I have some important things to say....everyone please read

[WebmasterPete]

I know that most of you know Shirley Nelson Brown, the owner of The Perfect Gift. She frequents this board quite a bit, and many here have utilized her services to order baskets for their staterooms on the Disney Cruise Line.

I met Shirley for the first time three years ago, and we became instant friends. We saw each other again last night for the memorial for the Apollo 1 astronauts, and had a chance to spend some more quality time together. Something really struck me about her as we were speaking. I know that we've all come across people who SEEM nice, who seem to do for others, but they really want the praise and glory that comes from it. Then, everyone once in a blue moon you come across someone who is genuine. Who really does help others from the goodness of their heart, and wants nothing in return. That's Shirley. She arranged this memorial yesterday for the Apollo 1 astronauts. She didn't have to do it. She did not advertise her business, or pass out business cards or look to gain anything at all from it. She did it to honor the heros and to help the widow of Gus Grissom. Most of the expenses came directly from her pocket, without reimbursment. But she never complained. She worked tirelessly to make this happen, and I'm so honored that she asked me to participate.

So, I just felt that I should let all of you know what kind of woman Shirley REALLY is. She is unlike anyone you will ever meet, and if you have the opportunity to meet her...TAKE IT! She's a first class lady!!

Thanks,
Pete

 

[Cruise04]

I truly agree - I have not met her YET but hope to the next time we are in the area. She made our cruise even more special!!!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Thanks for sharing that with us Pete. It has just reconfirmed my belief that Shirley is a true angel among us. I hope to have the honor of meeting her one of these days.

 

[bettemom]

Kim & I had the surpreme pleasure of meeting Shirley last year.She is everything good about this world....

Looking forward to seeing her again in Oct...

Bette

 

[figment52]

I couldn't agree more. I met her and chatted with her for close to an hour one Saturday last September. She is absolutely genuine.

WE love you Shirley

 

[jbix00]

We are staying in Cocoa Beach 2/27 enroute to our cruise on the 28th. I will make sure to see her on the 27th...

What she did for Mrs. Grissom to help honor the astronauts....I'm at a loss for words. It is rare these days that someone takes time out of their busy schedule to do something of this magnitude and importance without seeking financial gain or recognition.

Shirley - as my favorite Commanding Officer onboard the USS Saratoga always said - "Good on ya!" It will be a pleasure to meet you in person!

Jeff

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I'm not surprised. I've never met her but you can just tell. I hope to meet her someday, as well!

I'm so glad you were able to be the MOS, Pete. I'm sure you did a phenomenal job, as well.

 

[UKANGEL]

I would just like to add my thanks to this thread too if I may. Shirley helped me with a lovely surprise gift on my honeymoon last May. She put a great deal of thought and effort into finding just the right things for my new husband, and she didnt have to. What a lovely lady, thank you for telling us this Pete.

 

[trishy]

Shirley truly is a Class Act all the way.

 

[WDWLVR]

Pete - I couldn't agree more. Shirley and Norm are very special people!

 

[inkkognito]

Pete, you said it so well...you really summed up Shirley
She and Norm are two of the most genuinely nice people that I've ever met. She is such a sweetheart; meeting her is a real treat. She is an angel!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[AnnMorin]

i have "used" shirley's services twice now and plan to again this december, it was great meeting her, Norm and their adorable dog a few months ago.. Top shelf all the way in my book!

 

[jlp651]

She is great...I havent had the opportunity to meet her...but just in talking to her...you know she cares...

 

[disneygal58]

You are absolutely correct. I was fortunate enough to have been in attendance at the Memorial Service (per Shirley's invite) and was able to meet - very briefly - the creator of our beloved DisBoards. Pete did an incredible job as Master of Ceremonies at the service. It was a bit surreal and one could not help but look straight up to the sky and ponder.
Thank you both for an incredible experience,
Dawn Hope

 

[Hannosmom]

You betcha, Pete! She is one wonderful gal! When I was arranging for a basket for my daughter, we spent some time on the phone chatting. I felt like I had known her all my life. Only very special people have that gift, and Shirley is one of them.

 

[Verandah Man]

I couldn't agree more. I met Shirley and Norm last August before and after our cruise. Shirley not only came to our DISmeet(even though she wasn't cruising) at the Radisson the night before the cruise, but she also brought one of her delicious "homemade" Key Lime pies. It was such a pleasure and joy to meet both Shirley and Norm. Norm saw my family and I in the DCL Terminal parking lot as he was leaving after making deliveries to the Magic, he stopped his truck and took the time to say hi, and wish us a MAGICal cruise. I've talked to Shirley many times by phone since August, she is indeed one very special caring and loving lady, Shirley you are tops in my book!!!

Love Ya Dmom!!!

 

[Carol36]

I have to agree that she is a special lady, just from reading her posts. Her reputation exceeds her. She even took the time the night before the ceremony to reply to an email that I had sent her. I also look forward to meeting her on the day before our cruise. Carol36




HI SHIRLEY!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Thanks Pete - but this is a heck of a way to 'get back" at me - I want everyone to know what a great guy Pete is along his mom,
his staff, his partners - listen I could not have done it without Pete - in fact both Pete and I couldn't have made it happen without the support we got from his side and my side - we were leaning so heavy on each other, we have the imprint to prove it - The memorial was stunning - I am loss for words - I would love for Pete to print his speech on here - how he expressed the words, how he scanned the entire grounds looking at everyone -no I can not accept any rewards, for God was looking down and said "I am proud you are my son" so Pete may you always be rewarded for the awesome person you are, but then I looked at your mom and know why you turned out as you did - she is a fine lady and that says it all.
God bless you and yours always sweetie and know you have a great team beside you - so you are blessed -
Luv ya
Always
Me

 

[NAT&MAGSMOM]

There is nothing I can add to what has already been said.

Shirley and Norm are so dear to our hearts and we love both of them so much.

I wish I could have made it down to the service..I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

I am very proud to be one of Shirley's "daughters"....


Phyllis

 

[rae519]

Shirley made us feel like family from the moment we walked into her shop! It was an incredible feeling of love surrounding her, Norm and Rose. She just radiates with it and it touches everyone who comes in contact with her.

This woman not only believes in her faith, but she is the shining example of it.

God bless you, Shirley, Rose and Uncle Norm!

Rae and Michael