Just thought I’d share a shot of the Mayhew Family Christmas 2009:
We got up to the rehab center a little late, but Anissa was in pretty good spirits. The kids took some of their Christmas gifts up there to play with. Nathaniel had some Legos, and the girls took their Littlest Pet Shop toys up with us.
We opened up the remaining gifts in that little room together.
We talked a little, and watched the kids open up some gifts. We joked some.
One of our all time favorite lines is from the tv show Scrubs. I asked Anissa, “why are there pancakes in the silverware drawer?”
She responded appropriately, “Why is there silverware in the pancake drawer?”
She had pretty darn good comedic timing too.
I didn’t press her on things. There will be time for that later. There were times when she’d look at me and start to tear up. I didn’t let the kids see that. I’d hug her close, whisper in her ear that the kids were still there and would change the subject as quickly as possible.
The kids didn’t pick up on any of that adult stuff.
They just know we got to spend Christmas together as a family.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Yes! Keep fighting Anissa, and Merry Christmas Mayhews.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:20 am
It’s so good to see her beautiful face! It sounds like it was as good as it could be. Merry Christmas, Mayhews!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Anissa, you continue to amaze me. Your strength, your beauty, your heart.. I have been blessed by being able to call you a friend.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Keep fighting Anissa. Its so good to see your beautiful face. Merry Christmas Mahews. You are the strongest family I have ever seen!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Merry Christmas! I’m glad things are progressing. Keep the faith and stay strong. You’re not alone in this.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Thanks for the photo and for the update. Merry Christmas!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:25 am
You’re an amazing husband with an amazing wife. The bond and love between you guy is priceless.
You’re doing great Anissa, stay strong sweets! Love to you all!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Beautiful (love the Scrubs reference) thank you and wishing you all a bright and shiny new year!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Keep fighting, Anissa. We are all praying for you!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I am so glad to read this update. I hope your Christmas was beautiful and that next year brings many blessings to your family. You all deserve it! My family said extra prayers this Christmas for all of you…in GA, NY, NC, and even grandma in Peru! We are all pulling for you Anissa!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I am so happy you all got to spend Christmas day together. Anissa must have been so happy to see the kids open their gifts. I send you all the love and best wishes. xo to all of you.
mayhewp Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 11:30 am
She picked the order of who opened the gifts and even commented on who needed baths.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:28 am
That is great news! I am so happy for your family.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:28 am
This sounds just beautiful! I have been praying for Anissa since the day this all started, and I look forward to every posting you do as it seems like she is recovering so much! I know there is still a long way to go, but you didn’t lose her, and she is still in there, and that is what matters! Thank you so much for sharing the news with us, hang in there, it is going to get better! Much love from AZ, Patty
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:28 am
So good to see her!! Keep up the fight!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Merry Christmas, Mayhews! You all are so amazing!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:36 am
What a beautiful picture. I’m so happy you got to spend Christmas together and that Anissa got to see the kids open their Christmas gifts. It may not have been your “picture perfect” Christmas but from the look on your little girls face spending time with Mommy was the best gift ever. You are doing a fantastic job helping the kids through this difficult time. They are lucky to have such an amazing Daddy. Keep the faith that things will get better day by day and remember to take a little time for yourself.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:39 am
What a great way to start the day…so happy to see you Anissa…we have all been praying for you and each day can’t wait to hear how your doing…your on your way, your so strong…your family is amazing and so are your friends…your in our heart girl!!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:43 am
So glad that Anissa got to share Christmas with all of you, and that it sounds like she’s doing so well. That picture is wonderful to see. I’m sure that being with their Mom was the greatest possible gift for the kids, too. Praying for all of you, every day.
amy Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Me too..
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Yay!!! Glad you were all able to be together on Christmas!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Oh my gosh, she is so beautiful. I am so thankful for your time together yesterday.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I am glad you were able to be together on Christmas. I will keep praying.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Merry Christmas Mayhew family!! I’m glad it was good day.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Oh Anissa – I adore seeing your beautiful face! I love that you were all together for Christmas – Peter – you are so blessed to have each other. Anissa is especially blessed to have you as her champion!
This makes my day. Still praying for you!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:55 am
So wonderful to see her recovering! She looks amazing!
Glad you all had a Merry Christmas!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Yay! Christmas wishes coming true.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I love you guys so much. You have an amazing family.
I’m so proud of Anissa and am grateful to call her a friend.
Merry Christmas, Mayhews!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Keep kicking trash Anissa, so many people are pulling for you. SO MANY.
Merry Christmas Mayhews. I’m glad you are getting glimmers of your miracle.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
What a awesome picture! It’s hard to keep a dry eye when I read the updates, today they are tears of joy. I’m so glad you got to spend Christmas together as a family. Keep up the good work Team Mayhew!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Peyton’s absolutely beaming to be with her mommy. So glad you got to be all together. Go, Anissa, go!!!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
What a wonderful Christmas miracle to have Anissa with you and the kids. I’m still praying here!!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Hooray! Merry Christmas, Mayhew family!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Thanks for the update! Anissa looks great! I will continue to pray for God’s hand to be all over your family and for complete recovery for Anissa!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Merry Christmas Mayhews!!! So glad for your little Christmas family time. XOXO
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I’m a lurker but wanted to let you and your family know that I’m sending absolutely the best thoughts your way. So glad you all could enjoy each other. Family is so very important!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
That’s the best photo I’ve seen in weeks! She’s fighting!!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
LOVE. So glad you were able to spend Christmas as a family!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Thank you for sharing this moment! It is wonderful to see the picture!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
YES!!!! I am soooo glad to see her, she looks Beautiful! Peyton looks so happy to be hugging her Mom =) So glad you guys got to spend Christmas together! ♥
Desera
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Merry Christmas Mayhews! Although you’re not all at home where you belong, you’re all together and that’s what matters!
P.S.- Anissa, you look beautiful and Peyton looks like she can’t think of any place better to be than in mommys arms.
Hugs and prayers!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Merry Christmas to you all! I’m so happy to read all of the positive updates!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
So nice to see her lovely face. Merry Christmas to all of you.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
what a wonderful feeling it must have been to have you all together for a bit on christmas day. what an amazing milestone for the holidays. keep going!!
when i hear the pearl jam song Fight To Get It Back Again, i now think of you. maybe it can be the official themesong for 2010?! I know it works for me in dark moments, so maybe it will for you too! just a thought
merry christmas and happy new year!
love, the internet
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Merry Christmas, Mayhews! May 2010 bring you lots of additional miracles. I’m rooting for you, Anissa and family
.
xoxoxo
jyl
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
all I have are three words: Hip hip hooray
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Peter,
Thank you so much for the picture of beautiful Anissa, to be able to see her helps to know she is getting better! I have been praying every day for all of you. I am so glad to know the family hug happened and you were able to spend Christmas together. God bless you all and with the new year may renewed hope and happiness come!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
So glad you were all together for Christmas! Praying for Anissa’s continued recovery, and your strength to be renewed daily, Peter. Will also pray for Peyton as you check in with the oncologist this week.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
This is a great picture. Maybe a family portrait next time? I’m praying for you guys every time I think of you. May God bless and keep you.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Wow, what a precious family! Your strength is so inspiring, and our prayers continue for a full recovery for Anissa
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Oh, so nice to see a picture of her. Beautiful as always. Merry Christmas and remember you are always in my prayers.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Go Anissa!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
You are ranking up there with all my heros, Anissa! You are so strong to overcome all that has been dished out these past five years. I hope I can meet you one day.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Merry Christmas to the Mayhew clan. It’s great to see her face, although I’m sure she’ll be mad at you, Peter, for posting it.
Tell her to suck it up and deal.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
You look pissed of Anissa! do you want a Karate Kid tshirt or something to show off your bewbs? Say the word and we’ll make it happen!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I’ve been lurking awhile and figured Christmas is as good a time as any to “come out”. So Merry Christmas, glad to hear that you got your hug. I’ve shed many a tear and said as many prayers for you.
Praying for a stella 2010 in the Mayhew home!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
What an awesome picture, and what a joy it is to hear you got to spend Christmas together as a family. While I know it wasn’t the way you were planning to spend Christmas only a month ago, I’m praying that next Christmas will be one you share together at HOME! (or in a warm vacation spot because the Mayhews defintely need a nice, long vacation soon.)
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
So nice to see her. Even via photograph. I can’t stop looking at the photo and thinking what a miracle… Much love to you & your family.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I’m so excited that you were all able to have Christmas together and the fact that Anissa hasn’t lost her humor or comedic timing warms my heart. I know it’s not easy, by any means, but she’s on her way back. Also, I’m going to be sending some Kathy Griffin and Margaret Cho comedy DVD’s over very shortly. Please give her a hug from me. Much love to all of you xoxo
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
It’s so good to see that face. Merry Christmas to you all!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
This makes me so happy! You keep on Anissa, we’re sending you love every minute.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Beyond awesome!! Hi Anissa!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I love that she’s got her wicked sense of humor and her sarcasm. She is one amazing lady and part of an amazing, amazing family. Merry Christmas to the Mayhews!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Wonderful. Simply wonderful!!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
I’m so happy to hear about your christmas. She is doing so wonderfully well.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Thank you for sharing that photo! Yay Anissa! So glad you got to spend Christmas together!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
All my love to the Mayhews!
Just in case I sent this site below.
http://www.mystrokeofinsight.com/
Regards,
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
What a wonderful Christmas miracle – a beautiful photo! Thank you for sharing your story with us – we are inspired and thinking/praying for you and Anissa.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
So beautiful – both the ladies and the time together! Glad you were all able to be together for Christmas. Keep fighting, beautiful lady!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Thank You for the beautiful picture. I m so happy to see Her beautiful face again. Keep it up Anissa
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Mayhew family, you are in my thoughts everyday. May Anissa continue to improve and someday (soon!) return home again. Your family is an inspiration. Love can move mountains!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 12:24 am
It’s so great to see her face. and also, Scrubs is amazing. Good taste!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 12:25 am
That picture is worth a thousand words. God bless!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 1:55 am
So beautiful, can’t wait to meet her some day! So happy for the Mayhew family!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 3:25 am
This is wonderful to see—your family is truly an inspiration.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 4:18 am
What an excellent update. So glad that things are progressing, if slowly. Good luck to Anissa and best holiday wishes to the entire Mayhew family!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 9:04 am
God bless! Still praying.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 11:06 am
That is a great picture! Glad that you guys got to spend Christmas together.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
So great to see your face! And even better to know that fabulous wit is still as sharp as ever!! Keep fighting Anissa…you are amazing!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
What a happy little girl!
Tell Anissa she looks gorgeous!!
Merry Christmas to all of you.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Beautiful!! with a sense of humor that in itself will take her far. Thank you for sharing your special day with all of us.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I’m so glad you were able to spend Christmas together! What a blessing!
Anissa, it’s great to see you! Keep fighting!
Peter,
You rock!
Merry Christmas everyone! and soon.. Happy New Year! A New Year filled with many more positive updates, and tremendous progress!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Keep kicking butt, Anissa! You are looking great! Love you!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I am glad that you were able to spend the day together. Considering what she has been through, I think she looks amazing! Merry Christmas!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
She is beautiful. I miss her. I’m so glad you all could be together.
Steph
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
It’s so great to see Anissa!!!
Keep fighting, girl! Much love to all of you Mayhews!
((((Anissa))))
( . )( . )
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
So great to see her face. Blessings to you and your family!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
She looks great! And Peyton looks so incredibly content snuggled up to her mom. I’m SO glad you all got to spend Christmas together, even if it was difficult at times. Hang in there, all of you!
Also, the fact that she remembers obscure lines from Scrubs has to be a good sign!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I’m so proud of how hard Anissa is fighting. I’m proud of you too. You are doing a great job of being everything to everyone, including us who live for your updates! Most importantly you are so good to the children. I know it must be hard, but please stay strong.
Our family will keep yours in our prayers.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Keep fight Anissa! Sounds like a perfect Christmas for the Mayhews! Continue to pray for a full recovery. Stay strong Anissa!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Merry Christmas, baby girl looks so happy to see her mom!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Anissa,
just learned of your stroke. Sending prayers and good wishes your way for a speedy recovery. There are many people reading your story and praying for you.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
She looks beautiful. So happy for all of you, and our prayers continue.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Merry Christmas! Keep up that fight!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
So proud of you all. Your strength as family is inspirational!!! Keep fighting Anissa!!!!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Great you all got to spend the day together. Sending all my best wishes and healing thoughts your way.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Ohhhhh, thank you for this!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
So happy to see Anissa’s lovely face! Happy Holidays to you all — you’re amazing and inspiring.
Love,
Lolita
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Beautiful picture! Thanks for sharing the update, and the update is amazing!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
You 2 simply amaze me. I’m at a loss for words. If you knew me, then you would be shocked. lol
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 12:50 am
SOOO GLAD to read that Anissa’s humor is still there. It brings tears to my eyes. I miss sitting in front of my computer at night and laughing so hard reading Anissa’s sarcastic/funny tweets. Sending Prayers to you my friend!!!
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Oh how wonderful to see a photo of Anissa!!!!!!
I just love this picture.
Thank you.
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
What a priviledge to be able to walk this journey with you and your family. Anissa is getting better fast. Her recovery is amazing me. But then God amazes me so often.
God will not make you battle on 2 fronts. Your children are, and will be, healthy for so many years to come. And Anissa is standing! And soon to be walking. The Mayhew family will come through this. Because of your determination, God’s love, and because Anissa wants to come home to her family. Please do write this book someday.
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I’ve been lurking here but wanted to pop up and say I understand what you all are going through. Nearly 4 years ago, my son, then 9, had a stroke. He spent 10 days in the hospital and 4 weeks in inpatient rehab. His life – and ours – were forever changed that day. But, we were blessed with a supportive network and excellent medical care, and our son is pretty much back on track. Physical therapy is important – the biggest gains are made during the first weeks and months. I remember when every little movement was the biggest deal. I remember when he could finally hold his head up. And I remember when he walked out of the rehab center without looking back.
I’m praying for you all.
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Merry Christmas Mayhew family! God bless you, you are in my prayers daily!
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Keep up the fight. Your posts are amazing and I’m with you in thought.
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
That is an awesome photo! Peyton looks so happy to be snuggled next to her momma, right where she should be. Keep fighting Anissa!!! We’re pulling for you in TX!! Jenn
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
You guys are an inspiration.
I’m so glad that Anissa continues to get better, and that your little ones were able to spend quality time with their mom and dad. Continuing to pray for you.
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
beautiful progress. <3
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
[...] a quick update on Anissa Mayhew who had a pretty severe stroke a little more than a month ago. She has been moved to a rehabilitation facility and got to see her children on Christmas, We got up to the rehab center a little late, but Anissa was in pretty good spirits. The kids [...]
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Peyton isn’t the only one who cried big crocodile tears . . . I did too just reading the events of the past few days.
And now, Anissa – keep kickin’ ass, girl! And don’t forget to take names!
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Yay! More good news. I hope y’all have a wonderful New Year’s Eve, too.
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 1:25 am
This is a marathon not a sprint, in your own words. She is starting this marathon strong, it will only get better from here. Beleive it!
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 1:35 am
Merry Christmas Mayhews!
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 2:14 am
Happy Holidays to the whole Mayhew Family. I am overwhelmed by her strength and her willingness to recover.
love you lots Anissa. See you at BlogHer 10? I better
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Thank you for sharing! Such encouragement!
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Beautiful photo! Keep on keepin on Anissa!!!
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
That photo’s enough to make even a confirmed godless heathen like me wonder if maybe there’s not a bigger plan somehow. Because seriously — pure beauty, those two.
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
That picture is my favorite holiday photo yet. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Amazing grace!
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I’ve just caught up with the last few updates. It’s great to hear how it’s going.
I hope things are also fine with Peyton. I am sure that they are.
I hope the new year brings even more positive advances.
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Merry Christmas! We are still praying for you and your family. You are such an inspiration.
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Beautiful picture! She’s looking wonderful! Happy New Year! Thinking of you all. ((Hugs!))
on Dec 30th, 2009 at 3:40 am
Blessings and support go out to you Anissa and family. You’re in our prayers everyday!!! xoxoxo
Nichelle
on Dec 30th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size do you?
Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.
When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good, you will not, hm?
many MANY more here: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Quote:Yoda
on Jan 23rd, 2010 at 2:50 am
I believe my sister is doing something the same. I wish luck to you.