Today's testimonial comes from Ana, a young Operation NICE reader! It is such a beautiful story, I couldn't help but tear up. Okay, okay, I did more than tear up. I flat out bawled.
Hi! My name is Ana and I'm 11 years old. I read your blog everyday! So I wanted to share with you a story about the nicest people I know.
My Aunt Katherine and Uncle Frank.
My Aunt Katherine and Uncle Frank live in Maine, and are truly wonderful. They love their community, and I don't have to think twice about saying their community loves them. Katherine and Frank (those names sound beautiful together don't they?) met at "The Poinsettia Ball" in 2001. Katherine went to "meet the movers and shakers of Hancock County", and Frank went as a member of the Poinsettia Ball committee. One woman who worked at the ball that night asked Frank to sit next to Katherine, and well, the rest is history. They were married in 2003, and have a beautiful old fashioned home. They have friends who care about them and were truly lucky.
But, some very bad news came.
On November 16, Frank found out he had pancreatic cancer.
Frank was "a poor lawyer for poor people" and didn't make enough money to afford health insurance. Katherine was devastated, and was unsure about what would happen to the two of them. But it just goes to show you how wonderful there friends are, for Katherine and Frank's dear friends gave them a gift I don't think they'll ever forget.
They gave them tickets to The (SOLD OUT) Poinsettia Ball.
When I heard about this, I nearly cried. It was so beautifully nice! Their friends gave them a hotel room, and pulled some strings to get them tickets to the SOLD OUT event! Katherine even asked if the band could play Anne Murray's "Can I Have This Dance (For the Rest Of My Life)" - The song they danced to at their wedding. Their friends have since supported them, by plowing their driveway, preparing meals for them, and have hosted a dinner AND an auction to benefit the two! How nice!
Well, that's my Nice Testimonial. Best wishes to my Aunt Katherine, who is my role model, and my Uncle Frank, who knits the most beautiful mittens you'll ever see, and always brings a smile to my face.
First of all, would you ever think the above testimonial was written by an 11-year old? How talented is Ana?? She writes better than I do! Secondly, what a beautiful story of love and friendship. I wish Katherine and Frank (and Ana) the absolute best!
Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!
10 comments:
Ana, you wrote a very touching story about two wonderful people. Will say some prayers for them and your family. One can definitely learn from their neighbors and friends. Thanks for sharing!
This is actually Katherine Cassidy, and Frank and I live in Machias, Maine -- a small town of 2,300 people located about 30 miles from Canada (from the New Brunswick border). We are rural and remote, but the people who live here have the biggest hearts in the world. We are so grateful for our friends and neighbors, and also so many people who we don't even know well, who have given of themselves during Frank's illness.
I can say that the good news is -- Frank is going to have his surgery in early April to remove the tumor, and we are praying that he will be well again. We wish so much that no family ever has to be touched by cancer. Because of the wonderful NICE people of Machias and Washington County -- the easternmost county in America! -- Frank's Journey has been made all the easier on us and our families. Thank you, niece Ana, for telling our story! We love you, too!
Fantastic writing and fantastic blog. I have added your button to my blog, which is appropriately called Niceties :-)
KindOVerMatter and Operation Beautiful are more friendly and less me-myself-and-I
LOTS of readers and commenters but the authors have time to get in touch with subscribers
Im saying goodbye
Thank you for letting me know. You're absolutely right, I DON'T have the time. I (unfortunately) have to prioritize my very demanding career at this point in my life. While I'd love to be a full time blogger, it's just not an option for me right now, so I have to just try my best. I have even been considering "closing up shop." In fact, you may have just inadvertently encouraged that decision with your comment. Obviously if you're unhappy with this blog, I apologize. KOM and OB are fabulous blogs and I love them as well!
hey, Melissa!
i am a reader and follower, that sadly doesn't comment very often:/ beginning today, i will comment every time i stop by! BECAUSE, i love this blog, and the encouragement it gives me to "be nice" even when i don't feel nice;)
you are a champion, press on! xo
Hi Melissa!
Thank you so much for publishing my story, it really meant the world to me! If you could possibly understand the power of the smile it brought to my face, you'd realize how this small act of nice went to the extreme, just to one, small, 11 year old. Please continue to post, because when you do, you will continue to change people, just as you did me.
Thanks again,
Ana
What a sad but heart-warming story to share. All my best wishes to this couple!
Melissa, your blog is absolutely awesome! I gave a home to a badge and am going to spread the word! If only the world was filled with more people like the ones on this blog! And please do not take Anonymous' comment to heart too much. If your blog inspires just one person, it's worth being up and running! And I think it is the quality, not the quantity that counts in this case!
This is a wonderful testimony to the fact that kindness counts. Ana, you are very talented and thoughtful. Thank you for sharing this. Wishing K & F the best.
To the anonymous commenter....if you don't have the courtesy and decency to use your name, don't comment.
I just found your great blog while browsing through, and I have to say I support it 100% :D A little kindness and politeness can make all the difference! Will definitely be adding the code to my blog!
Please visit me @ Cat Dead, Details Later
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