Friday, August 1, 2014

IN THE MIST OF SADNESS BRINGS SEVERAL UNEXPECTED ANGELS...

Happy Friday all!

It has been perhaps over a year since my last Earthly Angel post. Many of my new followers most likely don't know who these AMAZING people are...


I call them EA'S or Earthly Angels. Now in the past I have written about strangers helping out others just out of kindness. It always amazes. I know some of you are shaking your heads, but they DO EXIST! I personally have seen a few myself.

But today's EA is actually a group of fine people. 

I had the pleasure of meeting with my blogger friend and GOOD friend Melissa Bradley from Melissa's Imaginarium. For those of you who don't know Melissa, she was recently diagnosed with malignant cancer and is now going under Chemo. I was pleasantly surprised to see how BEAUTIFUL she looked today. Eyes clear, skin glowing, and hair shining. It thrilled me to see her this way. One would never now she has cancer.

Almost everyone I know has had some encounter with this dreaded, deathly disease. Both my parents had it and my dad died from it. Thankfully each new day brings new ways to combat this disease. It is a war that must be conquered!

As we chatted, Melissa mentioned she's been having some financial problems. She was laid off from her job several months ago and her unemployment has run out. Horrible situation for anyone to be in. A friend of hers created a twitter/Facebook account to help fund her during this trying time. It pleases me to say that over a dozen of her friends have already given their support. These EA's have come to the rescue as I am sure many more will follow. 

I was so relieved to see her glowing face as she told me of their generosity. And now it's time for me and the blogging community to step up as well. Today we had talked about creating an anthology, very much like what Nick Wilford did for his son. The topic will be Cancer, how it affected you or a loved one.

I have a great story about my mom and how she reacted when she found out she was diagnosed. This anthology can help so many cancer sufferers, survivors, and their loved ones.  So please stay tuned for more information about this anthology. I hope many of you will help in joining this blog hop. I am also offering my services to design the full cover and ebook cover. At some point we will need the help of someone who is experienced in formatting for ebooks. So if you can PLEASE get the word out. Melissa is a wonderful person and can really use our support. She also has several books for sale at her blog if you are not familiar with her work.


I must say she is quite the trooper and keeping up with her wicked sense of humor. 

Thank you all for your time and friendship. I means a great deal to me....

Have a FANTASTIC weekend everyone!

Here's the Facebook Link if you'd like to help Melissa ... Link 

Thanks everyone!

33 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Awesome to hear how well Melissa is doing! Really miss her.
Keep us posted on the book. Be happy to help any way possible.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

The anthology sounds like a wonderful idea. Where is the Facebook page for Melissa located?

Jen said...

Wonderful post! Glad to hear Melissa is doing well :) I love the idea of this anthology. Thanks for sharing!!

Happy weekend,
Jen

D.G. Hudson said...

And you might be one of the EA's as well, methinks. Support is immeasurable to anyone going through a crisis. Good luck with the anthology. Many friends of mine have suffered cancer and beaten the odds. There is always Hope.

Nicki Elson said...

I'm in! And I'm so happy to hear that she's looking great. Will keep her in my prayers.

So guess what. My sister set up a book signing in your backyard---the Bourjeois Pig! It's set for Thursday, Sept. 18 & we'd love it if you guys could make it. We must catch up soon. I'm buried in a work project & am just coming up for air for a few minutes to visit my neglected blog peeps.

Nicki Elson said...

I'm in! And I'm so glad to hear she's looking great. I'll keep her in my prayers.

So guess what. My sister has set up a book signing in your backyard---the Bourgeois Pig! It's on September 18 & we'd love it if you guys could come. I'll be in touch soon (once I finish the work project I'm buried under)

Nicki Elson said...

Whoops -- sorry for the double---blogger told me there was an error on the first one. The big liar!

shelly said...

Many prayers!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Great! Thanks, Alex.

Michael Di Gesu said...

It will be amazing... It seemed to have been helpful to Nick Wilford.
Also Melissa plans to donate part of the fund to Cancer charities...

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Jen, I hope you'll be part of it!

Michael Di Gesu said...

There absolutely is always hope, D.G.! Aw... thanks for thinking I'm an EA... I always try to help out friends in need. This community means a great deal to me and that's what makes it so special!

Michael Di Gesu said...

GREAT! Thanks, Nicki!

And CONGRATS to your sister! I'll definitely be there! Hopefully Melissa can make it too! Bourgeois Pig is one of my FAVORITE HAUNTS!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Shelly!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Very happy to hear that Melissa is doing well. Do keep us posted about the book Michael.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I'm in!! Hugs and prayers to Melissa.

S.P. Bowers said...

Good luck with the anthology. I'm glad Melissa is at a happy place despite her difficulties. Hugs and prayers to her.

Unknown said...

I know Melissa and I'm THRILLED to hear about the support and the anthology - it's wonderful news. Thanks for being so generous with your time and energy, Michael! :)

Janie Junebug said...

I look forward to the anthology. What a good idea and a generous thing to do. I have a nephew who is now three years (I think) cancer free.

Love,
Janie

Karen Jones Gowen said...

What a great idea, Michael. I'm sorry to hear about Melissa. My sister died recently and suddenly of cancer. When will there ever be a cure? All we can do is support those who suffer in any way possible. I'd be happy to offer my services in any way you need. Keep me posted.

Denise Covey said...

Hi Michael. I've been following Melissa's journey on facebook and am astounded at her bravery. She's so fortunate to have a friend like you. I saw some talk on facebook regarding Melissa needing money, and was also astounded that there was nothing in place in the US for someone in her situation.

I'm always happy to donate money where it's needed. I'm not sure if anyone ever makes any money out of an e-book, but if it can be used to raise awareness of Melissa's financial needs as she battles this demon, it's a good thing.

Formatting an e-book. No idea, but Diane L Wolfe does it for money, but she might be able to be persuaded??? I see she's commented, so will be aware of the situation.

I will help in any way. Just drop me an email.

And as D.G. Hudson suggests, Michael, you are an EA yourself. May all sorts of goodness return to you.

Denise :)

Denise Covey said...

And I will add something to my next blog post....D

Jo said...

I think people can be wonderful. I am sorry to hear about Melissa but glad she is getting such help.

Anonymous said...

Saying prayers for Melissa. Please keep us updated about the anthology.

Michelle Wallace said...

Oh Michael, such a wonderful idea!
Count me in...
And besides being the Blurb King, you are definitely an Earthly Angel too!
So that's a crown + a halo!

Robin said...

So many want to help but don't know how. Look at you providing the How. I think this will be a huge success.

VR Barkowski said...

Wonderful post, Michael. Melissa is a fighter and an inspiration. I've been following her struggle on Facebook and she constantly reminds me of what I too easily to forget: life is a gift. I'm not certain I can write about cancer. My own losses are still too close to the surface, but I will be first in line for a copy of the anthology.

VR Barkowski

Empty Nest Insider said...

This is such a great idea, and I would love to help out with the anthology. I'm so sorry for what Melissa's been going through. I'm sending lots of thoughts and prayers her way. Michael, you really are an EA, and Melissa is lucky to have you.

Julie

Jay Noel said...

So glad people can help her out. Melissa is my hero, and I'm confident she will win.

Al Diaz said...

You are part of those EA by helping Melissa getting the word out there. She's an amazing gal, that's for sure. Very brave and with an iron will. Dragon Hugs!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael - an earthly angel indeed - thanks for the catch-up re Melissa ... I'll certainly do what I can re the anthology et al ... The Big C is a dreadful disease ... and I sure hope she continues on with her positiveness ...

With many thoughts - Hilary

Sherry Ellis said...

Glad to hear Melissa is staying positive. I think you're an earth angel for helping out with this anthology and giving her support!

Unknown said...

August 27th, 2014
Dear Michael,
I'm reading your posts backward and have already read the post about the blog hop.