Thanks for visiting my site!
and taking the time to learn a little about me:
Pamela
a.k.a. "Raven"

I started here on the web with "Nick News" back in early 2001 to keep my
family informed of my son Nick's condition when he was hospitalized and
diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
Well it didnt take long to become addicted to all this! We have met so many
wonderful people who have really touched our lives, and we hope in some
small way to have touched theirs. Since 2001, "Nick News" has grown from
just a little news letter into something much bigger! And Nick just celebratedbr>5 years of REMISSION this fall!

And of course, I had to start my own site! And so, this is me:

I'll was born in the mid 60's...(that's all I'm sayin' *grin*)
I am happily married to Bob (18 years this Dec. 29th, 2007) And together we
have a son Nicholas who turned 13, March 21, 2007.

I spend way too much time here on the internet,but love it! I have belonged
to some wonderful web clubs all filled with wonderful caring individuals.
I have finally figured out my PSP in 05(after having it for 2 years!)
And at long last, I can finally give up the page builder and begin to code
my sets! I have opened "RavenzGraphix Pixel" and offer some linkware &
siggies for ya'al =] And I am getting ready to open RavenzGraphix Designs
where I will offer linkware/purchaseware websets.

But - as for the poem above - "The Vine" it really reflects my life and the
storms there in past & present

I am here to tell you - It is truely amazing how God prepares you for
the "storms of life"! And this, is my story.....

In 2000, I had just gotten back to church (after about 20 years)
and was baptised, and so excited with my renewed relationship with God!
My son asked Jesus to come into his heart on his six birthday and was later
baptised too that same year!

And then, not quite a year later....
the "Storms of Life" really started to hit......
My father Henry R. Holland, was diagnosed in August of 2000
with stomach cancer. And he passed away peacefully at home,
surrounded by his family 2 months later,on October 29.
(visit "On the Wings of an Angel" for a very special tribute)

Our son Nicholas, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma
(a malignant brain tumor cancer) on March 17, 2001.
Brain surgery, a stroke, physical therapy, chemotherapy,and radiation
- we have watched our child go through it all. But now, Nick in remission
has recovered slowly but surely. He has come a long way since 2001.
(visit Nick News for his story & current updates)

And then, 18 months after my father's passing,on March 13th 2002
My mother, Catherine Irene Holland joined him in Heaven Due to a fatal stroke
(visit "Under The Banner Of Love" and click on "Kay's Story" where we share
the sad but wonderous story)

Sadly, just this past September 30th, my mother in law passed away.
She had graciously let us move in with her 6 years ago when Nick
was diagnosed. We had to sell our house due to my having to take a
year off work to be with Nick though his radiation and chemotherapy.
She helped us out, and then when her health started failing,
we helped her out by being here. It was wonderful, I believe
for my son to grow up and have those 6 years with his Grammy.
They grew very close and helped each other out by just being together.
We miss her greatly, but feel very blessed to have had time with her.
We are now in the process of buying the house and it is wonderful
that we will be able to stay here, surrounded by memories of
Nick's Grandma D.

you might say my family and I have had some VERY ruff years...

But it is through the biggest and hardest of life's trials
that God's greatest and most memorable blessings occur!
God pulled me, and my family close to him So He could be here for us,
and He HAS, every step of the way! Together, with God, our family, and friends,
we have, and are weathering these fierce storms.
What could have torn us apart, thru God's grace, brought us closer.
As a family, and to Him.

And while we continue on through life's path, whatever it may bring us
I trust God to
shelter us, and to leave us exposed when needed.

When things get to be too much, I just look up and tell Him, "Lord, please
take this from me, and fill me with you peace." It may not come immediately,
but, it ALWAYS does!
You just have to have faith that HE will come through for you! Just remember
that even though He may leave us exposed, He is with us;

"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."
Psalm 37:24

The most wonderous and glorious blessings continue to rain down upon
us from Him, Jesus Christ!