Nie Nie

When Kelly first introduced me to her blog two years ago, my eyes widened at the “lovely strangers” title on her sidebar. Links to women she had met through blogging. People whose lives now affected hers. It was an aspect of this unknown world that I had never considered. Two years later and I’ve *met* more than a few “lovely strangers”. Women who inspire me to Do more, Be more.

And this woman is one of the loveliest strangers of all. I haven’t ever met Nie Nie in person, but her family love, her life love…well, their power is boldly emitted through every word she writes.

Last week, like so many, I was horrified to hear of the plane crash that left Nie Nie and her husband in critical condition. I was touched to read her sister’s updates…to think of their four children being lovingly cradled by sweet sisters in mom’s absence…to hold my own little men *that much* closer...to look back on some of the reasons why this woman I’ve never met feels more like a lovely friend than stranger.

The Nielson family faces a recovery that will rely on countless months, countless dollars and even more prayers. In an effort to help, Design Mom (yet another lovely stranger) has declared this coming Thursday Nie Nie Day, encouraging people to auction items, contributing the proceeds directly to the Stephanie & Christian Paypal Fund.

I plan to join this effort by auctioning off a cake here at Momentary Madness. Bidding will start on Thursday. Any custom decorated cake for any occasion (obviously limited to people in metro Phoenix area)...so please spread the word to anyone you know with an upcoming cakeable occasion (birthdays, holidays, showers, parties, anything in the next six months). Check out some of my creations by clicking "my cakes" on the sidebar.

Also check out Design Mom this Thursday...if cake is not your thing, there will be many silent auctions on the blogs of many lovely strangers.

Comments

[Lucy]

Oh, I didn't know about this. CJane is one of my favorite blogs, and I've seen her sister's site a few times. Hers seems like an exceptional family. What a tragedy and yet look how the blogging and church and all sorts of other communities are rallying around them. Thank you for posting this.

[Tiffany]

What sad news--I hadn't visited either of these sites before. What a hard thing--so nice to see the little bits of good come out of it. I'm wishing I lived in your neck of the woods to be able to bid on the cake!

[Barb]

Good for you, Amy. Bless you for helping out a lovely stranger.
Blogging has definitely introduced me to American life in a way I hadn't appreciated before. Fundraising for medical care is one that still baffles me, but I appreciate the way I've seen people pull together as a community for families like Kelly's doctor, Kristi's niece, and Nie Nie.

[April]

This has made me quite somber this morning...such a very sad thing. And I find myself back at C.S. Lewis' old "suffering" question. I almost can't bear to think of her children and all that lies ahead of them.

I'm sure your mad cake-baking skills will raise a lot of needed funds. I will be in the bidding for sure.

[Kelly]

This is such a great idea to bake a cake for the fundraiser! Hmm, I have three November birthdays coming up. Perhaps I should get in on this bidding.

I am quite haunted by this family and all they're going through.

[kim sue]

I wish I lived in the metro Phoenix area and I would be bidding up a storm. It is a wonderful idea. I am sure it will do well for Nie Nie and her family.

[Marie]

Lovely strangers are one of the best parts of blogging hands down. So beautiful what you are doing to help your never-met friend. I wish her well and luck on her recovery.

[Lindsay]

Lovely strangers. That is the perfect description. I just posted about this on my blog too. I will be auctioning off a photo session.

[Angie]

Do you remember my next-door-neighbor-best-friend Melanie? Her uncle was the pilot who passed away in the crash. Father of 4 (I think) kids. Very, very sad.

[Price Cream Parlor]

Beautiful words, Amy. You are the cake master! Wish I lived in AZ just for this moment! So sweet of you to donate your time and extreme talent to such a worthy cause!