I wanted to share something with everyone.

I spoke to my Mom today, who always has her daintly little finger on the pulse of the family most everyday.  I've know that Amanda was recovering from her ICU nightmare at St. Judes and has returned to her room.  What I didn't know was that she received a new laptop this weekend.  After reading through her Caring Bridge Journal I learned that Chris Richardson and Elliott Yamin, as well as the other amazing people over at American Idol where the ones that made this happen.  "The Richness" is a term Chris Richardson's Team uses to describe their ever widening network of supports, friends and fans of his common goal. To spread his love, his music and his message.

Amanda has been a fan of Idol since its beginnings and has established personal friendships with Elliot, Chris and countless others whom her battle has touched. I was amazed to learn that The Richness had every cent donated by fans to get her the new laptop.  It is her one source to the outside world as she enters yet another year in virtual isolation at St. Judes.  I mean no insult to the amazing staff that keep her grounded on the road to recovery and provide the best care I've known to a patient. However, Amanda's connection to friends, family and interests has grown through the Internet and the effect is tangible!

I found that this weekend, the artists for American Idol known as "GraceStreet" formated a tailor made background for her laptop. I have placed it on my main page and is my personal desktop image now.

The outpouring of love and honor to my little cousin brought tears to my eyes today as I learned she is out of ICU, back on solid foods, no tubes and her skin is clearing. 

My respect and admiration to Tammy, the Super Momma that is by her side day and night, can only be comperable to The Poodlemom, who is an endless inspiration to us all, and from whom Amanda draws tremendous strength and love. 

God is on the side of this little fighter and her Momma.  I often wonder why she must endure this, and what plan could He possibly think is worth all this pain.  Then I see the companionship, the caring, the love and the Hope that has come through Amanda to all of us.  She has returned my faith, whether she even realizes it or not.  I can only imagine the global impact she has made, given the endless notes of courage and hope she gets daily.

So, to the St. Jude's Team - Your skills are unmatched and no words I can put together on a page can properly express my thanks and respect.

To The Richness - Simple thanks don't cover the humility and appreciation I have for your cause, your gift or your loyalty.

To Elliott and ETrain - My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother, from whom you grew to the caring, loving, loyal friend you are, creating the bond with Amanda that is a huge piece of her soul.

Certainly to Jan, Mandy and the countless others that help keep the world on top of the news of our Miraculous Little Star, who is herself an American Idol, through you.  The love and thanks of this family are boundless!

For any and all of you that actually read my blog, please take a moment to pray and thank God for the continued strength of this amazing little girl.  I hesistate to call her little as she reaches 21, but she will always be a little girl to me.

To me, she is a fighter greater than any Hero you read about, any Queen to ever rule, or office to be held; for she touches lives with love, indifference and compassion. When she has every right to be selfish and seek pity, she is fighting for her freinds, her family, her Warriors. In return she received the divine love of all she encounters.

You are my Hero too, little one. I'm with Jan on this one. You are amazing and I love you more than you possible could know.

"The only difference between Dreams and Goals is that Goals have a date."

Keep fighting the good fight!  Hope + Believe = Achieve!!!