August 31, 2007 by admin.

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!

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August 30, 2007 by admin.

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

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August 29, 2007 by admin.

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

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August 28, 2007 by admin.

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

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August 27, 2007 by admin.

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,

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August 24, 2007 by admin.

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

Fun fun fun

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August 23, 2007 by admin.

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.

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August 22, 2007 by admin.

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.

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August 21, 2007 by admin.

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!!

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August 20, 2007 by admin.

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

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