Thursday, July 20, 2006
Molly recovered from her set back today. She wasn't able to eat for a couple of days, so she was weak. This afternoon when the therapists came in, they were just going to let her rest, but she insisted on getting up. She wasn't able to walk, but she stood with the walker and exercised her leg for about 10 minutes. When I look at her, I feel like I am looking at a giant. Her determination takes my breath away.
Once again, our thanks go out to Demitri Leenatali, his sister, his mother, and all the other band members who worked so hard to put Mollypalooza together. Thank you Jessica Biel. Thanks to Rock Island for hosting the event. Who knew that a bunch of kids could raise so much money? I wish I could have been there for the festivities. Watching the news coverage was fun. You guys rock! (In more ways than one)
Once again, our thanks go out to Demitri Leenatali, his sister, his mother, and all the other band members who worked so hard to put Mollypalooza together. Thank you Jessica Biel. Thanks to Rock Island for hosting the event. Who knew that a bunch of kids could raise so much money? I wish I could have been there for the festivities. Watching the news coverage was fun. You guys rock! (In more ways than one)
posted by Molly's Page at 11:23 PM
40 Comments:
History has just been introduced to the Unsinkable Molly BLOOM.
I have just learned about Molly tonight because of the media coverage for Mollypalooza. I live in Covington, Georgia, about 40 miles east of Atlanta. I have read some of your blogs. I will remember Molly and your family in my prayers. Stay strong Molly, and keep up the hard work!
I used to play basketball for washington park as a young girl thats when i came to meet molly. She was the only girl on the team who treated me as an equal,when i saw her picture on the news i just was overwelmed with tears. Hearing that shes trying so hard to recover gives a special feeling a motivation to get up in the morning, i wish i could do more then type to tell her that my hopes and prayers have been with her since the day i met her on the team, keep your stength and hope baby!
God Bless Molly and her family. My prayers with all of you.
Dearest Molly..My friend from afar..I live in Athens,Greece, and came upon your ordeal as I was scrambling through the net..I want you to know that I have made a chain-prayer for a 24 hour prayer circle for your recovery with friends from our church. We came to love you through your bravery and strength and just hold on to what God has in store for you.Remember there are some 60 people here in Greece-Athens-who think about you,pray for you and love you like they love their well known friends...Will get back yo you soon...oh, and a HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY..Take care little one, and to your parents...we love you for who and what you are, for your miracules (sp?) Molly...Your friend Mary
Dear Bloom Family,
Let me say, I must live in my own little world way too much. It was not until about 2am when I learned of Miss Molly. I was surfing the net unable to sleep, when I came across coverage of the Jessica Biel auction. What an amazing amount of money that was raised by the auction.
With that said, I sat here and searched Molly's name. I read the news coverages that I found and found my way to the blog. I just sat here and read the entire blog. For the first time in months I cried. I cried soo hard I am outta tissues.
Molly, I am in awe of you. You have more courage, strength, and will power than I have seen in a young woman in a long time. I am soo amazed by your will to heal. I only wish that I could have that same courage you have.
Molly, your family and hometown are amazing as well. The way everyone has come together to support you. The many people from around the world, wow is all I can say.
Bernadine, I am a mom to 3 boys. I hope someday to be as awesome as a mom as you are. You are a very amazing and strong woman. You deserve a mom of the century award.
Katy, I want to be the sister that you are. You are so inspiring to me. I hope that if my sister were to need me as Molly does you, I would be able to be as brave, strong, and helpful as you have been to Molly.
Bob, to you, I wish you were my dad. I wish my dad had half the courage, strength, bravery, and compassion that you have.
You all are truly an amazing and awesome family. You all deserve an award for each of your individual ablities and traits that exist amongst you all.
It is July 21 and 730 am here in Fenwick, Mi. That is about a hour northeast of Grand Rapids. I have dealt with what I thought was alot for one 27 year old woman to deal with. However, Molly you made me realize I have not had the strength, courage, or will power to deal with my issues as you have yours. You have made me think long, hard, and openly about my problems and deal them. You are the one to learn from. The one to overcome diveristy and go on to do great things and become someone extremely special.
Lots of prayers, thoughts, and love being sent your way.
Amber C.
amleigh0579@aol.com
I live in Clinton, TN, about 45 minutes west of Knoxville. I am 17, and in August will be starting my senior year of high school. I came across your blog yesterday after reading an article about Jessica Biel and Mollypalooza. I sat here and read the whole thing, and I cried, and I prayed. I was so amazed by this outpouring of love from family and friends, and neighbors and even strangers, that I began to search for other news coverage on Molly and let me tell you, I am in awe of her strength and ability to carry on after that tragic accident. The many surgeries, the rehab, and just the severity of her injuries is enough to cause anyone to give up. I don't think I could do it. And it's just not fair that she was not able to celebrate her graduation. She should be enjoying the summer and getting ready for college! Learning about Molly, her accident, and the wonderful family and friends she has surrounding her has made me stop and count my blessings. She is such a strong and inspiring young woman, and part of that has to do with the strong, loving, and supportive mother, father, and sister that she has been blessed with. I will continue praying for all of you, and for all the others dealing with similiar injuries, and also that the wheels of justice turn a little bit quicker and we see punishment for the careless driver. Best wishes Molly, and Happy Belated Birthday!
i just stumbled on an article on cnn.com about mollypalooza, and then found this blog. i read all of the entries. i'm not even sure how to put into words the way molly's story makes me feel. i guess i try to think about how i would feel being a 17 year old in that situation... i'm not sure i would be able to deal with it. molly sounds like one badass chick. i wish her the best in her recovery and rehabilitation. molly and the fam, you will be in my thoughts, on my mind, and in my heart. best of luck to you all.
-ryan bliss, nj
I am writing this from Brooklyn, NY. I was searching the internet and came across an article on Jessica Biel and Mollypalooza. They gave very few details about Molly's accident and I was intrigued to find out more. I did a search and came across this blog. I would like to tell Molly as well as her family that my heart goes out to her. I can't begin to imagine the pain that this tragic accident has brough upon you guys. Stay strong and may God be with you.
I have just heard about Molly through the news of Mollypalooza and I just wanted to let you know that people in Florida are prayer for her and your family. She sounds like an extremely strong young lady and is very blessed to have a loving family. We wish you all the best and a speedy recovery for Molly.
Wow, every time I read this blog, I am forced to just say Wow! I never can decide who I am most impressed with, I mean obviously it's Molly, but Bernie, you are simply beautiful! I just empathize with you so much as a mother and wish that I knew you!
My son knows Miss Molly Bloom who eats her hot dogs with a spoon and that's awesome!
He should be coming in to see her again soon!
Keep her spirits up and keep yours up as well!
All the love in the world!
Joni
I also, like many others, came across this blog after searching Molly's name after reading about the Mollypalooza. How horrible of a situation for such a young girl to be in. But I have to say, it is so amazing the strength and courage you have and that you hold. I sat and read the entire blog yesterday while at work, and I saved the blog in my favorites so I can keep up on your progress. Your mother is incredible, as well as your other family members. You all are so strong and one can only hope and pray that they could be as strong as you all when something so horrible crosses their path in life. I am from St. Paul Minnesota, and I send you the biggest hug you could imagine. You're all in my thoughts and prayers, especially you, Molly. Stay strong, and better days are sure to come, even if it seems impossible now. Again, sending you hugs from Minnesota.
Like others I heard about Molly through the news coverage of Mollypalooza. I sat there at read the entire blog at work yesterday and it just amazes me of the strength that the whole Bloom family has. Keep it up and remember that there are people all over the world thinking and praying for you.
Hi Bernie, Bob, Katy & of course Molly.
I live in Maine and just heard about your family and the events that has brought you to the world. Molly you are in our thoughts and prayers. Katy hang in there, being the older sister is always a big job. Stay strong you are amazing also. Molly the strenght you show is amazing. They say we are given only what we can handle. Girl you rock and no worries you are going to be just fine I know that. Remember it is worth fighting for and you will win the battle. Now mom and dad, you are going through every parents worse nightmare. I have a 19 and 16 year old. And yes we want to protect them every second but we have to let them go and hope for the best. As far as your anger it is normal and healthy to vent.. Now I can be angry for you, pass it along, purge it out of your systems and go on. The so called driver will some day pay for what he has done to your beautiful daughter.
You have raised an amazing young lady. You have a long road ahead of you but I have no doubt that you will make it to the end and come out the better for what you have gone through and for what you have yet to meet and conquer. But remember as parents it is your right to be a pain,to baby,to hover, to protect, to console, to discipline, to love, to hurt for them. And you have that right as long as you walk on this earth. That is what I tell my two all the time... It is our right to know who, when , why, how, and to know how they are feeling and doing....Don't worry about being too how do I say it (how about in Molly's face all the time) she is absorbing some of that strenght you are giving off... she needs you to be strong and to hover over her right now. That is what moms do. It is in our blood, dna, how can you turn it off. Nope we can't so no worries , keep doing what you are doing.. But don't forget to take some Bernie and Bob time, you will be stronger for it. Let family help. It is hard but you need to.
Molly one last thought, my daughters soccer teams motto.. "we came, we saw and we kicked butt"
You are going to be fine... There will be nothing you can't do. Your foundation is unbreakable....
I will check in to see how you are doing....
Stay strong and you will win.
Nicola and family
Hello Bob, Bernie, Katy, and Molly, As I read these comments I'm amazed at all the support from around the world. People really do care. Then I see the comments from the Denver area and all the friends Molly has, and I'm just blown away. All these events and fundraisers show how much Molly means to so many people. God is with you Molly, you are a very special person.
There is a new supermarket in town that has an automatic mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it turns on you hear the sound of heavy rain. When you get near the milk, you hear the sound of cows mooing. When you approach the eggs you hear the sound of hens cackling. So far I haven't had the guts to go down the toilet paper isle.
Stay strong and stay cool,
Denver Bob
Molly, you sound unsinkable to me!!! Way to go..you sound like one amazing person!! {BIG HUGS}
It's hard and scary to think that you're not gonna be the 'same' as before, but deep down you are. You are tough, just like before, and you're sweet, and funny, caring and hopeful and competitive. I can see that so clearly, from what your Mom has said in the blog. (She's a keeper, by the way!!)
I suffered an amputation when I was 12. It wasn't as severe as yours sounds, but it was terrifying. For me, I think it made me who I am. It formed a tough-girl part of me that has helped me conquer the hard parts of life. And it has given me a compassion like nothing else could. I am not less of a person, I am more. And I'm gonna bet...you will be, too.
At 32, I know now that the moment of tragedy was just that..one moment. It scared my family and me, but it was one moment. One! I have built millions of other fantastic, beautiful moments since then, and THOSE are the moments I think of when I lay down at night. And I smile. I smile.
I have two daughters now, who are 9 and 8. Nothing in the world would stop me from fighting to make every second of their lives wonderful, from trying to keep the hurt or pain away. It's heartbreaking to see your baby in pain.
My little Alyssa has had a few surgeries due to having only one kidney...she's a trouper, and you can bet I would do ANYTHING to take the pain away, like a mama tiger. This is what drives your parents to hover, and pester, and bug you and everyone around you. Be yourself, because there's nothing you can say or do that would drive them away. Lean on them, because they're your biggest fans!
Never give up on your goals, and fight for the life you want to have. Because that? That is what rehab work is all about. Getting on with your LIFE!
There's no doubt in my mind you are going to conquer any mountain ahead of you. Your mom's blog has shown hundreds of people how strong you are. We out here in the great big world wish you the very, very best. Believe it! There's lots of good out here, just a-waitin' for you to come out and experience it for yourself!!
You go girl! You are a champion!
Jen
Up there in the Adirondacks
Upstate New York
Dearest family, My heart aches for your pain and suffering. Molly, you are a true angel from heaven. I wish I could take the pain from you. I will pray for you everyday! You have come so far and I know you will have your life back very soon. Keep up the fight precious girl!!You are an inspiration to us all. Mollys mom,I am a school bus driver also. We know a good driver would never have let this happen. He and his employer should be charged need to be sued and punished. Because of their stupidity,and lack of responsibility.You are an amazing mom, I will be reading the blog as much as I can. Kiss Molly for the rest of us mommys out here that can't. She did not deserve this,and yet she has risen to the challege. She will have an amazing story to tell someday. Oprah better look out Molly may take over!! Love you family, stay strong we are all praying for you.
Molly,
You are lucky.
I think of the thousands of children worldwide in warzones having their legs arms and hands blown off every day.
There is no palooza for them.
To Anon 10:07
You are right. There are children being injured horrifically every day . . . but not here in Denver. Mollypalooza was a local event, because we here in Colorado take care of our own. That the national media picked up on the story is not our fault. The Bloom family has not solicited any of the attention they are receiving. Your comment was unnecessary, unfair, unkind, and unwanted.
To Molly and Family,
I am a former student of EHS c/o 2006 and I was there the tragic night that this had all occurred. Words cannot describe what you all have been through and are continuing to conquire. It actually feels sad to know that everyone’s words are helping you heal, but nothing can fix the past and what has happened. Although Molly and I were never fully acquainted since I conducted my studies elsewhere, at graduation it felt incomplete without her. Each day I keep the Bloom family in my thoughts and prayers and wish that there was more that the world could give you. I noticed that Mrs. Bloom has been gradually posting blogs. I hope everything is getting better and that the family is getting rest. Deep in my heart I hope Molly will live a life of nothing but smiles.
To Anonymous 10:07
I agree with the Anonymous 11:01. Yes, there are tragedies all over this world, but it is not appropriate or fair to knock Molly or her supporters. This is an incredible story of faith, hope and love, from which we can all gain strength and insight into these virtues. I pray that you can use your energy for positive action rather than destructive criticism.
The Bloom family has never ever solicited any requests for donations of any kind. It is the community of Denver, and her friends who love her, who have rallied round to try to help lighten the financial burden that Molly will have in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Those same people are certainly sympathetic to all of the other children who have been injured in every way imaginable. This should not take away from the incredible effort that we have all made for Molly. To insinuate that none of us is doing our part for any other cause is unkind. This might just be the catalyst that will open the hearts of other people in their communities around the world.
If you have nothing encouraging to say to the Bloom family, if you only want to rub their noses in something else, please refrain from posting any further blogs. Sit quietly with yourself, take the time to examine your own actions and make sure that you are doing something for someone else instead of lashing out your anger and cynicism on innocent people like the Bloom family; Molly most importantly.
If you have followed this whole tragedy you will notice the Bloom family has NEVER EVER shown themselves. They have not asked for a penny from a single person. This has been done without them doing anything but sitting at the hospital with their daughter/sister. It does go to show you what a fantastic family they are to be so loved that the community and world have reached out for Molly. They are overwhelmed by the support, it is so much more then they could have ever ever expected. Go away bad person
Frani Bloom here, sister/aunt/sister-in-law to the Bloom family. I need to let you know you are speaking about a wonderful family. My brother and his family are kind, caring, giving and loving people. They have chosen to not speak to the media or anyone else. They have not asked for any of this attention. They have been more concerned with first Molly survivng and now Molly's recovery. I'm not surprised by the outpouring of love, if you knew them you too would understand. They have felt nothing but humbled by all that has been done for Molly. They give all the time. You don't know my brother, but I can tell you there is not a harder working person on this earth. He works long hours, extra days and he just has always tried to take care of his family and be a good father and husband. Please don't attack them because they don't deserve it. As I said they have received this outpouring of love because of who they are, especially Molly. She's an awsome girl.
The Bloom family has shown exceptional generosity in this hardest of times. Mrs. Bloom frequently calls for prayers and support for others in addition to those for Molly. It is because of this generosity and openness that this blog and Molly's inspirational story are open to anonymous readers.
I suspect that the poster a ways back, is actually referring to his or her own loneliness and for that, I am truly sorry.
All the best to Molly.
East Mom
I also just happened upon your story and read every blog entry. What an incredible family you have! Please know that you are all in my prayers. Molly, you sound like a wonderful, strong and courageous young lady and my heart aches for this horrible tragedy that you have had to endure. I am sure that the strength you have shown will prevail and I have every confidence that you will one day provide motivation to others who have had to cope with tragedy at such a tender young age. God bless, keep the faith and stay strong honey!
To Molly and her family...
I, like millions of others, am just finding out about your story. I think that you are an amazing person with such determination and strength. You have SO MANY people now thinking and praying for you. I would hope that for many people, reading about you and your family would put in perspective the important things in life...I know it has made me think about my own priorities.
I wish you all the strength, determination, and perserverence that you will need. And, above all, love and support from everyone around you! (Which seems to be unending from your family and community. What a wonderful family you have!)
To the Bloom family,
I have been following this blog from the beginning and am truly moved by how well Molly has done and the TOTAL support from her family. I, too, was injured in an accident by a driver who was careless, and I also was about Molly's age (18) and spent my 19th birthday in the hospital. I broke my lower left leg badly and my left arm also. In addition to the support I had from my family, the biggest strength I had was the drive and determination that I will get better and beat this, which is what Molly obviously has. And.... I did. Bless you Bloom family and we are praying for you daily.
To the Denver Community,
Please disregard ANY negative comments from ignorant people. I am truly in awe of the way your community has rallied around the Bloom Family...it is inspiring. To think that some teenagers organized Mollypalooza gives me hope that the future will be a bright one. People all over the world are reading about what all of you have done to support Molly and her family in this most difficult time. You're amazing...God Bless you all, especially Molly and her family who I will continue to pray for every day.
Peace to all of you!
Molly,
I have just discovered your story and promise to keep up with your recovery via the net.
When I was 19 I was in an auto accident that caused me to obtain the loss of vision in both eyes along with a lot of pain and injuy to my face. However, through time, prayers, love, support and the strong will to survive and overcome; I gained back the vision in one eye and my face did heal. However, I remain visually impaired in my left eye, totally. It has been 6.5 yrs since that bad night. The injury and scars never go away, but my thankfulness to be alive and have the abilities that I do have increases daily! God is so good to bless us with what we truly need to be the best that we can be in life. Since the accident, I have gotten on with life and reached my lifetime goal of becoming an Elementary Teacher. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for what I have gone through. Some people can't understand how those of us that experience loss, recover and succeed. Some things just can't be explained...if an individual has the will to overcome then they will make it! Remain positive, even on the dark days. The sun will shine again and for each day that it does, you can smile again! You and your family are in my daily prayers and remain on my heart and mind daily as well. I look forward to hearing of your progress towards your healing.
God Bless,
Heather Potter
Today is the first time I have heard of your story, your family and yourself Miss Molly Bloom. You are an incredible young lady Molly and your strength and courage absolutley astounds me. I too stumbled upon your story while surfing the net and after some searching I found this site and have read every blog and every comment. I still have tears in my eyes from reading about your story and from reading all the kind messages of love, support and prayers offered to you and your family not only by loved ones but strangers as well. It is uplifting to see the amount of support that comes not only from your community but from around the world. Your story has actually left me quite speechless for words but I couldn't just read your story and not send you my thoughts and prayers to you, your family and your friends. I have added your Mom's blog to my favourites and will keep visiting to check on how you're doing. You are truly an inspiration. Keep doing what it is you're doing and take one day at a time.
Oh..and Happy Belated Birthday!! Keep your eyes open for a nice pink balloon with a purple ribbon tied to it in the sky; I sent it up earlier today with hopes that a balloon from Canada could somehow manage to find its way to Colorado.
Sending you loads of smiles and support,
Sarah
:)
Forget the date with Jessica Biel, I want a date with Molly! Hope you continue to fight and recover -- you'll be better than new in no time. It's all in the mind, and obviously you're doing well on that score! This old guy in Arizona wishes you a complete recovery -- and to your family, strength and peace to help you through the ordeal!
Molly; Stay strong and know that you have the resolve to see this through! My thoughts are with you daily and I think that you are and will continue to be a role model for all! My best.
Does anyone know the address for the hospital Molly's at? I'd like to send a care package to her in care of the hospital. Thanks!
Does anyone know the address for the hospital Molly's at? I'd like to send a care package to her in care of the hospital. Thanks!
Dear Molly,
Any time I think I am having a bad day, I think of you and your strength, and it makes me ashamed to think that I could be so weak and selfish. You give us all such motivation. Just knowing your story has made us look at ourselves a little closer. For that, I am truly grateful. Thank you Molly. You will shine the rest of your life.
Rochester, New York wishes you well. Hang in there - there is lots of time for great things. If you are ever in our kneck of the woods, I'll buy you a famous garbage plate from Nick Tahou's restaurant. Even from Colorado, it is worth the trip. Garbage plates may be just one of the many many things (perhaps better things) to look forward to once you get out of the hospital.
To the individual who earlier said:
"Molly,
You are lucky.
I think of the thousands of children worldwide in warzones having their legs arms and hands blown off every day.
There is no palooza for them."
Yes, negative person. Molly is lucky. Only in the way that an innocent girl who has suffered a heinous injury due to the neglect of an extraordinarily reckless limo driver can be, due to the outpouring of concern from first her community, and then beyond.
I agree with you, about the children in war zones. Don't get me started on THAT piece of politics. But rather than post your subtle negativity here, on the *family, friends and supporters* blog, why don't you do something constructive? Start a palooza for any number of good causes, if you wish. I am certain MANY folks expressing thoughts on this very blog would be more than happy to support it.
Because you do not KNOW (or likely care about) us , you might be suprised to learn that many of us who SUPPORT MOLLY, also support other causes that engender the same passion, sensitity and action that Molly's story has.
Think about it. And do something positive that does not involve slamming the goodwill of the people who post here.
No doubt about it. Denver is an enlightened and generous community. Many of those who have supported Molly have generously given their time, money and support to other causes as well.
My coworker knows Katy's boyfriend. I have been diligently praying for Molly and her family. I recently read the medical website about Molly's injury and prosthesis....you have alot ahead but I know by reading YOU are one determined young lady!
My family and I watched the Jessica auction over the internet. It was wonderful that Jessica offered to be a part of this. HOW awesome. This was amazing....the generosity of individuals for a young woman they may not know shows the true spirit of people...to help others.
May God continue to bless Molly's recovery and may Molly continue to lean to HIM for strength and peace.
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