Imagine Spa

friday, march 5, 2010. 3 – 9 pm

imagine spa

Wow what a fantastice day it was!!!

Thank You to the MANY volunteers that made this happen!

Keep reading to see the stories below!

Next Imagine Spa event:

March 4, 2011

2010 imagine spa stories:

Thank you to everyone who made the Imagine Spa possible.

I am a single parent of 16 yrs of two children, one who has High Functioning Autism/ADHD Combined type. Since my husband left us I have not had time to even think of taking time out for me. Me kind of got lost in the daily demands of survival. I have not put on make up or nail polish in over 16 yrs. I went to the Imagine spa as I found this was a perfect opportunity to invite my Mom and Sister to something at the church, neither attend a church and my sister had not stepped in a church since my son was Christened in the Catholic Church and he is now 16. My sister is on dialysis from kidney failure and has a adopted son who is ADHD/FAS/High Functioning Autistic and Bipolar, this was an opportunity to forget it all for a evening and destress. We didn’t realize how much of an impact this night would have on her, she had a massage at the spa and normally she swells up at night and she can’t sleep for the pain, that night she had the best sleep ever and the next day her feet & legs weren’t swollen. I for the first time was able to do something I hadn’t been able to do afford in a year, I got my haircut. I also was given a manicure something I have never had in my life and got to meet a lovely women, Darlene, who I had great conversation with. I also got to explain to the nice lady who helped with the make up that I had no clue what to do with that stuff as a I heard my mom really laugh for the first time I think since her Breast Cancer over 5 years ago. I went to the spa scoring 0% on the Girly scale on Facebook to for the first time in many years actually feeling feminine & Pretty, not just so and so’s mom who dragged herself out of bed to face another day. Since the spa I have found myself caring a little more about myself which I feel is giving more of me to share with my family.

You all were a true blessing to my family,

~ Anonymous

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What can I say, I was a reluctant guest when asked to go by my daughter.

“ AM I GLAD I WENT”. ***YES YES***

When I arrived I was pleasantly surprised that I did not feel like a stranger or an outsider, instead I felt welcome and that they were glad that I had come. I felt the fellowship of all those that were there both volunteers and guests as we talked and got to chat with one another. I appreciated all the volunteers and definitely all the pampering.

Keep up all the good work and thank you again to those that paid the way that allowed those of us that could not manage the small fee charged. It should also be noted that the food was excellent and finished off a wonderful day.

If you spoke to those that know me they would tell you that I find it very hard to to accept anything from anyone, yes even a complement and I hope you will accept my sincere thanks.

~ Mary

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I was close to tears at times during that evening. It was awesome, and the massage felt so wonderful and laughing it up at the make-up table as well as encouraging each other was a delight…..

~ Lianne

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If I had to pick a favorite part, it would actually be the time I spent chatting with the other moms. There is a certain sense of comradere I felt with the other moms and i enjoyed trading stories and ideas about our children.

It made me feel like I’m not the only one dealing with the everyday stresses of raising a child with special needs.

I also really enjoyed being treated like a VIP for one very special night.

Thanks so much for all the time and effort put into this event.

Thanks again,

~Catherine

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AWE… SPOILT! – the overwhelming beauty and warmth, made such a welcoming atmosphere createed by decor and the volunteers. It truly felt like I was walking into a spa rather than our church. It was humbling to be treated soooo royally. The generousity of ALL the volunteers (and so many) was huge… beyond words!

I was one of the ladies that had my first manicure. Yes, as old as I am, I have never had a professional manicure. Probably largely because of being a nail biter from way back. (Also the time and money) It was embarrassing to reveal my stubby severely nail bitten fingers to Jenn. Gently and carefully she took care of my hands, without judgement, rather understanding. She relaxed me. We talked and shared. She encouraged, helped and informed. What a treat! Bottom line – I have not bitten my nails since spa day – 3+ weeks ! I am hoping this is a breakthrough. Whether or not I will go for manicures remains to be seen. I’m thrilled with the outcome and I am trying to do maintenance myself.

The neck massage I had later was ahhhhhhh, sooooooo relaxing. I felt like the stresses of the world all melted away!

CONNECTED – The relaxation lounge and lunch was very condusive to visiting and connecting. There was understanding and commorodity / bond that was very evident, even though each lady’s circumstances were unique, there was a special cord running through the spoken and unspoken chatters connecting us all… like being with old friends, sisters at a pj party!

JESUS’ PRESENCE – earlier I said it felt like a spa rather than a church, however, opportunities to see and feel His presence were everywhere! He shone through the volunteers, through [Shirley's] talk, the food, the tremendous, abundance of gifts! His love and work in action!

Thank you again Shirley and team!!!

An Appreciative Mom,