Hello friends
I have some difficult news to share with you today.
I've been putting this off for some time but I feel now I should tell you about something that
is happening. I've come to know so many of you and consider you all to be
special friends that I am now prepared to talk about it.
This is my gorgeous youngest son Elliott.
For some time I was concerned he was not growing at the same pace as his brother,
doctors told me that he should eat more...play football, but he still did not grow very much.
Finally, we went to see a different doctor and after many many tests they firstly discovered he had a
growth defect but they have now discovered he has a brain tumour.
He is receiving the most amazing care and treatment from King's College Hospital in London
and he will undergo surgery soon.
growth defect but they have now discovered he has a brain tumour.
He is receiving the most amazing care and treatment from King's College Hospital in London
and he will undergo surgery soon.
We have a long and difficult road ahead, lots of follow up treatment
but this boy is incredible, brave and positive.
but this boy is incredible, brave and positive.
I'm sharing this news with you to explain that at some point I will need to take some time away,
but I will continue to post on my blog as much as I can.
The new website is still coming together, in between being with my son I've been typing furiously.
My Amazon shop will be running as normal.
Also, booked classes will still go ahead.
I realise this has come so soon after my 'official' studio/shop opening - I deliberated
whether that should have gone ahead but Elliott insisted we continue as normal -
this is just a small delay in lots of future plans.
Also...continue to email with any Spellbinders questions you may have, general chat,
purchases/orders etc - I am more than happy to help and it is good to keep busy -
please do not worry about disturbing me...I need to chat!
I'm sure you will all understand. Now, more than ever -
I truly value your wonderful friendship.
I truly value your wonderful friendship.
“There are no negatives in life, only challenges to overcome that will make you stronger.”
And gorgeous, he it! Many prayers and happy thoughts coming your way.
ReplyDelete~HUGS~
Christine im so sorry to hear your difficult news. you are an inspiration to us all and and im sure i speak for everyone in saying we are here for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteTake care xxx
I am sorry to hear your bad news, I wish you all the best and strength
ReplyDeletehugs Linda
Sorry my English is not so good so I hope I had use the right words
Hi Christine. We have never met but you give me inspiration and pleasure everyday. Now you and your sons will be in my thoughts as you face this challenge together. He is so right to insist that you all carry on as normal as much as possible. A good positive attitude is so important. (What a cheeky smile that boy has. I couldn't help but smile when I saw his picture)
ReplyDeleteTake care.
I had wondered if something was amiss. Difficult times for all of you. Stay strong and take care xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Christine, I am so sorry and shocked to hear your news. Having met your family last Saturday, I am sure you will all be supporting each other, you seem such a very close family.,
ReplyDeleteIt is very kind of you to share this news with us all.
Take care and best wishes to Elliott
Sally xx
Thank You for feeling that you can share such personal & difficult news, I'm sure you & your family will have testing times ahead but try to remain positive(I know that sounds flippant but trust me, it can be done). You will be in many peoples thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMichele.
Oh Christine I am so sorry to hear about this. Our children are our most precious gifts and I cannot begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. My thoughts and best wishes are with you and the power of positive thinking is priceless, sending hugs to you all Susan xx
ReplyDeleteOh Christine, I am so sorry and shocked to read your news this morning. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling. I can only reiterate what has already been said above. Stay strong and positive it works wonders.
ReplyDeleteYou, Elliot and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Elizabeth x
I`m so sorry to hear this news I have a tear in my eye while writting this ,Keep strong and big Hugs to you and all your family ,If there is anything I can do for you please contact I will do my best . I can`t Imagine what you are going through but live does throw up loads of challanges and some not good .Big hugs XXX Melanie
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear this news too. I have followed your blog for quite some time and although I obviously don't know you I get the impression that you are a very positive person. I hope that this will sustain you in the months to come. I wish you and your beautiful son all the best.
ReplyDeleteOh Christine...
ReplyDeleteThink positive, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time, have strength for each and every day.
Laraine B
So sorry to hear your sad news this morning Christine. I send you and your family love and positive thoughts and will be thinking of you all though this very difficult time. Take care.
ReplyDeleteLove and Best Wishes
Chris X
Wishing you and your family well. I agree with several other people you do seem a positive person and I am sure you know you have your family and friends around but you also and another circle, your crafting friends. All wishing you love and friendship - always.
ReplyDeleteLB
Take as much time out as you want Christine, we will all be here waiting for you when Elliot is better .
ReplyDeleteI will be sending lots of prayers your way ,stay strong
Elaine H X
Oh Christine your news is so upsetting,you have been there for us every day,I hope we can be with you as you go through this.I will look at your blog as usual and keep in touch. Love to you all.
ReplyDeleteOh Christine your news is so upsetting,you have been there for us every day,I hope we can be with you as you go through this.I will look at your blog as usual and keep in touch. Love to you all.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you this morning Christine. We've not met but i feel I know you and your family as we've journeyed together on your blog. You, your family and your lovely son are in my thoughts and will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Love Val in Spain xxx
Morning Christine
ReplyDeleteI too am so sorry to read your post this morning, and thank you for sharing it with us, it must have been a difficult decision for you to make.
I know you will receive lots of love and support from everyone in the coming months, especially from your wonderful family. This will help to keep you strong along the way.
Sending you a big hug, and thinking of you all.
Janice x
My dear Christine, I feel I know you and your family and I want you to know that my thoughts are with you all through this difficult time. Medical treatment has progressed so much that I feel that although the road may be long think positive. My son was like Elliot thinking of me and not himself when he was ill, he was so brave as I feel Elliot will be. Just be there for him as a loving mum and all will be fine.
ReplyDeleteWilma x x x
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers Christine! Love and hugs from Christine xx
ReplyDeleteSo, so sorry to hear this Christine....you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteBIG HUGS and hang in there, being as positive as you can....
So very to sad read your post this morning. My love and prayers are with you and your family x
ReplyDeleteNikki xxx
Morning Christine,
ReplyDeleteI am really sorry to hear your news this morning. It must have been a difficult decision to share but as your Cyber family we all want to be there for you and your family every step of the way.
Sending huge hugs your way.
Hugs
Amanda x
Dear Christine, I am so sorry to hear your news, my thoughts are with you all. My youngest son had treatment at Kings many years ago and they are an amazing hospital. Your positive energy will help you and your family through this difficult time. Praying for Elliot. Love Carolyn x
ReplyDeleteHi Cristine , you both will be in my prayers and i hope everything turns out well
ReplyDeleteMorning Christine, It was hard to read your difficult news today, my thoughts and my prayers are with you, Elliott, Mitchell, and all your family. Elliott is such a cheeky-looking young man, and the power of positive thinking is unbelievable. You are all in my thoughts and my prayers are with you, I would give you a massive hug over the 'cyber waves'. It must have been really hard for you to post this Blog Post today, I feel your pain, but stay POSITIVE.
ReplyDeleteLots of love from Patricia xx
Like All your other followers Christine, I am so really sorry about your news today, be sure that we will all be thinking of you and hoping we can be of comfort and support at this difficult time.
ReplyDeletelove and hugs Carole N x
Adding my good wishes thoughts and prayers for a happy outcome to Elliott's medical condition. You blog is a source of joy and inspiration and your personality is surely the core of this. Phil from Dublin
ReplyDeleteAdding my good wishes thoughts and prayers for a happy outcome to Elliott's medical condition. You blog is a source of joy and inspiration and your personality is surely the core of this. Phil from Dublin
ReplyDelete((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))
ReplyDeleteDear Christine and Elliott,
ReplyDeleteI am sending all good wishes to you and just to let you know you are in my thoughts.
I pray that all will be well and it won't be long before you can put this all behind you and look to the future.
Lots of hugs to you and your family.xx Sheila Howells xx
So sorry to hear your news, stay strong and hope everything turns out ok. Praying for you all xx hazel
ReplyDeleteHello Christine
ReplyDeleteI read your blog every day and love it!
Such a sad time for all of you!
Hope is all I can give....
Love Marg
Dear Christine,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear your sad news, it must have been a very difficult post for you to write.
I'm also adding my sincere good wishes for a positive and happy outcome. My prayers and thoughts are with Elliot, you and your family.
Lydia
X
Dear christine I am so very sorry to here your news. You, Elliott and your family are in my thoughts. Try to keep as positive as you can. Love and hugs. Norma xxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Christine, I am sorry to hear the news you shared with us today.
ReplyDeleteI am sending this with positive and happy thoughts, wishing you all lots of strength to get through this difficult time.
Please keep us up to date on Elliott's progress.
Lots of love
Sue X
Hello again Christine
ReplyDeleteWhen I replied to your email this morning I hadn't read your sad news. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time and I hope that all the strength being giving from all of us out here helps you and your family get through this.
Barbara x
thoughts and prays coming your way...xx
ReplyDeleteHearing this news today feels like a best friend sharing her troubles. You are such a positive lady and your family have proved how supportive they are. This will be a challenging time but a time when you know you are not alone. Your son is a happy looking boy and obviously much loved. My thoughts are with you. Gillian xx
ReplyDeleteChristing, such devastating news to share with us - a trouble shared is a trouble halved! Sending good wishes for a positive outcome, and lots of ((((((((hugs))))))))))
ReplyDeleteOh Christine I was so shocked and saddened to read about Elliott, I really do feel as though we are friends and I feel your pain. Our children are so precious to us.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love, hugs and positive vibes to you all
xxxx
Dear Christine and Elliott im sending big hugs and strenght to get through this difficult time. A close family is a big help through all of lifes challenges. You are in my thoughts. Love Emma
ReplyDeleteSending you oodles of love and will be thinking about you, Elliott and all your family.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Claire (glue tip lady)
Christine, my thoughts are with you and Elliott and all of your family as you face the coming months and years. I have been a patient at Kings College and couldn't fault them. Kids are so resilient and from just looking at that gorgeous photo, you can tell thst you've a wonderful strong son who will fight this all the way.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you all, Beanie xxxxx
Dear Christine & Elliot
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to read your devastating news. Please be aware that you are in my thoughts and I am wishing you all the best. Not to forget the rest of your family I am thinking of you all. Keep strong
Sue x
Hello Christine. Much love, hugs and positive thoughts coming your way. Please find strength in the knowledge that we will all be thinking of you, Elliot, Mitchell and the rest of your loving family through this troubled time. xx
ReplyDeleteOh Christine, I am so sorry to hear this news today. All of us will be thinking of you, your son and your family. Be strong and we will all support you in whatever way we can. We will all understand if you cannot do your blog etc. You may find it hard to do at times but then there will be days when you will find it to be a comfort. Be thinking of you all. God Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear your news. Your son sounds like a wonderful boy and my thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat terrible news. How hard for you when being upbeat and cheerful has to be part of your life. But this will give you strength to cope with what lies ahead. My thoughts and prayers will follow you and Elliott and do let us know how he is progressing please. xx
ReplyDeleteChristine
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to hear your sad news. Hope everything turns out okay. Take care and stay strong.
Laura xxx
Christine
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to hear your sad news. Hope everything turns out okay. Take care and stay strong.
Laura xxx
Oh Christine my heart goes out to you and all your family, prayers for you all, and very much love, if there is every anything I can do to help with the practical stuff in your life, please feel free to ask xxxx
ReplyDeleteOh Christine, I share the same sentiments as others that have posted on here that you and your family are an inspiration to us all even though I've never met you or your boys in person. Families are so precious to us, they need our attention the most. You and your boys will be in my thought and prayers at this time. I know there will be times ahead that will be very difficult but we are all here for you to lean on when you need to just talk to someone. Elliot has got the most beautiful smile, and I'm sure he will be able to stay positive with all the suport you and his brother will give him.Take care, and thanks for maing the difficult decision to tell us all about him..Lots of love, Carole xxx
ReplyDelete*making*
ReplyDeleteChristine, I am truly devastated by your news. I wish your son all the very best and feel honoured that you feel that you can share such news with us all. If ever you need help in the shop call me, or if you want to get away from it all come over to my house and do some crafting with me. Rolo will always give you a hug. xx Janice xx
ReplyDeleteChristine - I follow your Blog each day but I dont comment much - However I must send lots of (((hugs))) to you and your son and family, He is gorgeous and Im sure he will be fine - Everyone is here for you - Take care and all the very best - Jean
ReplyDeleteHi Christine, the moment I saw your blog today and started reading I knew it must be something we never want to happen to "us". Sharing it makes it easier for people to talk to you about it and bear it with you. We will be praying for Elliot and the rest of your family. Keep safe. Valerie xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Christine
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to hear your news about Elliott and I will say a little prayor for you all. My brother went through the same thing four years ago he had chemo and radiotheraphy and now has beat it all.
A positive attitude will help you get through.
Dear Christine and Elliott
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear your sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep strong and
Positive. Big hugs to you both. Anne
Hi Christine, I like Jean follow your blog regularly, but have been bad at commenting of late. I have read all your amazing stories about your two sons & their generosity of spirit. I am saddened to hear that Elliott has both a growth disorder & a brain tumour, but relieved to hear that he is receiving good care from a world renowned hospital. It is so unfair when someone so young has to go through so much. It is great that you are both staying so positive, but remember that you have friends here to talk to during the difficult times. Finally, take as much time as needed away from us. We will be here when you get back. Hugs, Theresa x
ReplyDeleteChristine, what a very hard message to send to us and what can I say that hasn't already been said to you. This news must be absolutely devastating for you, Elliot and the rest of your family and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. In my heart I know that you will all be a tremendous support to each other and positive thoughts from you all will far outweigh any negative ones. I really do hope all goes well with the surgery and the aftercare for Elliot. Yes, it's a long road ahead but he's in good hands and I'm sure, as you have said yourself, this is just a temporary postponment of everyone's future plans. Even though we have never met in person, I feel as though we have and I send my best wishes and thoughts to you all.
ReplyDeleteToni xx
Dear Christine I am devastated to hear about Elliott ,what a shock for all of you I think you are very brave sharing this with your blog friends,which I am sure will help you all cope with what is ahead of you,I will pray hard for all your family,stay positive,big hugs to all
ReplyDeleteIta
Christine just keep strong and I know you have a wonderful family supporting you and your son through the rocky road that lies ahead.
ReplyDeleteTake Care Liz x
Hi Christine. Wow you've had a lot to cope with. Well done you for knowing that what the first doctor told you didn't ring true - nobody knows better than Mum - and getting a second opinion. Thank you to Elliott for letting you share his news, we will all be thinking of you all on your difficult journey. It's generous of him and brave of you to be able to continue with your blog and shop, but it will allow you to have a "break" from what is clearly going to be a hard time ahead. Ju
ReplyDeleteWords fail me, and that doesn't happen often! I had the same news from a family when I was teaching and all went well for them.
ReplyDeleteStay strong, it just again proves the point that a Mother knows her children and doctors should listen more.
Love and hugs to you all. xxx
Words fail me, and that doesn't happen often! I had the same news from a family when I was teaching and all went well for them.
ReplyDeleteStay strong, it just again proves the point that a Mother knows her children and doctors should listen more.
Love and hugs to you all. xxx
Christine, like everyone else, I am so sorry to hear the news about Elliott. It must have been so hard for you to share this with us. I read you blog everyday and want you to know you are such an inspiration. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and hugs to you all. Ann
ReplyDeleteDear Christine all our thoughts are with you, Your son is an inspiration to us all to keep going .Take care love Pam B Smith
ReplyDeleteHi Christine
ReplyDeleteThis must be such a difficult time for you. Life can throw us some curve balls at times I was quite shocked at this post. My son Sam is the same age and I don't think I would/could be as brave as you. The treatment that the hospitals provide is amazing. I visit your blog everyday and you are such an inspiration to me. Stay strong as you have some challenging times ahead which I'm sure you will cope with admirally.
Best Wishes
Sarah x
Wishing you and your son all the best, our prayers are with you both.
ReplyDeletexxx
Just wanted to send my best wishes along with everyone else Christine. Your son is so brave and you are a marvel to keep going where many would understandably crumble. Elliot will be in my thoughts and prayers as he undergoes his treatment and I hope with all my heart that you both have the brightest of futures ahead. Huge hugs to you both, Jenny xxx
ReplyDeleteSending your son prayers. I certainly understand that your son needs to be your first priority. My SIL had a brain tumor that was removed surgically about 2 years ago and she is doing wonderfully- I share that just to give you the hope that everything can be okay again.
ReplyDeleteChristine you are all in my thoughts and prayers for your beautiful and brave son Elliot, keep positive dear friend... God Bless..
ReplyDeleteHugs Sarah x
I am wishing you and your family so much strength and courage for your journey ahead. Thank you for sharing Elliot's story with us. I will have you in my thoughts daily. Much love and hugs to you both.
ReplyDelete:) Kazan
Love this photo of your son. Thinking of you both and sending you hugs. Please let us know how the surgery and recovery goes.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Elliott and your family and adding you all to my prayers every day.
ReplyDeleteSincerely
Janet R
Oh Christine.... what can I say.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family. You are always so cheerful and encourageing for us so now you need to feel the love from us to you and your family - you will all be in my thoughts and prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery goes to Elliott.
Hugs
Heather W
x
Hi Christine
ReplyDeleteI was so sad to hear of your new's, regarding your gorgeous gorgeous son Elliott. My heart goes out to you & your family. He must be such a special young man, telling you to carry on as normal. As for you not being able to post as much PLEASE don't give it a second thought. I love to visit your blog (although I am guilty of not commenting very often), you give us all so much inspiration, BUT you are going to need to look after yourself & give yourself time to come to term's with this awful new's. I don't pray very often (I'm ashamed to say), BUT I will be praying for you & your lovely family until you get better new's that Elliot is well again.
BIGGEST of HUGS
Sandra (craftynan)
Belinda Raven said...
ReplyDeleteDear Christine, will be thinking of and praying for you all in the coming months. If you feel able, please update us when you can.
Love, Belinda X
Sending you all a big hug xx juliat
ReplyDeleteWishing Elliott all the very best for his op & a speedy recovery. Best wishes to you too & I'm sure you will find the strength to keep everything going as normal as poss. Yes it may be a long road ahead but your son has a very positive attitude that will see him get through this. Will be thinking of you all. x
ReplyDeleteDear Christine, So sorry to hear of Elliot's illness, but he sounds very positive and determined to meet his ordeal with courage. Your family seem very close and will be a rock for you as you face your own private ordeal. We as friends are also praying for you and your family for a very positive outlook.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs, Val C xx
Oh Christine, such difficult news for you all.Thinking of you and your family.Anything you need just shout.Hugs Debbie x
ReplyDeleteHi Christine. I am so sorry to hear about your son but I am sure that with your love and strength and his attitude he will get through this. We hear of so many stories of children recovering from this - medical knowledge and technology has come such a long way.
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago on 12 May, my youngest son, Christopher, suddenly collapsed and passed away. He was 20 years, 2 months and 6 days and was such a wonderful young man. Him and his older brother Mike, were my life. He had a DVT and embolysm.
Life since that day has become so difficult, I love and miss him so much. The pain is absolutely unbearable.
Everyone told me that at lease 'he didn't feel any pain' as it was so sudden. That was a help at first but now I feel that he never had a chance to fight it. But it happened and there's nothing I can do about it.
When he passed I went into myself. I would sit all day, watching tv, drinking wine and eating a vast amount of chocolate. I put on 3.1/2 stone!!
What used to help me was Create and Craft and all the presenters. I didn't have to concentrate with characters and storylines as you would with a soap. And hearing all the presenters' familiar voices helped me through some very tough times.
What I'm saying is that we find we have strength, we are strong, we have a strength we never knew we possessed.
I pray everything will be well, you will find the strength to help Elliott and he will find the strength to fight it. You and your family will pull together and help each other.
If ever you need to talk ........ xx
Take care love. Sharon xx
Christine I'm sad you and your family have to face this situation.Will be thinking of you all. Hugs Dee xx
ReplyDeleteFantastic service at Kings. My grand daughter has spent many weeks there on and off over the years. The staff are wonderful and the standard of care is second to none. Elliot is in good and safe hands.
ReplyDeleteTake all the help offered to you, ironing, shopping - the lot. All your energy for you and your family, nothing else matters. We will craft in your honour, and think of you while we are doing it. Good luck from Maggie in France. X
Christine, todays post must have been so hard for you to sit down and write, but now that you have shared your news with us your blog family, hopefully we can help you through your worrying journey.
ReplyDeleteElliott is a wonderful young man, he is such a thoughtful boy, thinking of you rather than just himself, you can tell he is your Christine, and I sure will be, anytime, any day!
You, Elliott and Mitchell are in my thoughts and prayers.
you have a wonderful, caring, close family that I am sure will be there with you all the way!
But if you ever find yourself needing to talk or anything, I am always at the end of the phone or email, as you have been for me!
Huge Hugs my dear friend,
Sandra Riley xx
So sorry to hear your news...Kings is amazing though and he will get the best care.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you both..hang in there.xxx
Your strength and courage is amazing and will sustain you in the weeks and months to come. your son sounds as if he has also inherited your atributes too. You both have the support of a very close family and that to of your huge crafting family. it sounds as though Elliott and you are in the care of some fantastic medical team. i have faith in a great God who answers prayers and can and still does perfrom miracles.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear your news, stay strong.x
ReplyDeleteso sorry to here the news my Prayers are on the way for. I will keep you both in my Prayers keep the faith
ReplyDeleteOh Christine, I am so sorry to hear about Elliott. You must all be so worried. Elliott is lucky to have such a loving and supportive family and I am sure you will all face it together with heaps of love. I am sending huge positive thoughts and vibes along with massive blog hugs too! Take care, Luv Christine xx
ReplyDeleteHi Christine,
ReplyDeleteI am very late today and so sorry to hear your news.
I wish you and your family the very best, and know that lots of us will be hoping all goes well over the next months.
Lots of crafty hugs and love to all your wonderful family. Jenny L.
Prayers for your son and entire family as you start the road to his recovery.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you both Elliot and Christine xxx
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you, Elliott and the rest of your family. I hope the surgery and treatment are successfull.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Christine, my thoughts are with you, I wish you and your family all the love and strenghth that you will undoubtablyneed at a time like this.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine
ReplyDeleteI will keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts
Love the new handbag
Crafty Hugs
Cathie Craft xx
I am so sorry to hear your sad news. My thoughts are with you and your son.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteHi Christine,
I am so sorry to read about this awful news, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time, thank you for sharing this with all your crafting friends, we are all here for you and your family.
Love and hugsssss to you all,
Sue xx
After being away for a couple of weeks, I've only just caught up with your blog Christine and wanted to say that I was very sorry to hear your news about your son. Wishing you all the best and sending lots of virtual hugs your way. Shall be thinking of you both. Stay strong xx
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog with all the beautiful work you do and your handsome boy... you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for everything you share. Candida
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful son, and my heart goes out to you and your family. I want you to know that your positive attitude lifted my spirits in the midst of my own problems and reminded me that none of us are truly alone in the things we go through. Thank-you, and I am sending good thoughts and hopeful prayers for you and your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteLori