Updates.

There have been lots of things going on here in VeniVidiLand, and I thought I would catch everyone up because I've been getting a lot of questions about them.

Update 1: Shireen and Baby Isra

A little while back I wrote a post entitled For Isra.  Isra was the beloved daughter of my high school friend, Shireen. Isra tragically passed away earlier this month, and the news saddened me so much to hear. She was such a tiny, sweet baby and I still can't quite imagine what it must be like for Shireen to endure that kind of loss. It breaks my heart. At the end of writing that post, I was flooded with comments and emails from so many wonderful, caring people and I wanted to update everyone who asked about Shireen, kept her family close to their hearts, and asked if there was anything they could do.

Shireen saw the post I wrote and took the time out of her grief and mourning to comment. She seems so gracious and composed, in spite of everything she has been through...here is what she wrote:

You are a beautiful friend Mahreen and I certainly feel your love and support. How can I even begin to express how I felt after reading this? Please know that I was touched deeply by your words and you are forever now in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, I am aching....but knowing my friends are there for me is helping me get through each hour...each minute of the day. Friend, please know that your words....even though coming from so far.....are helping me.


Shireen (Isra's mom)

I was so moved to hear those words from Shireen. She truly is such an amazing spirit. In the weeks following Isra's passing, she celebrated  her son's second birthday and was surrounded by her family and friends for Eid. I don't know how difficult each of those events, or even each passing day has been for her, I just know that she has always corresponded with me wish such love and grace and serenity...I am in awe of her, even as my heart aches for everything she has endured.

Shireen and her husband Ashfaq have been so grateful for all the kind words of support from everyone. In response to being asked how people could honor Isra's memory, they have asked that donations be made in her name to the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto. The hospital is one of the most well-respected in the world, and was the only home Isra ever knew. The staff, nurses and doctors at Sick Kids did everything they could to make Isra's time here comfortable and they were so supportive of Shireen and her family. If you have a moment, please take the time to check Isra's page at Sick Kids and make even a tiny donation  in her name. I know it will mean so much to Shireen, and thank you on her, and Isra's behalf. 

Update 2: Inara's Rainbow Pre-order

I have a wonderful update to share with you about Inara's Rainbow, the baby wrap that will be named after my sweet girlie and will be made by Girasol through the web store Piece of Cloth. Giselle (the owner/mad genius behind POC) sent me a message the other day and in it she said that Inara's Rainbow will be available for pre-order VERY soon. Specifically, it will be available ONLY through the Piece of Cloth website on the Monday following Thanksgiving (Cyber Monday) - that's Monday, November 29th!!  That's SOON!!!

So mark your calendars, get your clicky fingers and credit cards ready, and let's do this thang! It's going to be a beautiful wrap and I can't wait for all of you to see Inara's Rainbow and to be able to snuggle your babies in it. Thanks again (times a million bajillion) to Giselle at Piece Of Cloth. You have made my life complete!

I also have the inside scoop on a couple of Inara's Rainbow-related items that might be in development soon. I'm so lucky to know such talented and amazing people, and I can't wait to share more about these very special products as soon as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for details...

And that's it! Have a great day, friends - and as always, thank you SO much for sharing this amazing journey with me. I couldn't ask for a better readership! I love you guys. For serious.