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For EVERYONE who PRAYED...COMMENTED...and DONATED to help Melissa Grant and her family......THANK YOU!

By
Real Estate Agent with The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group 209227

One week ago today, I woke up and discovered an email telling me about the fire in Melissa Grant's home. After reading her blog and learning of her situation, I wrote a post asking for YOUR help. OH BOY...did you help!!! 

Experiencing the outpouring of love and support from this incredible group of people at ActiveRain has made this Christmas memorable and special NOT ONLY for Melissa Grant and her family...but for me also. I am so honored to be a part of ActiveRain...and to know each and every one of you. YOU are proof that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well! Thank you for giving of yourselves through your comments, prayers and donations!

When I first set up the Melissa Grant Fire Relief Fund, my goal was to collect enough money to buy Melissa's three children...Josh, Grace and Cole...some of their favorite things for Christmas. I was also hoping that we would have enough left over to help them cover some of their fire-related out-of-pocket expenses.  

Together...and through YOUR generosity...we have achieved our goal!!!

When I talked to Melissa Thursday morning, I had the honor of telling her that many, many boxes of Christmas gifts were on their way to her children (which touched her deeply)...AND...that there was a check for $700 in the mail, as well. She was speechless! ALL she could say was that she could not believe that people (that do not know her and her family) would give so generously...especially at Christmas when everyone has extra expenses. I WISH ALL OF YOU COULD HAVE HEARD THE JOY IN HER VOICE! I will never forget that conversation.

Everyday, I continue to receive checks in the mail. After Christmas, we will be able to present the family with another check. PLEASE KNOW...if you missed the opportunity to give...IT IS NOT TOO LATE! The PayPal account is still available. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me directly.

While I was talking with Melissa, she shared something with me that pierced straight to my heart. I want to share it with you. One evening, her little girl, Grace (7), asked her mommy to go buy envelopes. Melissa was busy with something important and asked Grace why she needed envelopes. When Melissa went to where Grace was sitting, Melissa discovered that Grace had made cards, letters and 'gifts' for everyone at ActiveRain who had donated money to their family. Melissa had shared with the children about all of her wonderful friends at AR...about the fund to help give their family a nice Christmas. Little Grace wanted to give something back to US. She has no idea how much she has given.

This video is my Christmas present to EVERYONE who took part in giving Christmas to Melissa Grant and her family!

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MAY YOUR HOMES AND YOUR LIVES BE BLESSED BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS!!! 

 

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill Homes for Sale

 

Carol Smith
Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC
Elizabeth - This is awesome!  Ya know I love ya!
Dec 22, 2007 02:45 AM
Armando Rodriguez
QUEST REALTY SERVICES - Orlando, FL
Orlando Homes 4 Sale, Real Estate Broker-GRI

This is the way God wants it to be. Loving and caring for each other!

I'm sure he's smiling at us right now!

Dec 22, 2007 02:48 AM
Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~
Agent Referral - Salt Lake City, UT
The angels are among us, they spread their wings out and lift a heart, build a dream and dry a tear.  You my friend are an angel to so many here.  What a beautiful gift that is for Melissa and her family.  Her family will continue to be in my prayers.  As for the video, there is nothing like the voice of a child and how their innocence reaches into the soul.  What a truly beautiful gift you have given us here. Big hugs to you my friend and I do love you dearly!
Dec 22, 2007 02:56 AM
Kim Wood
The Tech Byte - West Chester, PA
Kim Wood ~ The Tech Byte
Thanks for the update, Elizabeth!  It's great to be a part of such a group - and so sweet that Grace can conceive Melissa's friends on AR :)
Dec 22, 2007 03:31 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

Mary:  You are so right! This group of folks is simply amazing!!

Carole:  This Christmas miracle was the result of many loving hands reaching out to those in need. GBU!!

Missy:  THANK YOU! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Precious, isn't she?

Andrew:  I'll never forget how everyone came together for her. Isn't it wonderful to know that these same amazing people have our backs. Who doesn't need friends? GBU!

Dan:  THANK YOU! This is about the power of the mulititudes. GBU!

Tom:  YOU KNOW IT!! You are one of the angels!

Kris:  You'll have to fight Melissa first...then ME to adopt Grace. ;-)  I think Melissa will win!!! Luv you!

Martin:  I'll take the hot chocolate, but the pat on the back goes to ALL OF YOU!!

Carol:  LUV YA BACK!!

Armando: I KNOW He is! GBU!

Julie:  There are many angels among us. Sometimes it takes a tragedy for us to recognize the gifts that all around us everyday. I'm so proud of ALL OF YOU! GBU, my dear friend. Te adoro!

Kim:  I could not be more proud to be a part of any other group of people. The funny thing is that I think I've been more blessed than Melissa. GBU!

Merry Christmas EVERYONE! God Bless YOU ALL!!

Dec 22, 2007 04:17 AM
Pat Laracy Baker
Realty Executives Boston West - Holliston, MA
Pat Baker Dream Home Maker
Beth, How very precious. I am so touched. God bless you and your family and the Grants.  I am sure you are more blessed than Melissa.
Dec 22, 2007 08:24 AM
Suzanne Sands
Pavao Real Estate - Somerset, MA
Somerset MA Real Estate

Elizabeth,

Thanks again for all your efforts and getting so many involved, that video is beautiful! :)

 

Dec 22, 2007 08:59 AM
Natalie Langford
Realty Negotiations - Winchester, VA
Winchester, VA Real Estate
Grace is such a cutie!  I didn't get my check in the mail yet, but did find the little things I wanted to add to my little pkg.  Goal is to mail on Monday (my birthday).  Hugs to you, Melissa and Grace! 
Dec 22, 2007 09:00 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

Pat:  You are so right! I've been blessed beyond measure. Merry Christmas, my dear friend!

Suzanne:  I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I love that precious child. THANK YOU!

Nat:  I received your email. Thank you so much for your love an thoughtfulness. You are a special person. GBU!!

Dec 22, 2007 09:59 AM
Courtney Cooper
Cooper Jacobs - Seattle, WA
206-850-8841
Thank you so much for doing this, Elizabeth!!!!  I am so happy that they will have a good Christmas - hopefully this will get the new year started off right for them. Hugs and kisses from Seattle!
Dec 22, 2007 02:24 PM
Roberta LaRocca
Simply Vegas Real Estate - Las Vegas, NV
REALTOR®, Broker, Salesperson, NV. Lic BS.507
Elizabeth, That is great that there was so much money and gifts for Melissa's family.  Really nice video too.  Merry Christmas!
Dec 22, 2007 04:44 PM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic
Thank you for being the person you are. I'm glad to have met you and called you "friend". You stepped to the plate and you helped ALL of us to make a difference.
Dec 23, 2007 03:49 AM
Ginger S
Wilkinson & Associates, Wilmington NC - Wilmington, NC
Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation~
Elizabeth, This Christmas will be one that Melissa's family will cherish forever in their hearts. It's why He came.... So people all over the worldcan be united in the universality of His love! What a precious gift he has given Melissa, and allowed us on the Rain to share in the joy! Thank you my friend! Blessed Christmas!
Dec 23, 2007 04:58 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

Courtney: Back at ya, girlfriend! I'm going to call Melissa tomorrow. She received your package, and she was so excited! THANK YOU!!

Roberta:  I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I checked the mail today...MORE money came in for Melissa's family! I'll do an update for everyone. This is so wonderful! GBU!

Robert:  It was a joint effort. Everyone came together...and this is the result. We can do so much more when we work together as a team. Blessings!

Ginger:  I believe that we have been blessed as much or more than Melissa...by God allowing us the privilege of standing with her and her family. THIS is CHRISTMAS!

UPDATE:  WE HAVE RECEIVED ANOTHER $670.00!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

 

 

Dec 23, 2007 07:49 AM
Chris Fisher
Your Virtual Assistant - Concord, CA

I'm so glad we were able to help!  I am going to post a blog in a few moments asking for help for my brother-in-law's mother... I hope we have something left to help change this woman's life. 

Chris

Dec 26, 2007 07:10 AM
Deb Brooks
Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas - Wichita Falls, TX
Elizabeth, I'm so glad we could help make a difference. Melissa sounds much better now! They have a lot of rebuilding this new year! Thank God they can! Thank you for your help. Deb
Dec 26, 2007 07:34 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

Chris:  I'm only here for a few minutes...house full of people...but I will read it tomorrow.

Deb:  It was definitely a group effort. It is simply amazing what happens when people work togerther for a common goal. THANKS for your help!

Dec 26, 2007 01:24 PM
Arizona Real Estate Associate Broker
MR Realty - Mesa, AZ

Yet again, you are an instrument in God's hands, a true Daughter of God and what a blessing you are to those that needed you most. Once again, you have certainly shared the true meaning of Christmas with all AR members and Melissa and her family. I just say Wow!!

Dec 26, 2007 07:48 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Elizabeth:  Thank you for this update.  I have had this family on my mind almost every day since I read your post prior to Christmas.  I even told my son and his family about it.  I held back tears reading this update until I saw the video and then there was no holding back.  Isn't helping, caring and loving one another what we are really on this earth to do!  Words are just not enough to say how wonderful it is to be in the company of such caring people on this network.  God's Blessings to All

 

Jan 04, 2008 07:15 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

CANDACE-  YOU are a blessing!! GBU, my friend!

DONNA-  Isn't helping, caring and loving one another what we are really on this earth to do! YOUR words say it ALL!! This group of people is the best!! I know what they are really made of, and I am also blessed to be a part of such an amazing group. GBU!!

Jan 05, 2008 01:00 AM