Today’s giveaway is not only a beautiful gift, but a story of determination and creativity that will jolt your heart. Meet glassybaby, a line of spectacular handmade glass votives in colors as bright as candy.
One lucky lady will receive a glassbaby trio, valued at $132.
These aren’t just any votives. The story behind glassbaby is about the beauty of sharing one’s bright light….
glassbaby creator, Lee Rhodes was fighting her third battle with cancer and raising three small children when she first dropped a tea light into a handmade, colorful, glass cup. Lee found great hope and healing in the soothing light and found the peace and calm she needed to heal. She wanted to spread that hope. Lee learned how to blow glass and began making votives. She then hired artists to make more colorful, glass votives and soon opened a glassblowing studio. Glassybaby was born.
Lee and her children.
The story gets even better. During her own cancer treatment, Lee remembers meeting people in waiting rooms who could not afford basic day to day costs like bus fare and groceries during their treatment. Health insurance does not help with those needs, so Lee wanted to help fill that gap. glassybaby has donated more than $890,000 from sales to charities dedicated to healing and helping patients with those costs during treatment.
Wow. Every time I read this, I get goosebumps. You can see a video on Lee’s story over here.
THE GIVEAWAY:
A trio set of glassybaby handmade glass votive candle holders. Did you know it takes four artists to make just one glassbaby? They come in 400+ colors. Check em out over here. I have the chartreuse votive and love it.
Lee, thank you for sharing your heart and your hope. And for shining your bright light onto our world.
HOW TO ENTER:
Leave a comment sharing with us one person who has brought inspiration and hope into your life. I’ll have my tissue ready ; ) One comment per person, winner announced on Monday.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
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My dad. He has been married to my mom for 52 years and is taking such good care of her…she has dementia, and it’s so sad she doesn’t remember my brothers and their children, but somehow she still remembers me and my dad. He is taking care of her with so much love and gentleness. He truly inspires me!
My mom. She had ovarian cancer the 1st time when I was 4. She passed away when I was 21 with a rare recurrence of the disease. Now that I am 39 and raising 3 boys of my own, I realize daily that even though she is not here physically…she is here each and every minute as she is my inspiration to be the best mom I can be and my hope to live each day to it’s fullest with my family.
My Mom
My grandmother. She fought a brave battle with cancer, but was taken from us too soon. She has been gone 14 years ago to the day (13th) this Mother’s day. I miss her so much, but often find strength in remembering how hard she fought.
My two children — their resilience & optimism gives me incredible hope. Happy Mother’s Day!
My great-grandmother, Virginia is in the final days of her long, sweet life. She suddenly became ill a few weeks ago, and doctors have determined she is consumed with cancer. Up until a few weeks ago, she was the spunkiest 94 year old you’ve ever seen! She would walk laps around the nursing home every morning and visit with all of the residents who couldn’t leave their rooms. She even entered a statewide nursing home beauty pageant (yes those exist!) and WON! It’s amazing how even in these last days of her life, she is fearless! She is a treasure, and I am thankful to know such a sweet soul!
My Parents !! I am blessed to have them. Happy Mothers to all.
My mother. The most incredible woman I will ever know. I can only hope that my baby boy loves me as much as I love my mom. She is funny, kind, caring, and generous. She always knows just what you need. She’s incredible. I dream of having the relationship with my kids as I do with her.
Definately my mom! After my grandma’s recent passing, my mom has accepted her new role of caring for my mentally retarded uncle graciously and without hesitation. She is such an example of strength to me and my daughters. She is truly inspiring!
P.s. love love love these votives!
My mom. She has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was in her 30′s (she is now 75) and she is so determined not to let that awful disease get her down. She gardens and cooks when even walking around is so painful. Her doctor told her that if she wasn’t so stubborn she’d have been in a wheelchair long ago. When I have sore joints (early osteo) and just want to lie down for part of the day, I think of mom and keep moving! I love the story of Glassybaby – inspirational indeed! Happy Mother’s Day, Seleta!
What an inspiring story! My grandmother is my inspiration. She grew up in Germany and survived the war (almost starved to death), and came to America with my grandad knowing little English and not a soul but him. She went to college, became a school secretary and raised 4 great kids (one being my dad). Three years ago I moved back home to Alabama from my job in DC to help take care of her, as she had been diagnosed with cancer, and it wasn’t found until it was too late. She passed away a little over 2 years ago and I miss her every day. These lights would be a sweet reminder that she still shines on in me!
My mother is a constant source of inspiration. Even when I was younger and at a most disagreeable age, there was no missing her strength and grace. She lost her son, my brother, to cancer when he was 4. She suffered her own bout with cancer during my junior year of high school. But in spite of this, she never stopped giving. From her pain and loss, she gave to others who were also suffering. She taught in very poor school systems, bringing underprivileged children to our home to see that there was life and love beyond what they saw every day. She prepared pancakes five days a week in her classroom since some didn’t have enough money in their homes to have three meals a day. She hosted teas in our home so the girls could feel beautiful and elegant, and took the boys to the zoo so they could see the animals they loved so much up close. My mother was a beacon of hope to so many, which of course made her my hero. When she gave to others, she was also giving a lot to us as well. Lessons big and small, the most important ones I was fortunate enough to learn from her. She’s a true light in the world, and one that makes everyones life a brighter one.
Happy Mother’s Day to all!
My parents who have been married for 42 years. In the days of so many divorced families I draw inspiration and hope from my parents who are still in love and are great examples to myself, my brother and their five grandchildren. My parents have always put family first no matter what.
My mom continues to inspire me! Always has always will :)
My sweet grandma has been such a true inspiration in my life. She is battling dementia and Alzheimer’s so her mind has left but her kind spirit will go on forever in my heart. A happy Mother’s Day to all the momma’s out there — we all make the world a better place!
My mother. <3 Even though she has forever fought manic depression, she raised my brother and I quite well on her own after my father died suddenly when I was three years old. Even on her darkest days, she gives me such strength and hope…and lots of courage to carry on.
My mother has always been my inspiration…..she is no longer alive, but I now understand all the sacrifices that she made for me as a single mother raising a girl who would grow into a mother, a social worker and a woman who reaches out to others on a daily basis…..wow…how did she do that? I do know, but I am often amazed by it when I think of it……. I never ever knew what it was like to go without anything, although I knew (and learned from her) that sometimes there is no need to have everything. She taught me unconditional love and even though she is no longer living….I still feel her love. The greatest compliment that I could ever receive is that I am like my mother.
My sister, Lauren, has been the person who has inspired me most throughout the course of my life. We are technically only half-sisters (our father passed away when I was only 3 years old) and she chose to stay with me and my mother after the passing of our father, while our other sister chose to move in with her grandmother. I should also mention that Lauren is eight years older than me. Throughout the course of my life I have not only seen our relationship evolve, but it has been interesting to see how she has turned into the person that she is today. When I was younger she took on a very maternal role within my life. She was the one who dropped me off at school, took me with her when she would hang out with her friends, and would take me with her to work since I was too young to stay at home alone. When she went off to college our relationship changed into that of sisters. We began talking everyday on the phone (something we still do today) and she became the person I turn to for advice. As I have gotten older this relationship has turned into more than just being sisters. Lauren is my best friend. I can count on her for anything. She was there when I graduated high school. She was by my side when I had a pretty serious hip surgery. She came right away when my grandfather passed away. She’s been there for me through thick and thin. This weekend I am visiting her to help celebrate her 30th birthday. I am so proud to have a sister like her in my life; someone who puts others first and who has filled so many roles in my life.
My father. He raised me as a single parent and to this day he phones or texts me to ensure I am okay. He is always giving me money, love, and business advice. He always says no matter how old your child is ( I am in my 30′s) you never stop being a parent or worrying about your child. Love Him !!!
My brother-in-law Lloyd Morrison inspired me in his battle against leukemia. He died earlier this year but not without fighting hard for his life and his family. We all miss him tremendously – it was through his time in Seattle getting treatment that we were introduced to the beautiful Glassbaby story and product.
my mother is my greatest inspiration even though she has been gone 16 long years.
she came to America as a young woman of 21 with 3 little children born in germany at the end of wwII. she created a life for her family even though they came over with nothing! listening to my older siblings reminisce about “the old days” makes me almost jealous that i wasnt around then! she found joy in every setting and my sisters say they had the happiest childhood!
she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 64 and fought valiantly for 18 months. i try to live “in” every moment, smell every flower and be grateful for my health!
so many people… so hard to choose one. But I’ve never forgotten the professor I worked for in graduate school. Two of his strong, beautiful, athletic, teenaged sons became paralyzed/paraplegic in an accident. When I remarked about how well he seemed to be coping, he said, “I told them that their purpose in life was to get an education, get a job, and spend their lives serving God and others. Just because they’ve been in an accident doesn’t mean that’s changed.” That was more than 15 years ago and his words are still with me.
My mom, of course:) She loves me when I’m unloveable, and always has my best interest at heart!
My Mom. She has shown me how to be a wife, a mother, and a friend. She’s a tough cookie and never complains. She is a spiritual care giver for hospice, that job alone shows her strength and determination to help people without tiring.
My sweet husband. Even though he has been plagued by some truly awful health issues at a young age, he stays optimistic, and goes to work every day with a smile so that he can provide for our sons. Lucky to have him.
My wonderful husband. He is always encouraging me and together we make a great team.
My best friend and first love Nathan. He died from lung cancer when he was 15 (I was 16) . Right up until the end he was filled with joy. If he was scared…he never showed it. Nathan was always one for a good laugh or an impromptu dance off. Even when we was sick from his chemo treatments he sucked it up and never let on how badly he was hurting. His enthusiasm and appreciation for life were something I’ve always tried to aspire to myself. And I continue to try and live the way I think he would have, if he had lived to my age (35).
Seleta, my father was a great source of inspiration for me. My dad was born in 1917. He developed osteomeiltis when he was very young and spent the first 7 years of his life in and out of hospitals. He survived it. When he was 16 he went deaf. He was kicked out of school because back then they had no way to accommodate him. He could have felt sorry for himself or given up but instead educated himself and became a successful businessman but more importantly, a great family man. He taught us all by example and when his health started to fail, he taught us how to exit this life gracefully and with dignity. He passed away last year but he is still very much an inspiration for how to live my life everyday.
My Nana has inspired me the most. She was born in 1900 in England. Lived thru two world wars, emigrated to the US right after World War II. She lived thru the London bombings and rationing, knowing how to stretch what little rations they received. I have learned so much thru her stories. She helped raise my sister and I, and always had a pot of tea brewing when we came home from school. My friends learned to drink tea and loved her. She ALWAYS prayed for me and told me how special I was. She was so loving and selfless and I still miss her. She lived just shy of her 90th year. I pray I am a Nana someday like her, although I know I will never measure up to her. I can’t wait to see her sweat smile in heaven.
My husband, who takes such good care of our family.
My daughter has been such an inspiration to me. In November, she lost her son, Thomas, who was born with a severe heart defect. He lived for two weeks. She started a blog http://www.weheartthomas.blogspot.com which has been an amazing journey of faith and has inspired thousands. I am so proud of her.
If I have to pick someone who has really inspired me, I would say it is Sarah Blakely (Spanx). Growing up, I was the kind of kid that was bookish, and academics came very easy to – I never really had to work that hard – but the bad thing is that I never knew what I was good at and more important, what I was bad at. Once I got out of college, I had no idea what I should do with my life. So, what did i do? I went back to college and got another degree. But, even though I loved what I was studying, I floundered and didn’t use it when I was done. (My first degree is in business, and my second is in fine art.) I drifted for many years after college – working as a tour guide, a secretary, in finance (what?), and teaching art to elementary school children. I really didn’t know what I could do that would excite me and use all of my skills. After I got married, my husband, a photographer, and I opened a photography studio and I have really enjoyed it. I feel it merges all of my strengths and skills. As I have been learning more about being an entrepreneur, I have been reading alot about Sarah Blakely and how she started her business with nothing and grew Spanx into an amazing company. She has really inspired me to try new things in our business and to thing big! It has energized me and fueled my passion for what I am doing.
My Mum – she has never let us doubt how much she loves us, and constantly is so selfless in the way she cares for us and our children and other people in need. She is amazing.
My sister. We are twins and growing up she was the little girl who played with dolls while I played football with my brothers. My sister was never able to have children but she is the best Aunt to all her nieces and nephews. She is fun, generous and devoted to them all. Even though she was devastated by not having her own children she has been able to find joy in our children.
when i was a pediatric oncology nurse, i fell in love with many of my patients as we would see each other “regularly” as they’d come in for their chemo.
one of my favorite little girls was named grace. i was her primary nurse and loved that sweet child. near the end of her life she would often times tell her mommy she would see an angel in the room and then she’d point up to the corner of the room. we’d look & of course see nothing but well, the corner of the room.
she would tell her mama that she’d be ok because she already saw the angels that would be with her in heaven. she died at the age of four.
i was pregnant wiht my second daughter at the time of her death. we named her madison grace after that precious child grace. grace’s legacy of believing in angels & not being fearful of death, at the precious age of four, ministered to my heart like no sermon, lesson, story or book ever did….
My grandparents who were married until just shy of thier 60th., are the most sweetest, loving people I’ll ever know! They raised 4 children, all 1 yr. apart in age. They are blessed with 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and many close friends who also call them Granny and Pa-pa. My Pa-pa passed away 3 yrs. ago, he was a WW II veteran. He ran a bulldozer into his 80′s….each one of us has a love of gardening and cooking, especially my Daddy. I admire their everlasting love for one another. My Granny still sleeps in his recliner, she misses him deeply. We talk a few times a week since we’re 360 miles away from each other…it’s just not fair. I love when I answer and I hear her sweet southern voice, “Hey sweety.” My Granny is known for holding and rocking crying babies when their Mommy’s can’t get them to hush while we’re out at restaurants. She says, “You just need to love them, they feel it.” I love them so much!
The one person who brought hope into my life is my Grandma. My Mom passed away when I was just four years old and my Grandma (who was in her 60′s at the time) uprooted her life and moved in to raise me and my sisters. She went back to nighttime feedings for my 15 month old sister, pre-school drama with me and homework with my six year old sister. She saw me through school days, college, heartbreaks, my wedding and was with me while I was in labor with my daughter. Sadly, she came down with Alzheimer’s and shortly all her sacrifice, love and memories were slipping away. I lost her four years ago and while I will always miss my Mom, losing my Grandmother was my greatest heartbreak. As a mom, I now truly appreciate the sacrifice she made for me and my sisters and I am forever inspired and grateful.
My friend Carroll, we call her “Mama Carroll.” She was always there for me when I was a young mother with no mother in town. Carroll, helped me, without judging me how to care for my babies and always inspired me to be better. She continues to be a rock for many people. Always there to helping folks be better.
My own mother, Angelina. She and my father raised my cousin, who is profoundly affected by cerebral palsy, because there were not the therapeutic services for him in the small town where his parents live. He’s an adult now, still living with my parents. My mother has more patience, strength, and grace than I could ever hope to have.
My mother Glenda. One of the strongest women I know. But also caring and loving at the same
time. She treated her two grandchildren with such tenderness. Though they were young when she
lost her fight to breast cancer they still remember how she made them feel special even when she
was very sick. Today, May 11 would have been her birthday.
My sister is my inspiration! She is now 51 years old – faced cancer at 26, battled thru therapy and kept focusing on her future, which she always saw as bright and full of joy. Met a wonderful man to be married and found herself challenged again when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and he lost his battle after only 7 short years of marriage. They made each day count – and showed our family how loving each other daily was so important – because life is such a gift… she is still a living example.
So touching. My own mother in law has survived breast cancer once and leukemia twice. Such an inspiring and strong woman. I am so thankful that she was cancer free when my first son was born. It was the greatest present I could have given her :) LOVE these glasses. I remember seeing them in a magazine a year ago and thought, I need to have them!
Indeed it is all about how we “light” up life. I lost a dear bright light and great friend to brain cancer last year, she inspired and connected each of us as she entertained us and showed us how to live. Never complained during the 6 year battle, always smiled, laughed and loved. She fought a valiant fight for her life and lives on in our hearts. She loved life, kids, creatures, family, nature and home made pies.
She swam across the Hudson River Swim after her first surgery – We were all there to cheer her on.
Now she is upstairs cheering and inspiring us all to live brightly. Her dog left this earth just a few months after she passed away.
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My best friend Judy. She died at the age of 42 from lung cancer. Never smoked a day in her life. From the time of diagnosis till she died it was 6 weeks. It will ten years June 30th. The world just does not seem as bright as it did when she was alive.
My Aunt Sharon, who has battled breast cancer twice over the past 15 years and has recently been diagnosed with a recurrence. She had the courage to undergo genetic testing to provide a warning to the rest of my family that we might also be at risk. Although the testing is too late to spare her from cancer, she has provided the women in my generation with the invaluable gift of knowledge and a chance to prevent cancer before it happens to them. She has stood by each woman in our family as we deal with the implications of this testing. That inspires me.
My daughter. She was born at 25 weeks and was very sick. She was in the icu until she was almost two (except for the time she came home for 10 days and had 2 cardiac arrests and I had to do cpr on her – very scary). When she came home, she still needed round the clock nursing and lots of equipment. She got better but when she was 5 she got liver cancer (I know, right?!) and was very sick again with lots of complications. Throughout all of this, she was always my bright, sunny beautiful girl who was always in a good mood and loved to laugh. She has taught me so much and I am a much, much better person because of her. She is now 27 and while still having a lot of medical problems, is still my ray of sunshine. She loves being down at Ft. Walton Beach helping me take care of her grandmother. I am very blessed.
inspiration and hope… certainly, and above all, Jesus.
great giveaway! xoxo
My girlfriend, Carey. She and her husband are walking the journey with their 13 year old son as he battles osteosarcoma. Her blog is like reading a devotional and I’m continually encouraged and spurred on in my faith. The main thing I want to embrace that she is teaching me is “we don’t look to circumstances to define our God’s character. We look to His character and then react to the situation based on that”. And God’s character is only GOOD. Practicing that is a daily surrender.
My inspiration is my blog partner/daughter Jordan who has fought and is winning her battle against Crohn’s disease. She has never let the disease stop her from doing what she has wanted to do – including riding her bicycle across the United States three times and cycling from the foot of the Eiffel Tower through the Sahara Dessert to Dakar, Senegal – a 10 week trip which I got to ridde with her.
One person who has greatly inspired me lately is my son’s piano teacher! She just had her 58th Spring Recital at the age of 79! She is a wonderful, warm, person besides being a gifted musician.
Pat holds high standards for her students, but through patient, encouraging, and enthusiastic teaching, she has them reaching for the stars! Many go on to places like Julliard….
I admire my brother for his patience and compassion — feelings that he often does not receive from others. He is the least judgemental person I know. He may not realize it, but he has made me aware of my own shortcomings and fears. I hope to become less critical of others and the paths they have chosen. Everyone deserves respect and/or a helping hand toward meaningful change. He is the helping hand toward my meaningful change!
I have found inspiration from so many blogs lately. Dina of Dinas Boob Blog is truly inspiring. She has put her trust in the Lord to help her fight cancer. Every time I read her blog it helps me realize that we all need to trust in the Lord and his plans for us. Things do not always make sense but faith can get us through. I pray for Dina every day and hope that she will win her battle with cancer. I am trying every day to just trust that the Lord has a plan for each of us, we have to be faithful to him.
The person who brings inspiration most to my life is my husband. He has no story of great triumph over despair, his life has not been marked by breathtaking tragedy. He carries life’s weight like the rest of us, but does so with more kindness than I have ever seen in any other person. Every day I am inspired by his generosity of spirit. He inspires me to take the time to give a thoughtful word, small act of service, or even just a smile.
Definitely my grandmother. We have a connection that is indescribable.
The glassbaby votives are beautiful!! I just love them ! I am a candle fanatic. What a beautiful way for Lee to share her story. Cancer………it has wreaked havoc in my life. I lost my dear precious Mother to cancer in 1996, my father in 2007 and one of my brothers in 2008. All three of them were so amazing through it all. Their strength of character, faith, courage and calmness in the midst of their storms are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing the wonderful story about Lee.
My friend Lynn, always encouraging me to find Joy!
My Granny is the person who has had the most postive affect on my life. She is now 94 and she has always taught me to keep busy and moving, keep your mind sharp (she was studying Latin at age 90), and trust in the Lord for everything in life. She is the most gorgeous 94 yr. old I have ever seen. She always keeps her makeup on, her hair fixed and dresses nicely, including jewelry which matches everything perfectly. She taught me how to knit, how to cook many things, so much about color and design, and to always stay brave and courageous no matter what may come my way. My husband is always telling me that I am JUST like my Granny, and I take that as the ultimate compliment.
One person that always brings inspiration and hope to me it my mother. Through several bad accidents and long recoveries and a heart surgery, she has remained a nurturing soul. The second oldest child of 8 and a young wife and mother, I feel she’s been raising children her whole life and will always puts others’ needs above her own.
My aunties. My parents divorced when I was in high school and I’m blessed by a LARGE extended family. Sisters of both my mom and dad have continued to be a source of strength and inspiration helping me keep perspective on things that don’t seem to ever go away. Children of divorce suffer so much more than the parents will ever be aware of and I am so thankful for such wonderful people that continue to wrap their loving arms around me. “It takes a village” is an understatement in our family!!! Happy Mothers Day to all the Mamas tomorrow!
My mom! :)
my mom – she battled cancer for 26 years – almost half of her life. She never stopped teaching and always inspired her students and most importantly, me.
My little sister has truly brought so much inspiration and hope to my life. She is such a beautiful soul, and continues to shine her own, special light on the world~ despite what others may think. She is kind and understanding, and gentle when she knows to be supportive, yet she can be strong, stern and confident when she knows she needs to lead someone out of a hard time. She continues to be the backbone of our family, and although she is four years younger than me, I look up to her so much. She is so courageous and determined, and I find so much inspiration in her loving, creative soul, and so much hope in her strength. She is always there for me when I need her, and for that I will forever be grateful.
My grandmother who loved me unconditionally! She would always make me feel so special and I think everyone needs that in their lives. I try everyday to pass that feeling on to my children. It’s a gift that can never, ever be taken away from you.
My grandmother was always loving, supportive and just a lot of fun. She always made the ordinary seem so special.
My mom! Her lifesong is a testimony of prayer and faith!
My daughter inspires me….daily!!!
My friend, Shannon. We went to college together and shared so many wonderful memories. She passed away from breast cancer and taught us all how to live.
my husband. he inspires me to be greater than i even think i can be, and gives me the joy of waking up each day to his sweet eyes and words. i love how he helps me take care of the son and encourages me always to pursue my dreams.
My Mom. My Dad passed away at a very young age (41) and my Mom finished raising us and has been our rock. Thanks, Mom!
My Mom passed away unexpectedly my junior year of college, and even though she’s been gone almost 5 years, her beauty and grace are still as alive as ever in my life. She taught me what it means to be a true friend, family member, neighbor, and colleague, and in her sudden passing, she taught me how precious time is. I celebrate her everyday, not just Mother’s Day, but days like today I am really thankful that God chose her to be my Mom.
Happy Mother’s Day to you Seleta! What a truly inspirational woman Lee is and a remarkable story. Today being Mother’s Day….I am missing my mother so very much. Unfortunately, she lost her fight with cancer. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. My Father is my inspiration and one amazing man. Watching my father take care of my mom during her illness and give 200 percent and always with an upbeat attitude….never complaining during the dark days and being a nurse 100 percent of the time. He gave completely of himself. He was a walking example of what true love really is….such a selfless act….my Mom’s rock. Our family’s rock. I learned so much from my father – to be a better wife, to give more and want less, to appreciate each and every day and view it as a “gift”, to surround myself with positive people who want the best for me, to be more humble and to be “myself”. Since my Mom’s passing my father has stepped up to the role of being the father and mother figure in our family. No matter what age we are….we all still need our mothers. My father is my true inspiration and gives me hope on a daily basis. He is always there for me and loves completely unconditionally.
Definitely my mom. She supported me when I chose to go back to school, bravely fought her way through chemotherapy even though she lost all of her hair, and no matter what she is always willing to listen to my crazy stories about my students to things that drive me bonkers!
My father…has always wanted the best for me….with school, sports, religion…he provided everything…it was all up to me to “make it happen”…Happy Mother’s Day Seleta!
There’s a wonderful lady at my church who has been through many rounds of a chronic type of cancer, and she just glows with an amazing attitude of hope and grace. She draws people to her with her caring spirit and always turns the conversation to them, not her. She is a true inspiration, just like Lee. What a great story Lee has, and I love how she uses light as a healing force.
My inspiration is my mother in law who passed away 4 years ago from a form of leukemia. She’s not even my “real” mother in law. She took my husband under her wings when he was 14 years old and helped shape him into the wonderful man he is today. This woman had no boundries for her love. She loved everyone unconditionally and did sooo much for us. Her kindness, generosity, and graciousness knew know limits. She is my hero and inspiration.
My Mom, for about the last 15 years she has lost her dad, her husband and mother. It has been a journey of many mountains and valleys. She went from being a full time teacher, to retiring to spend time helping my Dad. He lost his battle with cancer soon after her retirement. It changed our world…she is a different person in many ways. She then went right into caring for her Mother a slow progressing dementia. I won’t lie, it has taken a toll on her, mentally and physically. We have learned that life is precious, to enjoy every moment and realize that we are not here to judge others, but to enjoy life and try to make a positive difference in others. My Mom continues to give to others daily, being there for her friends and family. She is a very important and special person in our lives and I am blessed that she is MY Mom. I love you Mom!! xo
just one?! thats too hard! but i can put them all into one category – my best friends! I struggled with depression for a significant amount of time, and my best friends were always there for me! The way they continued to love me through my valleys and constantly remind me of Christ’s love was life saving!
My great Aunt Edith. She was the most joyful, accepting person I have known. She didn’t see peoples outsides, she just loved everyone, no matter what they looked like. She was so open and accepting of others.
My sweet daughter-in-law! She and my son are trying to conceive their first child. On this Mother’s Day I think of her and their struggles. She simply wants to be a mom!! I hope and pray that God will bless them with a child one way or another, so she can experience that special love only a mother knows for her child…until that day she shows style, grace and patience, all the qualities that will make her a beautiful mother!!
Such beautiful votives! I’m inspired by children battling aggressive diseases like cancer. I met quite a few during my years as a medical student, and their courage, optimism, and strength are truly inspiring. And they somehow always manage to put on a smile.
Oh, is it too late!? Those are so beautiful. My inspiration is my friend’s mother-in-law – she is the ultimate hostess, entertainer, full of grace and warm soul and I learn so much from her each time she has us over. I hope to make my guests feel half as welcome as she does.
If it’s not too late, my inspiration is my husband. He has a real zest for his job and interests that I have a lot to learn from.
love, love, love glassybaby. i have several. and i loved visiting their store when i lived in seattle. total eye candy. my inspiration… my sister. she recently underwent chemo and radiation for breast cancer. she maintained her full time job throughout her treatment. pam
What a beautiful story. One person who has inspired and brought light to my life is my friend. lauren. he 18 month old son drowned in their family pond. Lauren’s faith and reliance on the Lord during that horrific time strengthened my faith and started my Bible reading. She totally leaned on God and got through a terrible time with such grace and faith. She has been a shining light for many Moms.
I find so many people living a life to admire. I have one friend, who comes to mind. She has a daughter with special needs. She continues to find ways to amaze me with her attitudes towards being given a gift with this little girl. She helps others remember their own blessings. And is a role model for each Mom she meets. She is a blessing.
I LOVE Glass Baby’s votives. They are amazing!!!! Congratulations to the lucky lady!
Cheers,
Claudia
Hi Seleta,
I hope you had a great Mothers Day! These stories kind of ground you into reality. Espeically about what is truly important. The career is always fun and great to have but nothing will be remembered at the end of our lives like it will be when we are there for our children (family members) in the moments they need us. I just read all 83 comments and it warmed my heart to read them. It reaffirms to me to hold myself accountable to some of these inspiring people. To live a life of Grace, love and kindness & to be the best Mom to my sons. What a great gift to take the time to read these.
Xo,