Thank You!

First & foremost, I'd like to thank God for everything He has given us and for keeping our daughter safe from harm!

And the following, in no particular order:

Angel Velazquez
Norman & Pearl Hemberger
June Snyder
Veronica Kriebel-Drelling
Crystal Robb
Josh McClure
Aileen McClure
Dan Velazquez
Lisa Velazquez
Christina Snyder
Jessica Snyder
Andy Morales
Sharyl Geise
Robyn Heckman Conrath
Cliff & Joe S.
Fran & Russ Henz
Tara Henz
Pat Henz
Sean Henz
Jolene Byers
Sam Reynolds
Tara Russo
Diane Spoor
Henry Adlean
Ramsey Gregory
Jeremy & Danna Erb
Donna Jeremiah
Taylor Jeremiah
Joe Dannheimer
Robert Fisher (father)
Robert Fisher (son)
Ryan Bordell
Jessica Goudy Goshorn
Maryann Coberly
Terrie Smith Crone
Rebecca Harman
Bryonie Lynn Heath
Stephanie Colacitti
Kathy Diggan (our photographer)
Mindy Lewis (our social worker at the hospital)
Mystie Patton Moran
Lacy Sanchez
Deb & Peter Lucas
Melinda Woods
Mike Deitz
Chris & Nancy Derck
Doris Gunsallus
Irvin & Jean Reiner
Mike Bramhall
Sharon & Pam Paczkoski
Rosemarie Witt
Kathy Kelley
Mr & Mrs. Boyd
Lucy Aponte
Christine Pettersson
Michelle Wolfe
The Kelley Sisters
Amanda Head
Anthony & Holly Haas
Sarita Boyette
Kevin Shervinskie (funeral director)
Sheila S.
Ross & Allison Johnson
Leslie & Allen McCoy
Rachel Johnson
Danyelle S.
Tiffany H.
Sherri & Tom F.
Melissa M.
Helen Bandza
Trina Shinskie
Jason Beers
Reena Shingara
Ryan Beers
Lorri Moore
Katrina & Doug Munson
Jennifer Long
Many others who attended & helped at our car wash
Geisinger MFM staff
Geisinger Labor & Delivery Staff
Homeplate crew
All other Angel mommies for their prayers, love & support

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. You will all hold a spot in our hearts forever!

(***If I forgot you, please forgive me! Send me a message on Facebook and I can add your name to the list. My deepest apologies!***)

The count is in!!

We have finally deposited all the money raised for Sophia's headstone into the Buried With Dignity account! We had one small set back. Unfortunately, there was no money left at our church, like we were told there was. Apparently, all the money was used to cover the cost of Sophia's services. I sat here trying to think of other ways to raise the money that we were now missing. Automatically, I felt drained. Like I had no more energy to keep moving forward. I was coming very close to settling for a cheaper stone. As these thoughts were running through my head, an old high school friend popped up at my house. At first, she scared the crap out of me!! (HAHA) I didn't realize she walked up on to our porch until she spoke. But what she had to say was something that made me feel completely overwhelmed with joy and more at ease. She told me that her and her hubby had talked and agreed to help us out with the last bit of money needed to pay for Sophia's headstone. I wasn't sure if I wanted to cry, jump up and hug her, or pass out! It's one of the best feelings ever... JOY! My baby will finally have the headstone she deserves.

So, this friend of mine, took me to the bank today so I could deposit the money. Final count in my hands: $1,180! Leaving the bank, I felt so good inside. Katrina (my friend who I keep ranting about) and myself chatted the whole way home. It was nice to be able to get out and away from kids for a little bit. Once I made it home, reality struck. This is it. I've lost my baby and she's not coming back. I'll never get to hold her in my arms again. I'll never be able to hug her tight or kiss her soft cheeks again. I'll never get to tell her just how much I love her and miss her, except in my letters to her. I'll never have the chance to feed her. I'll never be woken up in the middle of the night to do diaper changes. I'll never get to watch her take her first steps or watch her learn to crawl. I'll never be able to prepare her for potty training. First day of school, out the door it went. I'll never be able to kiss her boo-boos away. I'll never be able to tell her that everything will get better after a boy breaks her heart. I'll never have the opportunity to help her get dressed on her wedding day. It's all gone! I keep trying to remind myself today that she's living on in a much better place, where there is no such thing as hurt, or pain, or illness. But that just doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

So now, we wait until we get word that the money has been received. We have the wording all figured out. I can't wait to see how it will look. I'm very excited about that. But once that is all done, what do I do? I've been keeping myself busy with planning things to raise money for her headstone... and now it's paid for. I guess now is when I really begin to grieve... and grieve hard. I have to find a way to continue living, only as a different person. I'm not the "old Tab" anymore. I'm not sure how I will make it through with a broken heart, but I will try my very best.

Now I'll take a few minutes to share some pictures of Sophia's Carwash For A Cause with my readers :)

That's one way for a short person to reach the top!

Love this van!! 2 of my boys at the trunk :)

Work, work, work!

One of our many signs and many helpers :)

We washed anything with wheels!

Getting my hands dirty with the soon to be sister-in-law

Oh the sun!! Angel & I waiting for more cars

Brainstorming with Mom

And the day is done (My brother and I)

Thanks to everyone who has helped us during this difficult time, whether it was by donating, praying, or supporting us! We deeply appreciate it!

(More detailed thanks in following blog post.)