Love in the face of tragedy

NieNie, a wonderful mom blogger from Arizona, was recently in a terrible plane crash.  A wife and young mother of four, she is in a chemically-induced coma, sustaining burns to over 80% of her body.  Her husband is also in critical condition.  The pilot of the plane has passed away.  NieNie’s siter, CJane, has been writing about the experience and keeping people up to date on their progress on her own blog.  Her posts are heartbreaking, inspiring, sad, wonderful.  Last night my husband caught me sobbing at my computer as I read about this young family and the unreal tragedy that has affected their life in recent days.

This story has aroused so many different feelings in my heart.  Sadness, for NieNie, her husband, her children, her family and friends.  Gratitude for each and every healthy, wonderful day I have with my own children.  And awe at the outpouring of love for this family.  And not just from friends and family in their immediate circle, but from the blogging world.  It’s amazing.  Another fantastic mom blogger has declared today NieNie Day and has spearheaded a silent auction project to raise money for the family’s inevitably high expenses.  Guess how many auctions started today?  20? Guess again.  100?  Not even close…nearly 300! 

There’s been so much talk lately about mom bloggers and the power that they have...

...how marketers and advertisers are starting to take notice.  I agree and am excited about this new world we are creating.  But what’s even more exciting and amazing to me is that we are not just using that power to network or make money.  We’re using that power to make a real difference in people’s lives, which is what really matters.  I think we see that all the time, and this is just another great example.  I knew there would be support for NieNie Day in the blogging world, but at this level I would never have guessed.  It once again brings tears to my eyes.   How awesome that our community can come together in such a positive and inspiring way!  It is love in the face of tragedy. 

I don’t know NieNie.  I don’t know her family.  But my heart still hurts for her.  My thoughts and prayers are with NieNie, her husband and her children.  I marvel at the sacrifice her friends and family are making for them. And I am reminded that I must enjoy each and every day I have with my own sweet family. 

Original Silicon Valley Moms Blog post. Jane Maynard also blogs at This Week for Dinner, where she takes pretty pictures of food and fakes being a good cook.