UPDATE:
A Caring Bridge site has been set up to keep everyone informed of Anissa’s condition and can be found here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/anissamayhew/. There has been encouraging bits of news today but it is still very early. Thank you so much for your wonderful notes, prayers, and thoughts. I know that the Mayhew family will cherish them the same way my family cherishes everything that has been written about our Madeline.
——–
I am incredibly lucky to have many amazing friends in my life, friends that have surrounded me and held me up the last seven months. Each of my friends has brought something different, something that I never would have known I’d need when we became friends. I am so grateful for all of them, and could wax poetic about them for months on end.
My friend Anissa and I bonded because we had daughters with medical needs. Anissa’s daughter Peyton had leukemia, and Anissa knew what it was like to have a child that was sick in the hospital.
We are the type of friends that can pick up where we left off, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve seen each other.
I’ve stayed at her house, had coffee with her husband, played with her kids. She’s been to my house, met all my family and friends. It makes both of us sick that she never met Maddie, but she has plans to come out as soon as Binky is born.
After Madeline passed away, Anissa flew out from her then-home in Florida to be with me and my family. It was then I discovered something about Anissa that I wish I didn’t know, that I wish she wasn’t good at. Because of her involvement in the Pediatric Cancer community, she has friends who have lost children. She knew exactly how to be there for me. She knew exactly the kinds of things I needed to hear, and she knew how to listen.
Anissa and I have had long talks about life and death. The kind of talks you can only have with someone that has seen it, been near it, faced it, touched it. She has let me unburden myself to her. She has no idea how much she’s helped me.
Earlier today, Anissa had a stroke. She’s in the Intensive Care Unit and her awesome husband Peter is by her side. I would give anything to be there with him, helping with their three young kids, holding Anissa’s hand and telling her jokes. I want to press her hand against my belly so she can feel Binky kick. And if I wasn’t so afraid that she’d kick my ass for traveling against doctor’s orders, I’d be there tomorrow.
I am a lucky recipient of internet love and generosity. I am hoping the same happens for Anissa and her family. You can go here or here to help. Both will be updated with information as it becomes available.
Anissa, I love you and I KNOW you’re going to get better. You’re going to meet my daughter and she’s going to drool on you and love you as much as I do. I am always here for you, and as soon as I can be THERE for you, I will be.
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I’m praying so hard for her and her family.
That is beautiful. <3 the pics and still praying strong for Anissa
.-= pamela´s last blog ..:still alive: =-.
This is such a beautiful story of friendship. I don’t have words except that I am praying for her complete recovery.
.-= Monica´s last blog ..Blast Off =-.
Sending prayers and good thoughts.
Much love and healthy vibes to Annissa! Get well soon, mama!
.-= Nanette´s last blog ..Happiness is… =-.
Loving the awesome pics everyone is posting. Anissa’s shirt in the first one says it all…she’s legit. (Even if SOMEONE decided to misspell it.) Many prayers for Anissa, Peter, Peyton and the rest of the Mayhew family tonight. And as always love and hugs for you, Mike, Maddie, Binky and Rigby.
Great post. Continuing to send the good vibes her way.
I wasn’t expecting that kick to the gut, and it has me in tears for a woman I don’t know. You’re both so lucky to have each other in your lives. While you, Mike and Binky are always in my thoughts and prayers – I will now add your dear friend Anissa and her family.
P&PT!
Friends like Anissa are a rare and precious gift indeed. Sending good thoughts her way, and yours.
Wishing for healing for your dear friend Heather. I hope you will be able to share many wonderful days together in the future surrounded by your beautiful children. I loved the post Anissa wrote for Maddie’s birthday. Love to you all.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..We Shall Love One and Other =-.
As always, you’ve moved me to tears. To be so lucky to have friends like you and Annissa. Sending prayers for strength and healing her way.
.-= Noelle´s last blog ..The Art of Living =-.
Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear this. She’s in my prayers. Ugh. Thank you for keeping us posted.
.-= Cass´s last blog ..Kitchen Sink =-.
I’m so sorry to hear of Anissa’s stroke…without knowing the details of her situation, I just wanted to offer some hope- my dad had a severe stroke this summer that left him unable to sit up, walk, and barely able to eat or talk. He’s now back to “normal” with relatively few problems…it’s been an amazing (and quick!) recovery, and I am praying that Anissa has a speedy recovery as well…thanks Heather, take care!
Carrie
What a beautiful friend you have. I’m hoping with all my heart she makes a full and speedy recovery! Get better Anissa!
Hugs from Berlin-
Kathryn
Heather, your link to Hope for Anissa has an extra http:// so it’s not working quite right!
God, bless Anissa and heal her.
Oh dear God. I started crying when I read that your friend had a stroke. She will be in my prayers and I am checking out the links as soon as I send this. The photos are awesome and she sounds like such a wonderful person. Thinking of you, your family and friends and especially your friend Anissa. (((Hugs)))
Wow, did not expect that turn in the story. She seems way too young to have had a stroke. I thought it was a disease that mostly struck older people. Silly of me. I hope she recovers soon and that you guys can enjoy each other in the years to come…
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..Fountains’ Autumn =-.
OOHh Sweetie…such horrible news! Thank you for sharing your news. Anissa will be in my prayers and I will do everything I can to help her out.
I’m glad she was/is there for you. It’s amazing how close friends throw you out life lines without even knowing it.
Today it is Anissa’s day to begin to heal. Today it is HER turn to receive many life lines from both old and new friends. Anissa feels your support and love even though you are not right beside her. She KNOWS your there. Heather….Anissa is going to be Okay because we are all here for her….. afterall….what are friends for?!?
Praying for Anissa and her family, and as always, yours. xo
I was so sad to hear about this – Am sending all my good health vibes her way! She sounds like an amazing friend.
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..weekend. update. =-.
I didn’t expect to read that Anissa had a stroke. I’ll be praying for her full recovery!
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..I’m not turned on by sexy men any more. =-.
adding my prayers for Anissa and her family
Praying for your friend.
We are holding her in our hearts and prayers. I am so glad that she has you as a friend, as much as I am glad that you have her. Hugs.x
Tricia
.-= Tricia (irishsamom)´s last blog ..Blog Award – Honest Scrap =-.
oh my, tears again. i am praying for both Anissa and her family and you and yours.
Saying a lttile prayers for Anissa and her family.
.-= charlane´s last blog ..Cry Baby =-.
Sending positive vibes, lots of prayer, and so much hope Anissa”s way. So sorry to hear about your dear friend Heather! Take good care of yourself during this trying time.
Oh no how awful! Sending healthy get well soon vibes to Anissa!
Hoping this amazing woman comes through. Thoughts and prayers.
ciao,
rpm
.-= red pen mama´s last blog ..This is Not My Daughter’s Name =-.
God bless Anissa and her family. She will be fine. Maddie will be her guardian angel. Just send her her way. Lots of love your way Heather. I know how sucky it can be not to be able to help someone in need. But Binky is the most important thing in the world, and you MUST NOT do anything to put Binky in harms way, now, go sit down and eat a donut!
I will pray for your beautiful friend…
Praying for Anissa and her family.
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Fight for Preemies =-.
Oh my goodness! Praying for Anissa and her family!
.-= jen´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- Captain Sleepyhead! =-.
i had seen on twitter that everyone was praying for her but couldn’t figure out why. I’m so sorry to hear that she had a stroke! We will definately be praying for her and her family!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..If it’s not one thing…. =-.
That’s awful, Heather! I will be praying and thinking about her all day long. Please update us when you find out more.
Sending all of my prayers to you and Anissa and to her family. It’s the first thing that was on my mind when I woke up this morning.
xoxo
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Today We Fight =-.
What a beautiful post, would have had me in tears even w/o Anissa’s hospitalization.
.-= Corinne´s last blog ..Round and round… =-.
prayers for anissa & her crew…
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..story o’ tina =-.
I’m adding Anissa to my prayers.
.-= J´s last blog ..We always want what we cannot have =-.
All my thoughts and prayers are with Anissa and her family!
Oh my god. I am thinking healing thoughts for Anissa and her family.
.-= Kate´s last blog ..Planning My Handmade Christmas =-.
Prayers and well wishes go out to Anissa and her loved ones today, and every day until she is well enough to come home to be with her beautiful family.
OH NO! Didn’t she have a stroke a while back? I remember reading about Anissa’s fight to get her strength back after stroke or heart attack…
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Learning, Loving, and Moving On… =-.
Love and prayers today and every day until Anissa is home and back in good health. Get Well Soon, Anissa!
.-= Liz´s last blog ..Anissa =-.
I don’t know Anissa very well but what I do know from reading her blog and her tweets on twitter I know she is one amazing women who can tell a joke like nobody’s business. She is in my heart and in my thoughts. I sending her healing thoughts and hoping she recovers soon and can get back to her family.
Love and hugs to you Heather, I know it sucks when a friend is suffering and you are too far away to help the way you want to.
My best friends are everything to me, and I am so, so sorry that one of yours is going through something like this. I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach when I read that this truly amazing lady has suffered a stroke.
I’m praying for her, Heather.
So, so sorry to hear about your friend Anissa. I certainly hope she can come through okay so she can get back to her family where she belongs! I really hope that she gets to the chance to meet your little Binky!
She knows. And you’re right, she WOULD kick your ass for traveling against Doctors orders.
xoxo
.-= AMomTwoBoys´s last blog ..Anissa The Great =-.
She will pull through, she will kiss that baby and she will get right back to where she belongs— there is no other option.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..There but for the grace of God go I =-.
I will keep Anissa and her family in my prayers.
Oh no–I’m so sorry to hear that!! I will be thinking of her and hoping for a very quick recovery!!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Worst Halloween Evah! =-.
Friendship, when true is a treasured gift. I am sending up my prayers and well wishes for the beauitful gift in your life, Anissa.
She HAS to get better, because in just a few short months, Binky is going to be spitting up into her fabulously epic cleavage.
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..do I sound defensive? Or normal? (And do I even want to know the answer to that?) =-.
She’s gonna love this post.
.-= Zakary´s last blog ..Two Part Deux =-.
How terrible, I pray that there is no lasting effects and that she’s on the road to recovery very soon!
.-= Lisa_in_WI´s last blog ..59 =-.
Heather,
I am sorry to hear about Anissa. I will keep her and her family in my thoughts and prayers.
You’re good people, Heather. Here’s one more voice in the chorus sending out all the positive thoughts in the world.
That was a great post about your dear friend Anissa. I’m sure she knows how strong your friendship and love for her is and it will be the medicine to pull her through this. Best of luck. Your family as well as hers are in my prayers!
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I will pray for her full recovery.
Dear Lord,
You are the healer and maker of all things. You have the power to lay hands on Anissa and comfort and heal her. Oh, great One, I ask in Jesus name for you to pour healing over Anissa and her family. To bring comfort to those who know and love Anissa.
In Your name we pray!
AMEN
Heather, I know Anissa means so much to you from all of your posts! Sending HUGS your way!
Trisha from Florida
I signed up to help, but I’m not sure what I could send since I’m in Canada and our gift cards wouldn’t work in the USA. If anyone could give me some suggestions, please e-mail me!
notesfromthecookiejar (at) yahoo (dot) ca
Sigh. Bad things happening to good people sucks.
I’ll pray for friends and family and wish Anissa a speedy recovery.
So sorry to hear this, Heather… And to happen to a family that has already been through so much already. I am sending positive energy and will see what I can do to help!
Melissa
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Ninja and His Incredible Beating Heart! =-.
I’m sitting her sobbing like crazy. I’m 37 years old and I have an abnormality in my blood pressure that puts me at risk for a stroke. It started wtih my pregnancies and has been at stroke levels in the past year for no apparent reason. I have medication, and have forgotten to take it the past few days. I have two little girls and most of the time I feel like nothing could possibly happen. This post has given me a wake up call.
Prayers to you and your friend. I hope she has a speedy and full recovery.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog .. =-.
I have no words. But I do have thoughts, lots of good healing thoughts being sent her way.
XOXO
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Praying… =-.
I am sending warm thoughts to your friend and her family for her full recovery. Big hugs to ALL of you. I am sorry she has to go through this …
.-= Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/´s last blog ..Strong =-.
Keeping Anissa and her family in my thoughts.
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..Fight For Preemies =-.
Delurking, again, to say this has to stop. The world needs more light, not less. I’m praying ever so hard for Anissa.
Praying for Anissa! Hope she’ll recover soon!
Prayers for Anissa , for a complete recovery….God Bless
Beautiful Heather! I’ve written a post and sent movie tickets for the kids. I’m wishing her well so I can meet her fabulousness in real life soon.
.-= WM´s last blog ..Love for Anissa =-.
My prayers are with Anissa and her family.
Please keep us posted on her recovery.
And don’t worry Heather, she knows that you would be there if you could! Your post was an awesome way to show Anissa how much you love her.
Jenn
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..To be or not to be…. =-.
(((HUGS)))
What a beatiful post on friendship!!!Praying for your friend Anissa!!!take care Heather!!! Sending you hugs XXX
Prayers sent her way.
I love you both!
.-= Mishi´s last blog ..#prayersforanissa =-.
My prayers are with her, and her family & friends. I am so sorry!!
.-= kbreints´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: ‘Apple’ of my eye =-.
I’m not a Mommy and I’m not a blogger but I am an admitted lurker of her site as well as Aiminglow. I’m just sick at hearing this news… as with the outpouring of love when your darling Maddie passed, I am once again I am amazed an overwhelmed at how the blogging community pulls together. I get an error when trying to log onto Aiminglow. I will keep trying, I imagine there are thousands of people trying to hit that site for updates and donations, etc. My prayers, good thoughts and wishes are with her, her immediate family and her blogging family. Be well.
She knows that you would be their physically, if it were possible. I am sure she feels you with her spiritually.
My thought and prayers are with Anissa and her family.
.-= Gena´s last blog ..My "Yummy! Yummy! Yummy"! Christmas Bash is HERE! =-.
This is horribly unfair news. I am sending Anissa all the well-wishes and healing thoughts that I can muster, and will extend a helping hand to her family.
I am so glad that you and Anissa have such a strong bond and that you are there for each other! What a blessing in the middle of such nightmares!!!!!
I am sure that even though you are miles away, Anissa knows you are with her and knows how much you are helping Peter and her precious children.
{{{HUGS}}} Thank you for all you are doing for Anissa!!!!
.-= Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)´s last blog ..A Very Wiggly Christmas =-.
I love that Anissa has been there for you in ways that other people couldn’t. It goes to show that God puts special people in our lives for very good reasons. To lift us up and to teach us.
I am so thankful Anissa has you for a friend.
When you see her, please tell her I’ve added her name to the Temple roll here in Utah. She’ll know what I’m talking about.
Oh, and that I promise to once again vote for her boobs for BlogHer ’10.
And how much Parker and I love her.
Maybe you could tell her that most of all.
I am praying for Anissa!
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Little Nut Nut was Working on His Family Tree at Preschool =-.
Praying for Anissa and her family!
Oh, Heather. I am just sick about this. You’ve lost so much.
I’ve been praying for Anissa since last night when I heard the news.
Praying for Anissa
Thinking about Anissa, her family and her friends.
What a beautiful, beautiful post. I am praying so hard right now. Anissa is one of those people that instantly becomes your best friend even if you have only known her for five minutes.
My heart hurts right now just thinking of her family going through this!
I’ve only twittered (tweeted?) with Anissa and read her blogs, but she has always stuck out in my mind as one of the coolest, kindest people I’ve ever met in the online community. Praying hard for her and her family.
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: A Dean Fix =-.
I can’t stop thinking about you today. And Peter and her kids. While her body struggles, I cling hopefully to the notion that she has earned her own little blissful spot of peace for the time being. But you, and those whom are so closely connected to her, my heart is with you.
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..Bending in the Wind for Anissa =-.
She is in my prayers.
Please keep us posted.
Oh Heather, I am so sorry. She sounds like a truly wonderful person. Best wishes to you, her family, and all those who love her.
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Anger Management =-.
What a wonderful story of your friendship. I am so glad she has been there for you to help you through all of this heartache. I will definitely say a prayer tonight for her and her family.
My love to you all!
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..A Night of Enlightenment =-.
I”m just sick about this Heather. And I don’t even personally know Anissa. She makes me laugh almost daily on twitter…and she’s not even talking to me most of the time!!
My heart is breaking for what her husband and three kids must be going through right now. I’m praying for all of them…and you. She’s has a strong spirit though, she will pull through!
.-= Mama Kat´s last blog ..In The Mind Of A Four Year Old =-.
Heather – That brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts and wishes are with Anissa and her family.
.-= Jennifer Taggart, TheSmartMama´s last blog ..Non Toxic Homemade Halloween Makeup =-.
That is so sad, i hope she recovers soon and healthy. My prayers are with her and her family.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Thinking Back =-.
I usaully have tears for you and Maddie but today they are for Anissa. I found your blog through hers and have faithfully followed both of you for some time now.
My thoughts and prayers are with Anissa and her family (and as always, with you and yours)
Heather,
You never cease to amaze me. While you are going through your pregnancy ups and downs, you take the time to help a friend in need (not to forget Jackie!, either). I wish I had a friend like you in my life – we all need a Heather Spohr for smiles and encouragement! You are truly wonderful. I hope that Anissa makes a full recovery – much love and prayers to her family, Jackie! (and the Spohr’s of course).
Kristen in NC
My prayers are with Anissa and her family for a speedy recovery. Great friends are a blessing from God.
.-= Single Mom Paying Off Debt´s last blog ..Extra Money for Christmas =-.
Anissa, her family and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers.
.-= Holly´s last blog ..Snails in a circus? =-.
Thinking of you, your friend Anissa and her family!
.-= Rumour Miller´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
She looks so young and healthy. Strokes are so very scary because they can happen to anyone at anytime. She’ll be in my prayers.
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Bzz Agent Reporting For Duty =-.
Unreal… Strokes are so scary. She’ll be in my prayers!
I’m so sorry to hear about your dear friend, Anissa. I am praying for her and her family really hard that she pulls through this.
I just read this over on Send Chocolate Now and was absolutely shocked. Yet another reminder of how precious life is. My thoughts are with you, her friends and her family.
.-= Jennie´s last blog ..Six month progress report =-.
Oh, shit, Heather, I’m so sorry. Keeping everything crossed and double crossed for a full recovery.
one of my closest friends (41 years old) died on the tuesday night before my “miracle baby” was born on that saturday. she had left me a message that fateful morning and she was on my “to do/to call list” for that wednesday. instead, i got “the call” and my world, as i knew it, forever changed.
in the heat of the moment, i spoke to our mutual friends who had, nervously, passed on the news. i spoke to her husband, who threatened me within an inch of my life should i attempt to fly down for the service (actually what he said was something more along the lines of “kristen would never forgive me and, by god, if he had to, he’d cancel the f’—ing service if that’s what it took to keep me off a plane.”
now, mind you, my due date was weeks away at that point. i still, honestly, thought i might be able to travel. what the hell did the doctors know. they’d already told me months before we’d “never” spontaneously conceive and carry to term, so i was playing with the bank’s money anyway as far as i was concerned.
in the end, after a placental abruption that almost cost us both our lives, i brought my baby girl home the same day they buried kristen 1500 miles away. had i been on an airplane at “the wrong time” that week, there is NO question but that neither of us would have made the return trip home.
even now, the whole thing seems surreal. but i know, without a doubt, that kristen understood. she KNEW we couldn’t be there. and, she KNEW, we WERE – in all the ways that really mattered. she would have come back from the dead and killed me herself if i had let anything bad happen to my little one for the sake of trying to see/help her. she was THAT kind of friend.
i never met Anissa – but something tells me she’s that same kind of friend. DON’T fuck with her heather. you and binky stay safe and stay put. she wouldn’t have it any other way.
and she’ll tell you that HERSELF when she gets there to meet binky in a few months…..
take care,
karen
Wow. That story gave me the chills. Good for you for doing what your friend would have wanted and protecting your little one!! And good advice for Mama Spohr!!!!
I too hope fervently you’ll be able to show her your new little one in person at the right time. With prayers–because the prayers of so many others saved MY life in January, along with seven blood donors, many doctors, many nurses… I owe much. May Anissa later be able to thank all her friends and medical personnel too.
what a beautiful friendship story and such lovely photos… i am holding anissa and her family and all who love her in my thoughts and prayers.
and as an old country song says: Love Travels. she will feel your love, from the distance and knows you are there deep in her heart and soul…
much love to you all,
gypsygrrl
F*ck. Not fair.
I’m pulling as hard as I can for Anissa.
.-= willikat´s last blog ..Let’s Get Literary =-.
Perfect post. Oh, I’m praying.
Steph
.-= Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..Prayers For Anissa =-.
My prayers are with your friend Anissa and her family.
I donated $15 and put a banner on my website. I hope this helps a bit and my thoughts are with you all.
<3
.-= Whitney´s last blog ..Help For Anissa =-.
Sending lots of love and prayers.
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..Anissa =-.
Heather, you sure have been dealt some cards sweetie, I will pray for Anissa. As for your shoulder I hope it is feeling better. I have a lil guy that was born in August and I had terrible pains in my kidney, test after test came back normal, but I could not get out of bed without feeling like I was being stabbed with a rusty knife then about 2 weeks before my due date all sorts of tests came back out of whack including my blood pressure and my urine tests so they induced me. So it could just be your body reacting to the rapid changes it goes through from pregnancy. Gives you a good excuse for a massage!
Beautiful post Heather. Anissa is so lucky to have a friend like you and the other ladies of Aiming Low.
.-= Anne Y´s last blog ..Open Letter #9 =-.
hope she gets better soon
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..The Buddies are Coming to Town =-.
Anissa and her family is in my prayers. Thanks for keeping us posted.
.-= Naddez´s last blog ..MckLinky Blog Friday Giveaway Blog Hopping! =-.
Terrible tragedy! So sorry for you and your family. I also am praying for you.
Praying for a speedy and FULL recovery!
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