will fade a little more and that Alberto will be completely healed.
ReplyDeleteH.H.
Valorie, I was in New Orleans early this month for the National Association of Realtors Conference and stopped by your milonga to say hi and do some dancing. I was really shocked to learn that it had become a benefit due to Albert's heart attack. I'm glad to learn he is back and doing well after his operation. I hope he is up and dancing in record time. Love and luck to both of you.
ReplyDeleteSteve Manion
San Antonio
Very sad. Glad you are home safe.
ReplyDeleteyvonne