Behind the Name: LaNor

Behind the Name: LaNor (Demi Urban Shell) 

By Miche Representative, Karen T.

My mother’s life always focused around her family.  I have so many memories of great times we spent together as I was growing up, from shopping at the mall together to her sneaking around the outside of our house during a kids’ Halloween party dressed up as a witch—scaring us by screaming and cackling through the window.  My mother was very creative and a very fine artist.  She owned a small art gallery where local painters would meet and paint together.  My mother mainly painted landscapes and still lifes—mostly flowers.  She always signed her paintings “LaNor,” which was her middle name, because she felt it sounded artistic.  As time went on, she put her paint brushes aside. When she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer,  she started creating jewelry pieces, “Creations by LaNor,” to take her mind off her cancer. 

When I became a Miche Representative, she loved the concept of the Miche handbags and how she could interchange them.  During her last year of battling cancer, I became inactive with Miche in order to spend more time with her, but she always hoped I would get back into it. That is one of the reasons why—when she passed away almost ten months ago—I decided to return to Miche. It’s what she had hoped I would do. 

I can’t believe the care and thoughtfulness Miche has shown in wanting to name a Shell after my mother. Not only that, but the design department contacted me, wanting to know about my mother so they could create a Shell that would truly reflect her: her favorite colors, her favorite size purse, her favorite season, and the fact that she painted flowers. Now, a Shell has been created that in so many ways symbolizes my mother, and it has come out in the same month as her birthday and her wedding anniversary.  I know my mother is thrilled beyond belief.  I am so touched by what Miche has done—it is truly an organization with a huge heart.

Thank you for sharing your mother’s and your story, Karen. At Miche we know that terrific Representatives like you and Miche-lovers like your beautiful mother are the heart and soul of what we do. You both exemplify that “there’s a little bit of ME in Miche.”

Thank you for sharing your story with us Miche Lovers, Karen T ;)

Behind the Name: Marcy

Behind the Name: Marcy

I would like to see a Demi Shell named after Marcy Dearcangelis, a Senior Director with Miche and a great Leader.  When I started with Miche in 2011 [she took me under her wing right away to help me find success]. Even though Marcy lives in Maryland and I’m in Florida, she has made it a point to always be there to answer questions, help me see new products and be a part of the Team. She has even set up Skype meetings from her home to preview Shells for us.  When Miche [changed over to a party plan business model], Marcy had conference calls so we would all know how to transition and understand the new system.  She made it all so easy and seamless.

I am so happy to be on her Team and would like her to be honored by having a Shell named after her.

Thank you for sharing, Linda. It is our honor to name the Marcy Collection after a fantastic lady and great Miche Leader!

Behind the Name: Jessenia

Behind the Name: Jessenia

Each of our lives is filled with unexpected curves—sometimes tragic ones. This is Carolina Camacho’s story—she is a Director for Miche in California who experienced an unimaginable loss and then was led to a new beginning that has helped her move on. Here’s what she wrote us: 

“On November 5, 2011, the oldest of my four children—and only daughter—was crossing the street in front of the apartments where I live. As she stepped into the road she was struck by one car and then run over by two more, dying instantly. This has changed my life forever. Jessenia was obsessed with the color red—lipstick, purses and high heels.

I was driving to the cemetery to visit my daughter’s grave when I first met my Miche Advisor.

I saw a boutique sign, so I had to make the decision either to go see my daughter at the cemetery (which I have done every day since she passed away) or go to the boutique. I had a feeling I should turn left and head to the boutique instead of turning right toward the cemetery, and that’s how everything started with Miche. Meeting my Advisor Cristina was a sign for me, and today I am enjoying my Miche business.

My daughter Jessenia was only 20 years old when she passed away, and it would mean lot to have a Jessenia Shell to honor her life.”

Thank you for sharing, Carolina. It is our honor to offer the Jessenia Collection this holiday season. 

Behind the Name: Jennica

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Posted on September 6, 2013 by Miche

NOTE: The Jennica Shells were originally not named for anyone in particular. Then we received a message from Linda with her heartbreaking, yet uplifting, story. After hearing Linda’s story, the design team decided to dedicate the Jennica Shells both to Linda and her little angel. It is our honor to do so. Here is Linda’s story, in her own words.

Tears came to my eyes the first time I read that there were September Miche Shells named Jennica.

I had gone into labor on a Friday, and did not know [anything was wrong] until three hours before delivery. The doctor said, “Linda, I’m worried; I don’t think your baby is alive.” How does one hear those words? They were words of reality since there was no heartbeat. Our precious baby girl, Jennica Mariah, was born silently on Saturday morning, October 18, 1997 at 39 weeks. She was 4 pounds, 10 ounces, and 17 1/2 inches long. How was I going to tell Jennica’s then four year-old brother, 15 year-old sister and 18 year-old brother their baby sister would not be coming home? No one plans on saying “goodbye” so soon, because they expect to be saying “welcome” to this world.

The day of Jennica’s funeral was a very nice day where we lived at that time. Snow was predicted, but thankfully it waited until that evening before it began. When we got up the next morning, there were four to five plus inches of the most beautiful snow I think I have ever seen, full of rainbow “glitter.”

We drove to the cemetery late that morning expecting to see Jennica’s grave area covered with white. The small and narrow road way had not yet been cleared of snow, and there were not any signs of shoveling. As we got out of the van and walked through the snow to the grave there were no other tracks of any kind. What we saw as we approached Jennica’s grave area came only from above. The entire area of her grave had absolutely no snow lying on the ground—none—not one flake. The roses from her casket were lying on the cold ground and should have been frozen from the night’s bitter air. They were not, but looked as fresh as they were on her casket the day before! That was the first of many “signs” to come for comfort and healing.

There truly is hope for all women and families going through miscarriage and infant loss. My broken and shattered heart has mended as best it can through the years because of my deep faith, trust, and belief in God. My peace also comes from knowing that Jennica lives forever in the arms of Jesus while her spirit lives on with her family. We will see her again someday because we know heaven is a very real and forever eternal home.

This fall, Jennica will be 16 in heaven. She would be a sophomore in high school and a smile does come to me as I can picture Jennica walking with her namesake Hip Bag over her shoulder. What an honor to share our baby Jennica with Miche! Thank you.

Behind the Name: Rhonda

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Posted on August 16, 2013 by Miche

My mom, Rhonda is the mother of 11 kids. She stayed home to raise us and is completely selfless—always thinking of us kids first. I can’t think of a day when she didn’t have breakfast made for us as well as our lunches packed for school. She took us everywhere we needed to be, and with 11 kids that was a lot of places!

I have never ONCE heard her ever complain about anything or that she needed time for herself. The only thing I ever remember her doing for herself was getting perms; looking back now, I think that was because it was simple and she didn’t have to take time doing her hair when she could be spending time on us. That was until Miche came along . . .

I have had many parties and have been a representative for many home party companies. My mom, however, had never EVER showed interest in hosting a party! Then I introduced her to Miche and she fell in love with it right away. So much so that she asked my sister (who was a Representative at the time) if she could host a party. I couldn’t believe it when I found out my mom was going to have a Miche Party.

The HOPE Shells have really played a special part in her love for Miche because she is a cancer survivor. She has gone to several events with me to join in on the Miche fun! My dad (who I think even enjoys her new Miche addiction), keeps her updated on how many Shells she has. She is our go-to person for Team meeting handout ideas because she is so creative with Photoshop.

I would really love to see a Shell named after my mom, Rhonda.

You got your wish, Gina! If you would like a future Shell named after someone special, please submit your suggestion so design@miche.com.

Behind the Name: Gretchen

by Miche Rep Melissa O.

Gretchen was born the youngest of two daughters. She was ALWAYS happy and had a smile that would light up the room. She led a normal life, went to high school, met a boy (Brad Smith)and got married. They moved to his family farm where the boy, now a man, took over the farming from his father. Together they had two sons, Quinn and Mason.

As the boys grew, Gretchen was involved in everything the boys were into: Band Boosters, Academic Boosters, and a number of other groups to support her sons. She loved the kids and all of them always seemed to gravitate toward her. Then came the day she found out about the CANCER.

Cancer! She started treatment and was determined to keep things the same for her family. As she fought her battle all the kids from school rallied around her, doing t-shirts sales and even having a surprise purple football game . . . the whole team wore purple and so did the audience (our school colors are orange and black). [The color for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Awareness is purple, so it was perfect]. We all loved to see her smile.

Gretchen’s condition worsened over time, despite treatment and her inspiring will to live; the weekend before she passed away in late 2012, Gretchen and Melissa’s town held a fundraiser for her family and raised $32,000. Melissa then wrote us the following:

I hope to see a Gretchen Shell in the near future. She deserves it. She is a hero to so many. Her fight is an amazing fight of love. [She wanted] to spend her old age with her high-school sweetheart and the family they created together. To see her sons graduate college and high school. She will never do those things now. I would like to remember her in a different way . . . to have her with us as a memory we can wear on our arm. A Shell. A [purple] Shell named Gretchen.

Behind the name: Cheery

(Cheery is the Mother of Tiffanie Garcia in Field Services)

Cheery Rae Love lived one heck of a life! Always audacious and unafraid, she made sure every second counted and lived life by her own rules.

Over her lifetime she experienced many challenges: a heart attack and subsequent by-pass surgery that caused her to go blind (luckily her eyesight came back six months later) as well as the loss of both legs due to many years of diabetes. But like the Energizer Bunny, nothing EVER stopped her! She managed to always turn each negative into a positive—“cheer-fully” pressing forward with fierce determination!

Cheery was an entertainer and was also known and loved by her other name: “Mona the Singing Bag Lady.” She began doing singing telegrams and motivational speaking at corporate events many years ago. She gleefully roasted certain “victims” while gently reminding everyone to not judge and to be kind to one another. Her motto was to always take the time to look for rainbows and butterflies. And that, she did!

Because of the way Cheery lived her life, she became a hero to many. Her love for this world was infectious, and she joyfully and mischievously took everyone along on the wild ride whether they wanted to go or not! Each individual who knew Cheery still can’t help but smile and quietly chuckle at the adventures they had with her.

Cheery really LIVED, and she taught all who knew her to do the same—with passion, joy, pride and courage.

She passed away on March 13, 2013, surprising everyone because she had us convinced she would live forever. A few days later her life was celebrated by a standing-room-only crowd, on a beautiful, bright, sunny day as a rainbow of balloons and a legion of butterflies were released to the sky.

As you carry the Shell that bears her name, honor her by loving life, seeking adventures, dreaming big, and exploring the path less traveled— then claim them as your own. 

Be a Cheery!

Behind the Name: Geneva

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Posted on June 28, 2013 by Miche

We get emails daily containing stories from friends and family members in the Miche community who take the time to suggest naming a Shell after someone they know. We can’t name a Shell after each submission of course, but when a really touching or uplifting story comes to us, we do.

Geneva was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer when she was just 30 years old. Her friend, Miche customer Heather MacKay, said the following when she submitted Geneva’s name for consideration:

“Miche needs a sassy and stylish shell named Geneva. Geneva would represent those who fight to beat the odds. My friend Geneva recently won the battle with breast cancer. This young mother of three struggled with losing her hair, not to mention gaining weight and bloating from treatment. She has kept her witty sense of humor and often blogs about her daily challenges with overcoming breast cancer and loathing the image in the mirror. She is a strong, fun gal who would do Miche proud.”

Unfortunately, since Heather wrote the above, Geneva’s cancer has returned and has now spread to her stomach. Heather writes this week,

“She has battled through the depression that death is a very likely possibility, but has checked back into living. We may not have her much longer, but we will have her fighting and living and loving till the bitter end.”

All of us at Miche wish Geneva and her darling young family strength, faith and hope. It is an honor to name a Shell after this strong, amazing woman.

If you would like to submit a name suggestion for a future Miche release, please email design@miche.com.

(The Geneva Shell)

Behind the Name: Debbie

Debbie Stitt is a shining example of how much adversity can polish a person. Her son Eric’s near-drowning accident at a friend’s pool in the mid-90s left him severely brain damaged. Then, six years later, he passed away. She struggled with self-confidence and felt she wasn’t good or smart enough. Facing impending layoffs, Debbie resigned rather than take a computer test to prove her competence.

“Not long after [this event] she found me and became a Miche [Representative]. she has learned to do the system now on her own, understands levels and can text and email,” writes her friend and Miche Advisor Sherry Roberts. She further relates that with the loss of her son, Debbie found hope in Miche and has blossomed as a result.

Sherry continues, “Debbie is my human butterfly . . . she spreads her wings each day . . . fluttering about finding her place in the world not only as a mother, wife, employee and Miche [Representative] but as a woman—an intelligent woman who can dream the once impossible dreams she never even knew she had.”

Thomas Carlyle once said, “Adversity is the diamond dust that Heaven polishes its jewels with.” As the muse behind the naming of this June 2013 release Miche Shell, Debbie is a true jewel of a woman and an inspiration to many.

(Purchase your Debbie Shell starting June 1st 2013!)

Behind the Name: Marlena

It has been said that when all hell breaks loose, the people who stand by you without flinching are your family. When Marlena Kaufman and Amy Craft’s father, Guy Consentino’s world fell apart, they were there for him. Diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2011, Guy underwent chemotherapy with his two daughters by his side. Amy Craft and her younger sister Marlenawatched their father go from bad to worse. The chemo had weakened Guy’s heart, causing him to suffer a massive heart attack in March 2012. The doctors didn’t expect him to live through the night. The two daughters witnessed a miracle—he lived for nearly four more months.

During all this emotional tension Marlena was halfway through her first pregnancy and sending her husband Chris off to serve our country with the Army National Guard in Afghanistan. Amy writes of her sister, “She did what any strong woman would do: [she] worked full time managing a salon supplier and helped take care of our terminally-ill father, all while knowing her husband was going to leave before [their baby] Derek was born.”

Marlena’s successful C-section brought a healthy baby boy into the world on July 20, 2012. The next day, her father passed away.

Marlena was consoled and buoyed up by the return of her husband for a few weeks and then sent him back to Afghanistan. She continues to fearlessly push ahead. Amy writes, “As the one who introduced me to Miche bags about a year and a half ago, she is one trendy woman who has been through so much. This determination, caring and extremely blunt attitude is all packed into a 5-foot shell with flaming red hair!”

Marlena’s unflinching fortitude is our inspiration behind this Shell. We’re sure Guy would be proud.

Behind the Name: Jordan

The Slabacks wanted children. When the couple’s hopes seemed to be completely lost—along came Jordan.

“She is my first adoption miracle, my angel, the precious baby God gave to me and my husband when we thought we might never become parents,” writes Miche Representative Kami Slaback as she suggests her daughter’s name be considered as a Miche Shell design.

Now a charming little girl of five, Jordan brings her family joy every day.

“Jordan is a sweet, fun, deliciously happy little girl who loves animals. She’ll kiss a frog or lizard just as soon as she will a puppy or kitten, but horses are her favorite! Jordan is just girly enough—she won’t fuss with hair bows and doesn’t care too much about shoes, but she beams and twirls when she wears a pretty dress,” explains Kami of her treasured daughter.

“That’s my girl!” We agree with you, Kami—she’s perfect.

The Jordan Shell for Demi was created with this delightful girl in mind. Kami states that Jordan is a big Miche fan, “Her favorite Shells are the brightly-colored ones: pink, purple, blue, and green. When I am about to purchase a new Petite Shell for her or my kit, I’ll ask her which one she likes. She makes me smile from ear to ear when she says, ‘I can’t decide. I want ALL of them!’”

Shine a Light on Hope

The Fashion of Compassion:

So much of looking good comes from the inside. It has been said that beauty has a lot to do with character, and because April is Autism month, we’re focusing on supporting this character-enhancing cause.

Helping to fund research for Autism requires compassion and determination. Chances are you know someone with an autistic child. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects four to five times more boys than girls and is diagnosed ten times more now than it was 40 years ago. Even so, there are a lot of misconceptions about the disorder. Loving mothers of autistic children are our inspiration this month. They work tirelessly to nurture their children with love and patience.

“Even though 1 in 88 is affected, not enough is known about Autism which leads to some very rough days for us,” says Pam, the mother of six-year-old Hendrik, diagnosed with PDD-NOS (a form of Autism) in November 2011. This sweet boy with a big heart has been misunderstood. “One of Hendrik’s teachers last year told me that he is more naughty than he is Autistic. Then another [teacher] told his private counselor that my husband and I just need to discipline him more.

“In [our] case, Autism is misunderstood because Hendrik is so high functioning. For the most part, he acts and looks like “normal” kids. People always tell me, ‘You’d never know.’ I know they mean well, but it’s difficult because when he does get frustrated he gets very loud and aggressive. Not all kids react the same as Hendrik, but typically a child on the [ASD] spectrum will throw a tantrum like a young child. This is when onlookers say things like, ‘You should discipline him’ or ‘Spank him, he’ll learn.’ It’s not that simple,” she explains. “Uneducated opinions like these led me to change the school Hendrik attends and to quit my office job so that I could focus on Hendrik.”

“He is the most amazing human being I have ever met. He brings me back to what life is really all about; love. He gives me hope that this world of hate and hurt will change.”

The love that Pam has for her son is clearly what drives her to continue working toward shining a light on Autism.

Kate, a hard-working mom of a bright-eyed second-grader named Max, discovered her son’s differences when he was an exceptional three-year-old. “We noticed he was extraordinary. Max wasn’t into sports, playing with other children or running on the playground; he preferred train parts. After watching Max for several months, we started putting the pieces of our puzzle together. He was very hyperactive, had no concept of consequences, was pretty socially inappropriate and he chose us! Yep, our boy was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a form of higher-functioning Autism. We immediately sought a variety of different resources, a special Autism doctor, medicines, creams, elixirs, support groups, a Special Education team and every bit of knowledge we could get our hands on. Some things helped, some didn’t and almost all of it was as frustrating for Max as it was for the rest of the family.”

Her inspiring optimism is beautiful. “We take each day as it comes. We laugh, we cry, we learn and thank God every day because He knew we were up for His challenge.”

Kate and Pam are just a small sampling of the thousands of parents who have an autistic child. Miche is working to support this cause by donating a portion of proceeds this month to Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization funding Autism research and education.

“Knowledge truly is power and the more we know and learn, the more pieces of the puzzle we can assemble together. Bring it on!” says Kate, enthusiastically. We agree.

Behind the name: Ariana & Alyssa

Ariana was named after the daughter of one of our Representatives who, at a trying time for their family, showed tremendous inner strength by staying at her sister Alyssa’s bedside. We named this Shell in honor of her and all women who stand by those whom they love in times of trial.

Ariana and Alyssa’s mom, Patricia, shares their family story:

My name is Patricia, and my inspiration for writing this are my daughters Alyssa and Ariana. Alyssa was diagnosed with ALL [Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia] on November 5^th, 2007—the day our lives changed forever. Alyssa was scheduled to get three years of vigorous chemotherapy. As you could imagine, we were all scared for her. She was only 6 years old when the doctors tried to explain this to all of us. The hardest part was watching her lose her hair on her birthday—November 25^th, 2007.This was the first time I’d seen my child not wanting to have a party or have friends and family over. She wasn’t interested in opening her gifts or having cake. But somehow she got past all that, and accepted her fate.

Alyssa would have talks with me, and tell me she wanted to have wings as pretty as butterflies, and be able to fly all the way to heaven. As you can imagine it was beautiful in a sense, and heart wrenching at the same time. I wondered if God had talked with her, and told her that she wasn’t going to make it through the treatments. Did she know something we didn’t know? 

As most of these children do, she endured many infections as well as pneumonia, and suffered two strokes. She was then unable to do things for herself. She couldn’t talk, walk, eat, or drink anymore. We weren’t able to hear Alyssa’s beautiful voice ever again or those special words that she loved to say was: “I love you whole bunches” and ”Bald is beautiful.” I’m reminded every day of how precious these words are to me. Through all this, I have become a prayer warrior for a lot of children who have all types of cancer. 

My daughters have taught me to never take life for granted and to always tell those around you how much you love them. Ariana, my oldest, was 16 at the time her sister was suffering through this. Sixteen can be a hard age for anyone, but it’s much harder when a loved one is passing away. Ariana was always by Alyssa’s side. We were living on God’s grace, mercy, and the comfort of his safe and loving arms. We were shown so much love throughout our community and will always be grateful for that.

On February 26, 2009, Alyssa passed away.  She finally received her beautiful wings.

Behind the name: Brenda

Brenda Milo is a Miche customer who wrote to let us know she has despised her name her whole life, but maybe—just maybe—if there were a Classic Miche Shell named after her in her favorite color of green, she might learn to love her name.  Well, we couldn’t not let her love her name any longer, so we came up with the Brenda Shell!

Because this Shell is part of our winter Cherish Collection, we asked Brenda to share with us what she cherishes most. Here is what she had to say:

I have two young sons that are the joy of my life! I love to walk our dog with my oldest son because when we’re alone outside and moving he opens up to me about things he doesn’t share easily—like school, his fears and his dreams. By the time we get home we’ve solved problems or decided on new exciting things to do or learn about. My youngest son loves to read. We cuddle up on the couch together and read from our own books and from time to time he will read aloud to me. We’ve become closer as I get to share in his joy of discovery and love of reading. Time with my sons is the thing I cherish most and I’m lucky enough to be able to spend my days at home to be there for them before and after school. 

“Cherish the moments, for they too become memories.” ~Anonymous

Behind the name: Charlee

Our Charlee Shell for Prima Miche Bags was named after one of our Representatives, whose name is actually Charlotte; her friends thought that name was just too formal for the workplace, so she started going by the name Charlee. Miche, like Charlee, is proof that we all have the ability to find our own personality, character, and style.

The Cherish Collection was inspired by all the different things that make this season sparkle—especially the importance of relationships. Our hearts naturally turn toward the people we value most and we reflect on the memories we’ve created together. So in honor of our “Cherish” Collection we asked Charlee to share with us what she cherishes most.

What do I cherish? I cherish my family, my friends, my life, but most of all my husband. On September 15 we will be married 50 years. This may seem like a long time, but when you are married to your best friend, believe me it is too short. Paul and I got married right out of high school and although times were not always the best, we believed in “If it’s broken, fix it—don’t throw it away.”
About 10 years into our marriage, Paul fell 50 feet from a power pole and the fall crushed both his feet. We are so grateful that was the extent of his injuries, but it was still a very trying time. I can’t express how hard it was to see this strong, self-sufficient man in a wheelchair having to ask for help. Finances were very tight and it was difficult to make ends meet with three children. However going through this together and sticking it out gave us a much stronger bond. And, as Kelly Clarkson says, “What Doesn’t Kill You makes you Stronger.” That definitely applied to us.

Paul went through 12 surgeries and was off work for seven years. We survived, and through a lot of hard work and determination, he went back to his job as a utility journeyman lineman. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve weathered through the bad times and enjoyed the good. Our children are now adults and we are very proud of them…and now we have two precious grandsons.

Paul continued to work in his trade, and 12 years ago he had a stroke. Being the every diligent person he is, he went back to work after three months. Seven years ago, he had a double bypass and had to retire. Today he has severe arthritis in his feet and it is really painful to walk, but he still remains very active without complaint.

This is why after 50 years he is the person I cherish most; without his love and support, I wouldn’t have my wonderful children and my two awesome grandsons, nor would I have been able to be a part of the Miche family. Paul is a fantastic person and I am so lucky to have had him in my life for all these years. I only wish we could have another 50.

Thank you, Jennie!

Behind the Name: Adrian

 

  

Surprisingly, not all of our Shells are inspired after women; at times, they are named after a special man or boy in our lives. The Adrian Shell came from one of our Design Team members, who was inspired by its beautiful blue material that matched her nephew’s eyes. Adrian has a very special story of his own and in honor of National Spina Bifida Awareness month we have decided to share his story.

Here is Adrian’s story written by his mom, Chelsey Ulibarri:

The day we found out that Adrian had Spina Bifida is a day I will always remember as if it were yesterday. It was the day after the Super Bowl. My boyfriend and I were so excited because this was the day we were hopefully going to find out if we were going to be having a little boy or a little girl! After the ultrasound was completed the nurse had simply stated she needed to make a call and disappeared for a long period of time. The first 5 minutes felt fine but as time passed I was able to sense that something wasn’t right; when the nurse finally returned she passed the phone to me and told me they wanted to talk to me. My heart instantly dropped and every bad thought imaginable flooded my head to the point that I was only hearing every other word the woman was saying. I had never heard of Spina Bifida until that moment and was unclear what it meant and how it was going to impact my baby’s life as well as mine.

That same day we were sent to a high-risk clinic to meet with a geneticist. She began to explain to us what Spina Bifida was: a birth defect of the spine. Think of a zipper. You zip your jacket up to the top and there is a bubble where the “zipper” is no longer connected; essentially that is what happens to the spine on a baby with Spina Bifida: the spine never fully develops. That’s how it was explained to me and that is still how I explain it to this day.

The day I went into labor was the third scariest day of my life because I didn’t know what to expect when my son was born. Like most Spina Bifida births, our delivery would be via C-section, as this method is safer and less traumatic for the baby’s opening in the back.

When Adrian was born, all I heard was a brief cry and then he was gone. He was immediately taken away for evaluation. I wasn’t able to hold Adrian until 2 days after he was born; I relied on pictures that my boyfriend and family members would show me since we were at different hospitals. For any parent I am sure you can understand that this wasn’t easy and I had a hard time dealing with it all.
We spent our first month at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. Adrian underwent major surgery and was having trouble with his breathing. We spent every day there with him from morning until night; I couldn’t tell you the amount of tears I cried watching him go through everything in that first month. We ended up being allowed to go home with oxygen support but that only lasted 2 weeks before we were back at the hospital due to his having excessive fluid in his brain. He underwent another surgery to have a shunt placed in his brain that he will now have for his entire life.

Adrian had to have multiple hospital visits which included an additional surgery at 8 months old. He had to be catheterized at home and was dependent on oxygen for a long time.

Adrian’s level of Spina Bifida is an L4-L5. Adrian cannot feel from the knees down and was born with clubbed feet,Ad which will have to be operated, and he’ll get a series of castings to help correct them.

Due to the lack of sensation, Adrian cannot walk alone but does have a walker and leg braces to assist him; at this point in the game I think this is what is hardest for me. My son has the most vibrant personality with so much energy and it kills me to see him watch other kids running or climbing knowing that he has a desire to do these same things.

It hurts because from the very beginning of this journey I have felt the guilt that it is somehow my fault that my son has to go through all this. As a parent you want to take the pain away from your child but in some cases you can only put on the front that you’re strong because hopefully that will make your child just as strong; but our children are stronger than we think.

I see my son looking at everybody as if he is missing out, but the reality of it is my son knows no differently and has learned to adapt to do the things he wants to do. I remember when Adrian had his leg correction surgery and I had been crying, he woke up and the first thing he said to me was, “Why you crying, Mom?” He has never let any of his life moments get him down and I have never seen my son truly sad. My son’s spirit has been what has kept me going; he has changed who I am and my outlook on life and is the prime example of happiness. Because he is strong, he has made me strong.
I wouldn’t change anything about my son, because I firmly believe my son is who he is today because of the things life has thrown our way; I am where I am in life because of what we have experienced. Our life has proven to us that adversity is truly a blessing in disguise and although our journey has only begun, our optimism will keep us going.

To this day nobody is completely sure what causes this disease. Scientists say it is most likely due to a combination of inherited (genetic), environmental, and nutritional factors. Many believe not having enough Folic Acid during and prior to pregnancy increases your chances of a child having Spina Bifida. If you would like to learn more about this increasingly more common birth defect please visit www.spinabifidaassociation.org.

Behind the Name: Marseille, Annecy, Lucerne

The glacier waters of Lake Annecy, steely grey rivers of Lucerne and the azure blue waters off the coast of Marseille are some of my favorite memories in Europe. And these memories helped inspire the lovely Miche Luxe Shells that bear these towns’ names.

Annecy is a charming little town nestled in the French Alps and it’s where I lost my heart to the French countryside. Here I once ran through the streets giggling with laughter, completely in love with all the possibilities a young woman could imagine. In a quaint restaurant by the lake, I savored the most amazing au gratin potatoes I have ever had the pleasure to eat—an experience all au gratin dishes will be measured against in the future!

Lucerne is known as the gateway to Central Switzerland, and the quaint architecture in its “old town” reminded me of storybooks and fairy tales. I spent hours exploring its maze of little streets and secret passages. But my favorite memory is the hour I spent gazing over the Reuss River from the famous Chapel Bridge—the icy grey color of the water shining with glints from the late afternoon sun was unforgettable, and it’s an image I still cherish.

Marseille is an ancient port city in southernmost France, known for its amazing fresh seafood, unique culture and warm hospitality. I took a drive up to Cap Canaille, which is the highest sea cliff in France. From there I saw one of the most incredible views ever. The Mediterranean Sea spread out as far as the eye can see— in all its splendor, dotted with sailboats. It was a blue so intense that it seemed like heaven.

From the glimmer of each embellishment to the deep grey-blue color of the material, the design of these Shells reflects the colors of these unforgettable cities. May they capture your heart as Europe did for me.

If you have a destination that has inspired you, we would love to hear it! Please send your stories to design@miche.com for an opportunity to have one of our next Miche Luxe Shells named in your honor! And be sure to check back next week for the last set of the “Behind the Name” series about the Miche Luxe Collection.

Thank you, Jennie ~ Fabulous as always :)