The Story of Maya and Me
Posted in Random on 07/13/2010 06:04 am by AlixThis is a long one folks, but bear with me, it will be totally worth it :)
I have only been making my presence online as a crafter for the lesser part of a year now and I always hear of amazing stories strewn across the internet of the many positive ways that artists reach out to others through their work. It can be something huge or even the smallest little thing, but in one way or another it changes the lives of both the creator and the recipient.
I recently had the pleasure to change the life of someone precious in a positive way. Even if it was something small, it made my heart feel as big and warm as the sun. Meet Maya…
Maya is a young girl from Belgium. She has recently been sick from cancer and the treatments that go along with it. I was contacted by her wonderfully kind father who expressed interest in my Plants vs Zombies plushie work and he told me that one of the things Maya loved to do was play the game Plants Vs. Zombies to help stave away boredom while in her bed. He expressed interest in purchasing one of my PvZ plushies to give to her as a gift while she was in the hospital. I very gladly acknowledged the situation and decided to donate a plushie to her as a gift with best wishes as she recovered. Maya chose the Snow Pea as her favorite.
As I was working on her Snow Pea, I was contacted by Maya’s father once again with wonderful news! Maya had recovered from her treatment quicker than expected and was allowed to finally go home to her family! She was really excited to see her little brother again! When I received this email I was so happy for her and her family. I can only imagine what they must have gone through and knowing that they were on the path to recovery and happiness again made me feel so good! Before she left the hospital she took her little toys and spelled out “Merci” on her bed, which means “Thank You” in French, for me.
As much as it would have been heart warming to see her receive her plushie there in the hospital to cheer her up, I am just so thankful she was able to return home! Now all she had to do was wait patiently for the mailman to bring her a special package!
As I was nearing the completion of the Snow Pea (and an extra special gift to throw in for her as well), Maya’s father asked me to take a few pictures of me making the plushie as I was working on it because Maya was interested in how I made them. I took a few pics for and sent them to her father.
After a few weeks the package finally arrived in Belgium! There are no words that can describe how amazing I felt when I saw the pictures that Maya’s father sent to me after they had received their package. I am going to place the pictures he sent me below, just keep scrolling ♥
We love you Maya!
~♥~♥~
July 13th, 2010 at 7:47 am
this is seriously FTW! She looks soooo happy to get those :) this touched me in a way few things do, that’s so cool :D
July 13th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
That is so amazing Alix. She looks so excited and happy. Huge Hugs!! :D
July 13th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
It’s lunchtime and I’m sitting eating and decided to check on your website–I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks as I have read your post and watched the story unfold of your gifts to beautiful Maya in Belgium. When we do what we love who knows where it will lead? And nothing in this world is about money. Thank you seems so lame, but thank you for sharing this!
love, your mom
July 13th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
That. Is. Awesome. Always great to bring joy to a special child!
July 14th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
way to ruin my make-up just as I got to work ;)…what a touching story and a fantastic outcome. I just feel like skipping everywhere for the rest of the day. Thank you for sharing and best of luck to Maya for a long, happy and healthy life. You rock Alix!
July 19th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Way to go Toots…sharing what we love to do, and loving to share is a great gift!!!
July 30th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Wow your so talented and you have such a big heart. Your work is amazing and the fact that you were able to help someone like Maya is even more amazing. The world needs more people like you. Great job!
August 13th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Oh Alix! This is such a wonderful story! What a horrible thing for that family to go through, but you brought so much happiest to Maya! I’m so glad to hear she’s home and recovering! You are really awesome :)
December 1st, 2010 at 1:13 am
What a great post! The photos and your generosity put such a smile on my face just now. Truly wonderful of you to gift your adorable creations to little Maya :)
December 5th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Thank you for giving me this alix. i still love these plants. -Maya.
December 5th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
:’) That is so touching. It is like: Look a package! Can i open it? mom:yes it is too you. Maya thinking: Wonder what ii is… Maya: Look some cards! Maya thinking: Paper paper… Maya: Look some cute plants!!!