Monday, January 30, 2012

Valentine's Day - "Let's SHARE THE LOVE"

Valentine's Dinner 2007

Valentine's Day is the one of best times of the year to let someone know that you love them. Our annual Valentine's Day dinner is one of Oliver's FAVORITE family traditions that we started when he was probably 3, so for the last 7 years, every Valentine's Day dinner is spent with our family... the ones we love the most. We go all out and have candles, rose petals, dim lights, light classical music playing in the background and fancy Italian foods.

I think it would be fun to challenge everyone to tell at least ONE person in your life how you feel about them... good feelings... we are trying to spread the love here!!! Sometimes we let life get too crazy, we are too stressed and overworked to say those three simple words. People need to know that you love them because you never know when life will no longer give you that chance to say it. It doesn't matter how you do it, face to face, in a card, poem, song or through a gift of service. Be nicer to one another and the love will more easily flow. Anyways... just a thought. Oliver has inspired me to be kinder to people and has made me realize that they may need the love that someone is not giving to them. You never know the pain someone is hiding behind their smile.


LOVE NOTES to OLLIE
If you'd like to send Ollie a Valentine's Card and tell about the effects of your challenge that would be great! I don't know if he will make it to see Valentine's Day or not. Things have been happening more and more that lead us to believe that he may have weeks to days left. I'd love to see his face when he gets the 'love' notes from people that he's inspired to do better, to be better and to keep trying no matter what. I know it makes a difference to hear it from someone other than just mom and dad. :O)



The Lovable Oliver Palmer
417 Oaklawn Ave.
Waterloo, IA 50701



I'm trying to think of other special things to do this year to make it a little more special for him since it may be the last holiday we get to spend with him... if we are to be so lucky. Thank you for sharing the love!!!


18 comments:

Cindi said...

♥ hugs & prayers ♥

Amy Halterman said...

Love you all! You have made a huge difference in my life...a renewed spirit of appreciation and love for every day that I wake up to. Praying for peace, courage, strength as you continue Ollie's journey.

Anonymous said...

Ollie u inspire me to tell my parents I loved them today. They r not very emotional people n don't share feelings but because of u I said it to them today..god bless u sweet boy n ur family. Xoxo

Jessica Vogel said...

such an amazing idea! Oliver you have touched my life in such a way I will never be the same! You are an amazing young man! I'm sorry this journey has been hard for you and your family! I wish you could have that "normal" childhood! Know you have changed people's lives forever just knowing you! I can say I love you as if I knew you always!!! You are always in my thoughts & prayers! <3

Quinn said...

I normally don't comment but I read your blog daily and pray for your family and especially Oliver. When I read this challenge I know I had to get my kids involved. So some cards are coming his way plus I am putting it out on my blog as well and I hope your mailman can't keep up with all the cards that will be coming his way. :) May peace and comfort be with you guys!!
Love,
Kelli

Rosemary Solury said...

Ollie I want you to know because of you, your courage, strength and beautiful heart that I now take the time to pray daily giving praise and thanks to Our Lord Jesus. I pray for peace, love and comfort for you and your family. Although we have never meet I consider you family. I want you to know you have stolen my heart and you will live in my heart forever.
If I could I would come there and fill your handsome face with kisses! God Love and Bless You Sweet Friend. (((hugs)))

Lisa Wilcox said...

Sweet Ollie, you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Bless your precious heart.

Anonymous said...

I think that Oliver could not have asked for a better mom! Stacey and Oliver, you two have made me become a better person. To read these blogs, and to see BOTH of you aer going through so much, and still keep other's in mind. You are two of the most unselfish people in the world. I continue to pray for the whole Palmer family. I absolutly LOVE the pic of Ollie in the funny face glasses! Best one yet!

Lisa Wilcox said...

Good morning to the Most Lovable Oliver Palmer!! I bet those love notes and cards are just pouring in and overwhelming your mailman! Bless you, sweetest Ollie! Hugs hugs hugs!

MHefelKramer said...

Dear Ollie....I sent off a special gift in the mail today, I don't live far from you so it should be there very soon! :) as always you are in our thoughts and prayers and most of all we send our LOVE! You make a difference in my life each and every day!

jennyg said...

I can not even begin to imagine the pain and heart ache your family is going through. I pray for Oliver, as well as you. You are absolutely amazing!

Anonymous said...

Ollie, you don't know me, but my heart has been so influenced by you and your story.
It's kind of crazy the number of lives you can affect, even when you are sick. From what I read and have heard, you are an incredible light in everyone's life who knows you (and even who doesn't know you, as I can say right now).
I pray you never lose that spirit and the hope you seem to cling to. I am overwhelmed with love for you and your family, which is, again, just crazy, because I have never even met you.
I have tears welling up in my eyes as I am filled with awe by the strength God has given you and your family. Whether you know it or not, you are one of the strongest kids I know, Ollie (which I guess says a lot because I don't technically know you!)!
May God's peace and joy fill your and your family's hearts. He is holding you now, and will never leave you.

You are my hero.

Anonymous said...

Ollie,
You look like you are a very fun boy....your mom and dad must love you so much. What a hard thing for you to endure....but you are so strong. I don't know what your religion is but I find this scripture helpful for me whenever things are hard:

DC 121:7-9
7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

May God give you peace and shield you from pain. May God grant your parents peace of mind as well.

Carrie said...

Stacy,
Sorry I have taken so long to comment. I love this picture of Eden and Oliver. I love his smile in it! And Eden's sweet smile. I have been trying to find the right words to say and there just isn't. Nothing I say is going to make the pain and everything that is going on disappear as much as I wish it would. Oliver has been such a inspiration to me. He has taught me so much and still continues to. I try to be a better person because of his example. You also are a inspiration to me. Your probably the best mom I know. I mean I know you guys are going through hell right now but you show such strength, and love, and are so giving. I wish I was more like you. You guys continue to be in my prayers and thoughts everyday. I love you guys

softhef said...

oliver, you remind me that every day is a gift from God. you remind me to hug and kiss on my little girlies a million times every single day. you remind me to be kind to strangers, to give even when i don't feel like i have anything to give and to love love love love love. you are an amazing spirit sent to earth in a body that just can't contain it anymore! you have set so many wonderful traditions into motion that will continue on MUCH longer than any human body. you are a blessing to all who know you or even know about you. i love you tons and tons. you have an amazing family and i am so blessed to share your knowledge that families are FOREVER.
love, shar

L C said...

We just sent our cards out today. Hopefully they will be on time for Valentine's Day! Ollie is incredible and you are an amazing mom. I hope your family has the best Valentines Day ever!

Anonymous said...

Ollie....
you don't know me, but I found my way to you from a mutual friend. You have touched my heart in such a way and yet being inspired by someone so young....you are an amazing soul...Thank you!!!! I hope you have an amazing Valentines Day!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about Ollie's worsening illness. I hope you are all getting to spend some quiet and peaceful time together this Valentine's Day just feeling your love for each other. Peace.