It's been several months since we've done an update on Daniela and her family. They are doing well—have settled into their new apartment, school ect. and taking life as it comes. Evelyn who has Downs Syndrome has been making tons of progress on her language, Brandon is excelling at Mario Brothers and little Daniela is always making some kind of cool crafts in Sunday school.
We've had some reason to celebrate recently as Leslie Carothers made good on her promise to help the family get some much needed furniture. The kids have been sleeping on blow up mattresses since they moved into the apartment several months ago and Leslie hit her network and coordinated not only getting beds, but also getting new kitchen and dining room tables and bedroom furniture. Leslie worked tirelessly to make this come together as you can see by the number of folks who made this all come together. From the Furniture Today site:
"Let me introduce the new characters to you, please. The ones who, while facing incredible business, time and personal constraints themselves (in the case of the retailers) decided to come forward and help this Mom whom they had never met.
Vicki Semke, owner of www.migandtig.com. A well respected independent retailer in Chicago.
Jerod Lazan, owner of www.mortisetenon.com A well respected independent retailer in Los Angeles.
Together, Jerod and Vicki own a new site called www.furniturelink.com
Vicki and Jerod do not sell furniture online. They do help retailers,
consumers, and manufacturers connect with each other so everyone
wins-their site is a “must” site for our industry to know about.
Happily, Ray Allegrezza has also recognized Vicki’s talent as a retail visionary and she is now writing her own column on www.furnituretoday.com. Please make sure to read it if you are a retailer. She and Jerod are going to change our industry."
I just wanted to take a moment to formerly thank Leslie, Vicki, Jerod, and Ray for taking action and helping out in this way. I especially also want to thank Albert Maruggi-President of www.providentpartners.net. It was his social media client, Linda of www.manna.com that actually donated the delivery. I hope I'm not forgetting anyone here, as you can see—this simple act of kindness was not so simple to orchestrate, but we are so glad it came together. Thank you again. Below are a few pics from the day the furniture arrived. So many of you have helped this family in ways that spanned simply getting the word out to providing some kind of support. They are all now family to us all. Again, thank you for anything you've done to help.
The furniture arrives!
Hauling it in (3 flights of stairs no less—thank you movers.)
A tight fit
Dining room set.
Evelyn checks out the new bed and shelves
A kitchen table
Testing out the new dining room.
Again, thanks for being a part of this unexpected adventure that came out of nowhere for us. Daniela invited our family over for dinner tomorrow, so I'll get to check out the goods first hand. :-)
Oh Daniela you must be so proud of your new home - and so overwhelmed with appreciation for people with big hearts and open minds. You have been such an inspiration, I can only hope other women in your shoes - even without the power of Twitter and @Armano's following - can muster up the strength and courage it takes to start fresh.
Posted by: Celia | 05/02/2009 at 07:15 PM
Something nudged me to come back to this blog and read up on any updates...
So grateful for the most recent post and photos...and evidence of support..this really has been a national effort to house one family.
I am sitting here in awe. And thoughts are churning for how to make this happen for others. Thanks to everyone who's continued to share and warmest wishes of support and strength and courage and love for you Daniela and your family as you move forward....stories like this prove to me the resilency of the human spirit and the family love we're all able to share with one another.Much much joy...
Posted by: Tresha Thorsen | 08/28/2009 at 01:35 AM
The house looks lovely! It is so touching to know there are people out there who are willing to help! These children seem lovely,smiling and all in your lovely photos- jsut heart warming! You are an angel!
Posted by: Moving | 01/24/2010 at 02:22 AM
The apartment looks really nice.. I really wish you all the best in your new place. God Bless you guys.
Posted by: renaissance dresses | 05/06/2010 at 02:02 PM
wow i love the place its so nice...
i like the first photo....they are all very happy!!
so lovely...
Posted by: Nursing clothing | 05/07/2010 at 12:32 AM
I am happy that there are people with big big heart. :)Looks like the family is very happy now.
Posted by: Things to do in York | 08/17/2010 at 10:25 AM
I was thinking about writing a post on this exact subject.Thank you.
Posted by: cheap jordans | 11/02/2010 at 02:17 AM
that house was really suits with your family. It was good for you guys to have that.
Mitch
Posted by: Philippines properties for sale | 11/22/2010 at 01:37 AM
Nice furniture links and love the new dining set. :)
Posted by: Furniture Quest | 12/29/2011 at 10:50 PM