It was in 7th grade the I first heard the name Joe Shampine. My bestest friend, Gretta, had been bestest pals with him and wanted to buy him a Christmas gift. So we headed downtown and went to the 5 and Dime.. We settled on a 7 dollar gold chain from the local dime store. Afterall, the only real difference between the 7 dollar version and the real McCoy is that: One, Gretta could afford it and Two, it turned your neck green. Though, I don’t think Joe complained.
It was in my high school years that I found out who Christy Jennings was. She was the blonde haired girl my brother hung out with. She was so dang pretty and the perfect girl next door. Oh, man, I wanted to be her. And if I am correct, she lived right by the candy store…all the better!
Flash forward to last summer; I saw Joe at a wedding for the first time in ions and he had married Christy almost 15 years prior. We chatted for a few seconds and when I left that conversation all I could think about was those 2 needed help getting a baby to share their enormous amount of love with. One thing led to another, stories were exchanged and here we are today doing the biggest fundraiser in my hometown of Cheboygan that Matilda Jane has ever had.
I could go on and on about all the people who have helped me, gave me a shoulder to cry on, lifted me up when I was falling, and have just been true friends since the day we met. I cannot even express how grateful I am and fortunate we are. And when it came time for Joe and Christy to finally get another round at adoption I knew in my heart of hearts that if we were in the position we would do what we can. And thanks to you all, Matilda Jane is able to help them out. They have waited so long and all I want for them is to feel the happiness and not be buried in the stress. So whatever we can do to lift that load a bit, I’m game for it. And here we have it:
Ya, what about this? When I do carpool in the morning I love to see all the little girlies in my clothes. It is so dang cool. So when Leslie emailed me this pic of Mrs (or Miss) Stephanie Johnson and some students I went nuts. Yup, they are adorable, absolutely fantastic.
Was wondering if you could please post this event! Thanks so much! If its possible!
Thanks for giving me the chance to have the chance to get some things for myself, Denise. I was able to justify it, knowing I would be helping such a cute sounding couple out! Best of luck to them in their quest to add a child to their family!
Denise could you please tell me to call an order in on Friday from your site is it Platinum only or the other lines as well?? I’d love to buy something but just not sure if it’s only for Platinum. What your doing is so darn sweet and I’m sure you will have a huge outpouring! After reading this I couldn’t wait to share it with my husband. The funny story about Joe and how giving you are! My husband LOVES your clothing but like a lot of men he gets so tired of hearing me talk about it!! HEE-HEE!!
Buyin somethin! 🙂 …What a great way to share! How cool is it to know you are donating to a good cause and the bonus is you’re getting something amazing in return. Thanks to you!!
Can’t wait to participate in this! Might as well time it right since I need a couple more things anyway. I don’t know why I do, but I do. Thanks for spreading the love! xo
Denise- What a wonderful fundraiser you are doing for this family that is filled with love. We were in the same position five years after we were married we tried to have children but could not. My husband and I were put on this earth to adopt. It is a huge financial hole that we worked so hard to get out of but in the end we had two beautiful Guatemalan babies. God bless you and your generous offerings to this family.
Denise…I would love to share with some of my friends who don’tgenerally get on your blog..but are on FB..is there anyway you email this? TIA~ What an awesome thing you are doing..and I guess I have a reason to buy something now:)
Denise, Your heart must be the size of Texas!!! I always tell people the reasons I buy Matilda Jane are….1: it’s adorable, 2: matches Natalie’s personality, 3: Indiana ( and of course USA), and 4: because of the heart behind it!!!
That is so incredibly generous Denise! I will definitely call and place an order to help out!
This just brings a tear to my eye because a couple of years ago my husband and I were in the same place. We have since been blessed with a wonderful little girl through adoption. All of the stress, worries and wondering of whys will eventually go away once you hold that little blessing. My daughter is blessed to wear so much Matilda Jane I would love to purchase something so the proceeds could help out. Is this only in Michigan or will there be something done online as well…..Thanks Denise for you generosity……
What a wonderful thing you are doing!
Oh Denise, what an amazing idea! You know my Noah is adopted from Russia! I know what a HUGE finanacial commitment this is. With all the negative press on adoption these past few weeks it is so refreshing to hear some POSITIVE, LOVING stories. Our Noah has been the amost amazing blessing in my life (only equal to the unexpected birth of our daughter Bella)! I will try and generate some orders!
As an adoptive mom myself I am dying to know where the happy couple plans on adopting from: domestic or another country? Just curious. :o)
MJC ROCKS for doing this for this sweet couple!
Oh my gosh! Wonderful! I know the pain of wanting a baby so bad and then the miracle to happen after so many years! I’m sure I can find something to buy that day. Wonderful wishes to the family.
What can I say? Tears leaking down my face. If I could I would be there for sure but I will buy something, even if i don’t need it.
What a blessing. God is so good to us!
Hugs <3
This story really tugged at my heart. Very powerful & so honorable for MJ to help them through this incredible journey. I will be sure to place an order that day. Thanks & Best Wishes to Joe & Chrisy!
Denise you are so awesome!!! I am in awe of your kindness and generosity. I will try to help if the funds are available on that day for me. Never stop being the sweet person that you are!
As an adoptive mother, a MJ lover, and a Michigander…I am ALL over this. Very, very cool. 🙂
Denise, I could just repeat Bee and some of the other comments. This is one more reason to appreciate you and your company. Is life not amazingly wonderful when people and events are woven throughout the tapestry of our lives. Thank you for sharing this with us and allowing us to experience some of the joy of helping.
P.S. I LOOOOOVE that picture!!!
Denise ~ Your kindness is unheard of these days. What a blessed couple to have so many people on their side and willing to help. I will have to get an order together. Thank you for all you continue to do.
Just another reason why I love you and your business! Simply wonderful! Thank you for being wonderful you!
WOW that blog brought me to major tears! What a great fundraiser, and a wonderful excuse for me to buy more MJC 🙂
Wow! Denise you never cease to amaze me with your generosity….this special couple will soon have a dream come true thanks to a bit of help from MJC – I feel the love 🙂
OK I’m in tears right now. I hope there dream comes true! Kids are truly a blessing and you Denise have a heart of gold to help them make there dream come true!
I still think this is one of the most awesome benifits I have heard of and will be calling in an order next week- thanks for sharing their love story and allowing us to help them- I hope their story continues in happiness – much love
What a great thing! Could you also post an address or name of a bank where donations can be made on their behalf? Thanks for all you do. I am a native Michigander and spend time up north…I wish we would be there next weekend, but already have commitments down state.