8.22.07

Dear Believe In Tomorrow,

The house is absolutely gorgeous! The lighthouse decor gives it a special touch. We are so thankful that we were given this opportunity to stay somewhere so nice. The boys enjoyed swimming in the pool. They always had plenty to do with all the activities that were available. Their favorites were Jolly Rogers Amusement Park, where most of their time was spent at the water park, the other was bike riding on the boardwalk with the recumbent bikes. Our dinner at Hooper's Crab House was also very good. Unfortunately we have to depart early, but it was a lot of fun to say the least. It's wonderful that you do this for the families. Thank you so much for giving us a wonderful vacation!

Sincerely
Tyler & Family

Thank you for your generosity!

7/5/07

Dear Believe In Tomorrow,
Wow! What a beautiful log home with a spectacular view. We have one more day here and are dreading getting back to reality.

On day one, we took the chair lift up the mountain and checked out the white water rafting & the kayaking. We ate lunch at DC's Restaurant. I recommend the seafood wrap; my children prefer the prime rib wrap. My son enjoyed mountain biking in the rain on Thursday. White water rafting was also a big hit. Down at the bottom of the mountain at Fun Land, we enjoyed miniature golf and loved the arcade.

We all decided that we were perfectly content staying at home and relaxing. My daughter, 13, stayed glued to the computer. My son, 10, loved playing pool and exploring all around outdoors.

Thanks again for a wonderful getaway! We appreciate all of your generosity.

Kim, Kaylee & Kamron

Aug 18-25th 2007

When our son Christopher was born premature we were in hope he would grow into a healthy boy. Our dreams were lost when he was diagnosed with Leukemia once he was six.

At the House By The Sea we were able to connect with the other families and Chris made friends who accepted him due to just being down the same road. Just to see your child smile by being a pirate on a ship, having a BBQ on the deck, wishing for a hole in one at golf and many other activities, makes being here so worthwhile. It doesn't matter who you are, just come as you are and call it home away from home. You are always welcome.

We wish the families a safe journey to recovery road.

God Bless

Jeffrey, Regina and Christopher

August 21st - 25th

Thank you so much for a wonderful week. Juliana was only two the last time we were at the ocean and couldn't remember what it was like. She and all of the kids had a great time at the beach. Jolly Rogers was also a hit as were miniature golf and the cookout with the clown.

The past six months have been tough trying to juggle Juliana's chemo treatments with all of our work and home responsibilities while trying to find time for our other five children. We really enjoyed this time to reconnect as a family.

Thanks to all of the volunteers that made this week possibly.

John, Tammy, Rebecca, Matt, Kristina, Lindsay, Timmy & Juliana

7/19

Dear Believe In Tomorrow,

We have had a magical stay here at Wisp Mountain. Kayaking at the Savage River Reservoir, we had a close encounter with a doe and her fawn. First they were drinking near us on the shore but then they swam right by our kayaks to the other side, followed by an up-close encounter with a bald eagle, it was an exciting day. On the property we have seen deer, raccoons, groundhogs, chipmunks, and humming birds. We are hoping to meet a bear before we leave. We had s'mores at the campfire last night and are horseback riding tomorrow! My daughter Emma would enjoy it if we never left "our log cabin." I am so grateful for the opportunity to stay in such a lovely home with an incredible view. We have fallen in love with Deep Creek Lake. Thank you,

Nichole

Gaberiel says Thank You

for everything that each and everyone of you do. We can never explain how much this place means to us.

Fun fun fun

August 11-18th

John & Michelle
(& seven girls)

Just being normal is healing. We haven't had a family vacation in 2 years.

Ever since Maggie was diagnosed with liver cancer a year ago this past April, it seems like all of our families' activities have revolved around CANCER. With medical treatment being 4 hours from our home and chemo every week there was no time for our other seven children. They gave up so much over the past 15 months; sports, summer play, time with friends, and the attention of their parents (mine & John's).

This week at the beach via the generosity of the Believe In Tomorrow Children's Foundation is ours & Maggie's way of showing them how wonderful, caring, and loving they all are in a very tangible way.

Time has been a precious commodity these past 15 months. Here at the House by the Sea, time seems to slow down. We can all just breath & relax, and be normal again.

My Trip Downey Ocean*

August 11, 2007
We arrived today. There was a great reggae band playing by the pool, so we checked them out. Later we went to the boardwalk where we ate fries and light mint frozen yogurt. On the bus, we met people from Texas! When I grow up I'm going to Seacrets.

August 12, 2007
Today we went on the beach, swam in the ocean and attempted to make a sand castle. The sand was scratching my feet so I pretty much sprinted the entire way there. Later we went swimming in the pool and laid in the hammock . I went to the boardwalk AGAIN(!!!) just so I could visit the Kite Loft. Oh yeah, we went Dino golfing and walked on the beach at night. Now I feel like watching Dora the Explorer.

August 13, 2007
Today was OC Rocket Day. Kristine was splashed in the face & I laughed. Then we went to Hooper's & had seafood. At night my buddies and I went to Denny's, the beach, and a playground.

August 14, 2007
This morning we rode bikes on the boardwalk. My parents went golfing while Schwale and I boogie boarded. Then we went to Frontier Town. There was a BBQ on the deck. Lastly, we got pictures taken. Thank you for everything!

Cara, Kristine, Chuck & Marie


*note from the editor: "Downey Ocean" is a Maryland term for "down to the ocean," often meaning down to Ocean City.

Dear Believe In Tomorrow

We would like to say "Thank You" very much for giving our family this opportunity. This was our first getaway and boy did we need it. All of the things you offered were so much fun. I think our favorite was the horseback riding. Jacob loved Peanut, his horse. He cried when we had to leave and then asked if we could buy his horse. Daddy said yes, as soon as we win the lottery!!

Our entire journey for almost the last year has been a blessing and now we have one more to add. Your log cabin is so beautiful and the view was amazing. We enjoyed everything that was given to us, especially the gift basket and T-shirts. I hope that this house continues to be a blessing to others as it has been to us.

Chris, Jackie, Jacob & Gabriel

To all other families coming through, good luck with the rest of your journey, whether it is ending or just beginning, and remember to live every moment to its fullest. Have faith and God Bless!!

Aug. 11, 07

Thanks so much for the fun vacation. We will remember the good times we had, eating at Hooper's and the cookout we had on the deck. The girls had a good time. It was nice to see other families. Thanks for the fun time.

Tina, Terry, Elizabeth, Steph, Becca, Amanda

Our Trip to Ocean City

Aug 5, 2007
Hi I'm Antonia. I'm 8 years old. I came here because I have cancer. I like Ocean City and we ate dinner on the bay. I like the place we are staying in. Ocean City is fun. I like swimming at the pool and going out for dinner. I like arts and crafts too.

Aug 6 2007 :)
Today is the 1st day we went mini golfing and then we went out for lunch then we went to the beach and played & swam. Now we are getting ready to go out to dinner. Then we went to the Candy Store and made ice cream.

Aug 7, 07
Today we went on a pirate ship, we had to help find the treasure box then we went to lunch. After, we went swimming, later we go to the party. We made crafts and had ice cream. Now we are getting ready to get photographs at the beach.

Aug 8, 2007
Today we went fishing on a boat. I caught 8 fish and my brother caught 8 fish too! Then we went to lunch at the Dough Roller. The we went back home and took a nap and walked on the boardwalk.

Aug 9, 07
Today we went to Jolly Rogers and went in the kiddie pool. And then we went to lunch at Tubby's then we went back home and took a nap. Then went back to Jolly Rogers and went on the rides then went to dinner on the boardwalk.

Aug. 10, 07
Today we are going to the western theme park. First we are walking then we are going to another water park.

Aug 11, 07
Today we are going home. Good Bye Good Bye to all of you. Thank you for all of the stuff.
Thanks,
Antonia, Mike, Michele and Andrew

8/4 - 8/11/07

My son Weston was diagnosed with leukemia -ALL in Nov. '05 and I can honestly say, after losing a year and a half of our "normal" lives, we finally received that back by staying at your House By The Sea! Although Dad couldn't make it, my mom came instead, but it was such a nice break for everyone!! You guys take care of EVERYTHING and all we had to do was show up. The house was spectacular, so clean and many other special things for the kids that were so "beyond" our expectations! As we are cleaning up and packing, we are already talking about coming back next year! Wayne, you were so gracious and you and your staff treated us just like family. We feel very blessed to have met such wonderful people, including the other families. God Bless You All and See You Soon!

:)

Paula, Weston Maya and Grandma

4-9 Aug 07

Believe In Tomorrow,

Wow! What a special week you allowed the entire family to enjoy! The house is beautiful and has everything you could want for a week at the beach. The kids had a great time crabbing off the pier in the lake across the street. Each of the events set up for our family was 1st class. From the meals, to the amusement parks, to the H20 park, to fishing in the Bay, every event is now a memory we will cherish forever. We thank you for your hospitality, generosity and caring.

Thanks!
Dwight, Dana, Braydin, Karina & Torin

August 10, 2007

We had a wonderful week! Our accommodations were beautiful and spacious - so pretty! Patrick was able to get everywhere in his wheelchair. The weather was quite hot, but wouldn't want rain!

Wayne, you are a really nice guy and so very helpful. I really enjoyed our chats. Your volunteers are special people, too; so friendly and welcoming!

Thanks to the Believe In Tomorrow organization for providing this extra special getaway for Patrick and the rest of us. We really were glad to have a vacation this summer and couldn't have been treated better.

The B. Family

July 28 - Aug. 4, 2007

There are not enough words to communicate how much our family needed this vacation! Our son, Keeghan, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in April 2006. Since that time, every day spent away from home has pretty much been in a hospital. Throughout all of this our daughter Mackenie has been right by Keeghan's side. To have this week of seeing them be able to act like any other 11- and 13-year-old has been so amazing.

Al we can say is "Thank you" even if it doesn't seem like nearly enough!
Sincerely,
Mike, Shannon, Mackenzie & Keeghan

Thank you
from: Keeghan

Thank you so much. You have made Keeghan's year a happy one!
-Maxx

7 Reasons to Love the House By The Sea

Day 1 Arrival
Friendly people to welcome you, with smiles, gifts & a caring attitude.

Day 2
Riding the OC Rocket & walking the Boardwalk! Also, collecting shells on the beach after a thunderstorm.

Day 3
Meeting the fabulous Wayne - your "cruise director" for the week. Boogie boarding on the beach. Dinner at Hooper's - try the lobster!

Day 4
More beach time - Yay! Also, the cookout on the deck was wonderful, & what a surprise to get to have our picture taken on the beach by a professional photographer!

Day 5
Going sight-seeing on the boat with Bill & John was great! Fishing was fun too. We even got to see dolphins swim past our boat & we saw the horses on Assateague Island! Thanks to Bud for arranging our day on the boat!

Day 6
Jolly Rogers Amusement Park and more Boardwalk shopping!

Day 7
The Beach Party! So much fun - but I can honestly say that I will never look at chocolate chip cookies or gummy worms the same again! (don't worry... you'll find out...)

Every day spent here is another reason to love Believe In Tomorrow & all that they provide for families in need of a vacation.

August 1, 2007

We really had a wonderful time! This is our first time in OC, MD, it's beautiful here.

The look on MacKenzie & Austin's faces were priceless, as are the memories we have here.

The room is beautiful and so comfortable. Jolly Roger was the highlight - the kids had never been to a water park before. The rides were perfect for them.

After all MacKenzie & Austin have been through, this was amazing for them. We loved that the staff focuses on the family, the siblings too. So many organizations focus on the sick child when the siblings struggle so much.

The staff is so nice. Wayne* - you are a very special person, we really appreciate everything you did! We would not have made it without you!

Jenn, Evan, Austin & MacKenzie

(*Wayne Littleton is the Believe In Tomorrow Ocean City Programs Coordinator)

August 4, 2007

We appreciate you for having us this summer week! You have made this vacation the best 1 we've ever had so far, & we thank you for that. Everyone was so nice & made us feel like a big family! We will always remember you & the great times we had everyday this week. Thank you for making this experience so special!

We look forward to coming back some other time!

Sincerely,
Nicole

03 Aug. 07

We love you! You all have made our summer the best yet! The memories created here will always be treasured. The Pirate Adventure, Jolly Rogers & tennis lessons were amazing. Alexander caught an 18 1/2 in. Flounder - he let Captain John have him :) . Alexander and Tyler both want tennis lessons when they get home! We all considered ourselves "expert" boogie surfers. We loved th beach. We met some awesome families & staff members here, and just loved the great food. Hooper's really treated us like royalty, after dinner we all needed a major nap. Terrific! The pizza party on the beach was "Great" :), hoola hoop, survivor, great company & fun music. Thank you so very much.

We will always treasure the memories made here. We were treated so terrificly & everything was great. Being here at the House By The Sea is like being home, every welcoming, very comfortable & full of loving friends. We love you.

Arlyn & Alexander
Cheryl & Tyler

In Their Own Words

Welcome to the Believe In Tomorrow family blog. These blogs are transcriptions of journal entries left in each of the retreat houses. These are the original writings of the families. Only minor spelling and grammatical changes have taken place.

Transcriptions are posted with consent of the family.