Followers

5/13/2017

Thank You .....

Good afternoon, and thanks for dropping by to visit. I'm sorry I've been MIA for a while, and equally sorry to say it's apt to continue for a time yet. I did want to post a thank you card for kindness by neighbors & friends...and after the card share a bit about what's going on in our lives. I expect you have been aware that my SIL's illness resulted in gentle passing shortly after she was moved to the teaching hospital in our city. Thankfully, all her children arrived in time - although she was in a coma, and we don't know if she was aware of anything. The service was heartfelt and lovely, with a wonderful eulogy given by her grandson-in-law. (well, if any service of this kind can be considered lovely!) What an outpouring of support my brother & his family have had from our community...it really boggles the mind. People have been so very kind to all of us.

Still lots of things to be done & we're trying as best we can to help him adjust, do the things that follow this kind of situation. One daughter is local, but she also works. So we try to help with whatever he feels he needs/wants done. He's solo'd in the day a couple times, but said he is not ready to be alone just yet at night. We've stayed with him some nights - he wants to stay in their home, and a few nights, 2 of his granddaughters - very young adults - have come over to stay with their "Pawpaw". I've told him, he'll know when he is ready to be there alone at night.. I understand how he feels the loss more at night.



- a snippet from a box of long-ago colored flowers....a Stacy Stamp. Just die cut with a S/B Deckled rectangle, edged with DI mustard seed. Found some 6x6 papers, cut rectangles from the plain S/B rectangle set.

- background was stamped on DP in Memento Bamboo Shoot green with the same flower used in the focal image. Then embossed (and ended up with the wrong side of the EF, so this one got debossed!)

- Scalloped rectangle punch for the sentiment, and the card was done. Even with all the elements to hand, still took a while to get it together, get it photo'd, before mailing :-)

On a much happier note: We have been planning a big trip for a couple of months. The unforeseen events made me feel I couldn't go away just now. However, we've arranged (hopefully) for my older brother & SIL to come stay at our house while we're away, and at night, go stay with #2 brother. It's good to have somebody in the house anyway, and they live a some miles away from our subdivision. Don't drive at night (well, he doesn't drive as he has Macular Degeneration too - as #2 brother is dealing with as well). So that's the plan.

We are driving to Boston, then after a rest from the drive, fly from Boston to London with our best friend (the Yankee! Who happens to be in Spain just now with our DD & SIL. They flew from Fla, he left from Boston, and they met up in Spain). Boy, do we sound like world travelers. Really not!
From London, the plan is to take the train down towards Pt. Isaac, rent a car, and drive. I hope with 3 of us in the car, we can insure we stay on the proper side of the road. This has been a dream of mine for so long, and I figured it was just that - a dream. Nearly dropped my jaw when I heard DH on the phone back in February, "ask your travel person about setting up this trip". And he did, got all the flights, reservations planned. Then when we had the family emergency, I said I didn't feel able to leave. As long as my brother has somebody to look in as he needs it, then I can go. I'd love to meet up with lots of my UK pals. However, with 2 men, I'm not sure that would work. Both would be great about it, but -- this is a sightseeing trip for the 3 of us. We have so many things each of us wants to see, so I thought it best to not try to plan on meetups that might be tricky to schedule. We'll be in the UK for about 3 wks, then fly back to Boston. Be there for a couple days to rest, then drive back to South Carolina. I've been so excited about this for a couple of weeks...

I'm taking a little hiatus from the Christmas Card Club - just can't seem to manage what is going on at the moment with our family, & making cards, keeping up with our obligations, and trying to assist in another scenario. So I do hope you will all understand if I don't visit for a while. And I hope you won't forget me! I'll be back - God Willing. Just need some time.

Please do look on the Cards by Friends page. We have received some of the most beautiful cards from some of you. I can't describe how comforting we both found them, and how kind of those friends who had us in their prayers. Will share with the rest of the family in time; just now, they have enough doing the things that are part of a death, and try to just get through each day. We will--we are a close family, God fearing, and strong together.

I wish all the Mothers a wonderful & most happy day, that you can be with your children.
God Bless and thanks for being my friends. I'll have another scheduled post in a few days...and perhaps even finish up some tidbits...who knows!

Hugs

46 comments:

  1. Your card is beautiful today Mary, but I'm so happy and excited for your upcoming dream of a lifetime trip! You should never deny your dreams because sooner or later time runs out, so go and have a wonderful time and see all those things you've been wanting to see in this world! You'll never regret something this amazing! Have a nice mother's day and a wonderful trip! I'll see you on the flip side :) Travel safe!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Mary, I'm glad to read you! So sorry for your SIL's passing over.. But now she doesn't suffer yet. Having a strong close family is a blessing in bad moments and you are lucky to have it. So glad to know that the sons take care of their dad. I'm happy instead for your lifetime trip, wow, it sound so exciting! I wish you a lovely fly and a fab vacation time!!! Enjoy the travel, Boston and London!
    Your card is sunny and really beautiful, great colouring on the flowers, lovely diecut panel and fabulous choice of papers! The debossed background panel looks amazing, has been a luck putting the paper in the wrong side! :)
    Happy mother day and bigs hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so sorry for your loss, Mary. I'm glad all of your SIL's children were able to arrive in time. Your trip sounds like so much fun!! How exciting!! I hope you have a wonderful time!! Enjoy your travels!!

    Your card is beautiful!! I love the pretty flowers!! They're colored perfectly!! Absolutely gorgeous!! I hope you have a wonderful trip!! Safe travels, my friend!! Big hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Mary, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the passing of you Sister in Law.
    Your card is beautifully bright and sunny looking. Lovely flower stamp.
    Your forthcoming trip sounds exciting. i wish you safe travelling and hope you have a fabulous time.
    Jean x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Mary. I have missed you so thank you for taking the time to catch us up on what is happening. I know that the parting of your dear SIL was a shock to the family and I hope that they are coping with the loss. It's so wonderful that you have been there for your brother during this difficult time.

    Your card is beautiful and bright. Thanks for sharing.

    Enjoy your trip. Sounds like you have lots planned and will have a wonderful time. Looking forward to hearing all about your trip once you are back home. Safe travels, my friend. xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. I checked your blog a couple times & did figure you'd lost your dear SIL. I'm so sorry for your family, Mary--not something we're ever prepared to deal with. It's wonderful you have a close family & your faith will sustain you, I know. So glad you were able to work things out to let you keep your plans for the exciting trip! I went to the British Isles & Ireland before I was married & must say--I would have taken the car right back to the rental agency if I could have found my way back to it--haha! After pulling over to catch my breath we (I was with a gal I didn't know very well) went on & had a fabulous time for 6 weeks, but we only drove in Ireland & mostly in the country. The card is really beautiful with all the elements--love using embossing folders for debossing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry for your loss Mary. Look forward to that wonderful trip - it really sounds like it is just what you all need right now. Sometimes life does get in the way of stamping - take care of yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  8. A beautiful card Mary, such an adorable image and pretty colours.
    Valerija xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. My dearest Mary and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your sister-in-law. Your family will have a tough time for a while as they come to terms with their loss too. Grief works different for everyone and patience will be required as time goes on. Your card is so beautiful Mary and the colouring again is perfectly done. Enjoy your trip to the UK and hopefully the weather is kind to you. London is just a bit to far for me to travel, but I know you will enjoy it. Sending Love and Hugs Rita xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh Mary what a time you have had of it - I had missed the 'news' as I had our own 'happenings' to deal with. I do hope you enjoy your trip and can make the most of it - it sounds wonderful, and a timely antidote to what has been happening!!
    Blessings and prayers
    Maxine

    ReplyDelete
  11. (((Mary))) I hope the sadness soon eases and everyone has happy memories.

    Hope you enjoy your trip over here.

    Lovely card.

    Take care. Sue

    ReplyDelete
  12. So lovely to see you back Mary, but so sorry for your loss, it must be such a difficult time for all of you, but good that there is so much support in the family.

    Your card is beautiful, I love those golden yellow flowers, such 'happy' flowers!

    I am so thrilled to hear that you are taking the holiday that you have wanted to take for so long! You are right to make it a holiday for the three of you, I hope you get to see everything that you want to, that you really enjoy it - oh, and that the weather is kind to you!! All the very best to you both, I am thinking of you! Big hugs, Anne xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm so sorry to hear about the sad loss of your SIL, please accept my sincere condolences.
    Your card is so pretty, beautiful flowers and lovely sunny yellows.
    Your trip sounds wonderful, have a fabulous time and take lots of photographs, we will catch up when you get back.
    Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
    x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mary, I am so sorry for your loss! Sending prayers to you and your family. Enjoy your trip to Boston and London!! Happy Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  15. So sorry for the loss of your SIL Mary, I guessed that may have happened after your last post, and it sounds as though you have all rallied around your brother to help him cope with his sad loss. I think your UK trip sounds amazing and you will love Port Isaac and the Cornish coast is very special. We have been there in the past and had a few holidays in Cornwall as we are only two or three hours away from there by car. I love your card too and the colours are so bright and pretty and love the beautifully coloured flowers. We have missed you here and I am so pleased that you have this wonderful trip to look forward too. x

    ReplyDelete
  16. We definitely won't forget you during your hiatus, Mary! Enjoy your trip! I LOVE this bright and beautiful card! It's like this mornings sunshine...very uplifting! Safe travels and God speed, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good to see you back, even for only a short moment. Beautiful card. Wishing you a nice trip!

    ReplyDelete
  18. My sympathies, Mary, in the loss of your SIL, but your post warmed my heart. I would love for people to say my passing was gentle, and that the service was lovely. It sounds as though your family and friends treasured your SIL. How nice to have that kind of support.

    Going to the UK! How marvelous for you! Wishing you a very happy adventure, and good weather, too! Before I forget, Happy Mother's Day, my friend!

    Your card is BEAUTIFUL! I love the stamp, and your beautiful sunshiny coloring. Hope you are having a great day! hugs, de

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am so sorry about your sister in law passing. We are never ready for somehing like that. I am so glad you were able to work out plans for your brother not to be alone while you are gone. Your trip sounds wonderful and I'm so glad you all have things mapped out you want to see. We will miss you but we will be right here when you come back. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your card you posted is so beautiful and I love the floral arrangement and design of it. So sorry you have to deal with this but it is lovely that you are there to help your brother out so much. I know he appreciates it a lot. In situations like this, family comes first so we understand if you are missing in action awhile.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sending hugs Mary and wishing you all safe travels and peaceful visits. We look forward to seeing you back when life allows, but will keep you in our prayers and of course will not forget you. xxx Zoe xxx

    ReplyDelete
  22. So sorry to hear about your SIL. I hope time eases your brother's pain. It is good he has family near by.
    I hope you enjoy your trip, it sounds wonderful! Photos please!
    Your card is just beautiful!
    Pam
    scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. So sorry to hear about your SIL, sending hugs and prayers. Your card is so beautiful, love the yellow!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm so sorry for your loss, Mary.
    Nice card, love the colour.
    Hugs, Chantal S

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Mary, so very sorry to hear about your loss as I have been away for a couple of week myself, with no internet so please forgive me for being late in sending my sympathies to you and being so very pleased that you are finally getting your dream come true. I hope that you have a great time and you are not disappointed and our weather holds up for you.
    A really lovely card, love all the yellow and the lovely background.
    Have a great time and good luck with the roads.

    Kath xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. So sorry for your family's loss of your sil. You and your family are in my prayers. Glad there is lots of family and friends around to help out when needed. So happy for you and your trip. Go and have fun do what you want and just enjoy. We will wait to hear from you when you can write again.
    Hugs and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your card is beautiful, Mary- so spring-like and cheerful! SO terribly sorry about losing your SIL and how exciting to embark on such a wonderful vacation! Have a fantastic time!

    ReplyDelete
  28. May so sorry to hear that your SIL passed away.She is now with the Lord and being cared for I am sure. Your trip sounds exciting and I hope that you can enjoy your time in London and see all you want to see. I've missed your blog entries but certainly understand. Life happens so quickly and you never know what will happen next. Lovely card. Beautiful colors and I love the design. Take care of you and hope that everything works well for your trip. Bug hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your brother is so lucky to have you close by and willing to help. And lots of other people too! Your trip sounds wonderful and I'm glad your dream is coming true! Enjoy every minute of it!
    Adore your sunny looking card!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am so very sorry for your loss Mary. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    How wonderful that you are able to go on a lifetime dream trip! Take lots and lots of pics to share. :)

    Your card is very beautiful! I love the bright cheery colors and pretty flowers!

    Hugs, Sherry x
    Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

    ReplyDelete
  31. So sorry for your loss Mary-but hope you all enjoy your trip and all your organizations make it easy for you.Love the beautiful card and sunny colour,the debossed can be just as beautiful as the embossed -a happy accident-take care and safe travelling
    Carol x

    ReplyDelete
  32. So pleased to see you Mary but saddened by your news, you and yours are in my thoughts. It sounds like you have exciting times ahead and I am so thrilled for you, especially your trip to Port Isaac, you will love the charm of it and if you are after a good breakfast I highly recommend Ruby Tuesday's which is on the way down to the harbour from the car park!! Give me a wave if you pass through Dorset. Such a pretty card, the stamp is gorgeous and yellow suits it very well. Take care xx

    ReplyDelete
  33. So sorry for your loss of your SIL Mary, glad you manage to be together.
    How wonderful to fulfil your dream and come to the UK! hope our weather is kind to you.
    Beautiful card and colours.
    Hugs Pam x

    ReplyDelete
  34. I didn't know you're SIL had passed away Mary. My sincere condolances. Your card is so pretty in that bright yellow. Your trip sounds exciting. And don't worry we will surely not forget you and look foreward to the moment you will be back.
    Enjoy the trip to the Uk hugs Veerle xxx

    ReplyDelete
  35. So sorry to hear of your SIL's passing, Mary, but glad that her children were able to be there with you all.

    Your trip sounds amazing - a real dream holiday. I assume you watch Doc Martin? You'll love Port Isaac, it's just like walking through the film set.

    Beautiful card, so bright and summery. xx

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm ever so sorry to hear of your family's loss. What a blessing that your family and community have come together in such a time of grief. The thank you is perfect and will be truly appreciated. Hugs, Autumn

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm just seeing this, Mary, and I'm so glad I popped in so I didn't miss it altogether. I'm very very sorry to hear about your sister-in-law's passing. It sounds as if you're taking very good care of your brother and he will be fine while you are away. BTW, your sunny yellow card is gorgeous!

    So from sad news to the incredible news that you are going to the UK! I'm am thrilled for you! I know how badly you have wanted to do that! I wish you safe travels and I can't wait to hear all about it!! Take care and be well! Huge hugs, Darnell

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is a beautiful card and very uplifting colour for. Time that is quite sad. It is nice to escape to this when you are going through so much. My thoughts are truly with you

    ReplyDelete
  39. So sorry for your loss, I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Donna

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love your beautiful card Momma Mary! It really is amazing how people gather around when we lose a loved one. I know I was in awe at the support and food that was brought into my house when hubby passed. I'm so excited that you are going on a trip of a lifetime. If it can be swung, you need to do it because as we know life is all to short. So go since you have someone to look in on your brother and enjoy yourself. I suspect he will want you to go too. Boston friend is getting around too! lol Good for him! I love that he is in Spain with DD and SIL! Hugs, Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  41. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your SIL, Mary ... I'll keep you all in my prayers. Your card is just lovely ... bright and uplifting! What an amazing trip you have planned ... wishing you happy aand safe travelling ... enjoy every single moment! Hugs, Anita :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Mary,
    I am so sorry for your loss of your SIL.
    My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.

    Only just seen your post as I have been away from my blog for a few days, as a nighbour had a fall and as he is crerer to his wife I have been trying to help.

    Oh how exciting for you this wonderful holiday will be.
    I can remember you saying you would like to visit the Uk again.
    Your DH is a treasure to arrange this.

    Love your wonderful card and the colours are so vibrant abd beautiful.
    Love the gorgeous flower image also.

    Love and big crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.xxx

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sorry to hear about your SIL, looks as if you are blessed with a great support system with friends and family. Your card is lovely.
    Is it Port Isaac in Cornwall you are heading too? If it is you will love it down there. Cornwall is my favourite county and not too far away. We are in Somerset on the Devon border and Devon borders Cornwall. Hopefully the weather will be kind to you, although I even enjoy Cornwall in the rain!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Hugs Mrs A.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I just love yellow flowers. This is such a satisfying card. I hope you enjoy the trip of your dreams!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Enjoy your trip, MAry. I know it has been a dream of yours and now it is finally coming true.
    I will look forward to your photos!

    ReplyDelete