I can't exactly say things have been marvelous, but my siblings and I are hanging in there.
The four of us have met at my parent's house and decided on things we want to keep. Most of the grandkids have been allowed to pick out a couple keepsakes to remember grandma and grandpa... It's amazing how some have displayed respectful behavior in picking out their keepsakes, and others had total disregard of their grandparent's property... standing on furniture and rifling through drawers and closets. Even the four year old took me by the hand and pointed to and asked if she could take "babies" home (My Mom has a small doll collection).
I've spent weekends at my Mom and Dad's cleaning, organizing, and discarding things that are clearly trash. I've also raked leaves off the driveway and steps, as well as burn trash. By the end of each day, I get so sore and feel like an old lady. My 22-year old niece told me that when she gets to be my age, she's going to be able to do 100 jumping jacks. When I told her I'd like to see that, she said "You'll be in a nursing home and I'd have to come back every day to do them because you won't remember what I did the day before." Wow...
CONDOLENCES
I'd like to send out a big heart-felt thank you to all of you who have sent me cards, emails, and commented on my blog over the loss of my Mom. She would be touched, and I certainly am. I have had overwhelming moments at this time in my life and it has helped to know you care enough to reach out. Thank you very much!
STITCHY STUFF
::Happy Dance:: I have a finish of sorts to show. Last week, I finished the stitching on Heart of America. Woo Hoo! I still have to sew the buttons on and frame it. So, all you get to see is this:
Yep, it's the back. I'm a stinker, aren't I? As soon as I get the buttons on and frame, I'll reveal it in all it's glory. ::big grin::
A while back, I won a giveaway hosted by my SM Sue. Thank you, SM! She sent me a Halloween chart by Blackbird Designs, some fabric, and floss. I'm not a big fan of BBD, but I really like this one.
If you haven't guessed, this is my newest "start". I'm stitching it on 32ct darker Wichelt linen with a combination of CC, GAST, WDW, and DMC threads. Here's my progress so far:
Until Next Time,
24 comments:
The back looks great Meari. Very neat. You don't have to turn it around to see how well it was stitched.
That is a cute BBD. Looks good so far.
Grief comes in waves and you never know when it will hit you. You've been through a lot.
Hugs Sandy P.
Meari, I can't put into words what I want to say. Just know that my thoughts & prayers are with you.
ohhh blimey ... I had to double take that it was the back first .... love your new start I have this in my to do pile ... but I think you will get this finished before I have even started ..lol
love the tale about the jumping Jacks ... but we are not that old ....((hugs)) love mouse xxxx
Wow the back is so neat and I love it so much
I love midnight watch,,it's a sweet stitch
Big hugs xx
I can't begin to imagine everything you must be going through right now Meari- I am still blessed with both my parents, even though they live in another city and I need to take a 2 hour flight to see them :) It can't be easy having to sort through things after either.
Your finish...yes well.....I did look twice before I read that you'd posted the back...thought my eyes were playing tricks on me :)
Heart of America is a beautiful finish Meari. I love te start of your Midnight Wach. I still have not tried to stitch on 32ct linen. My last Anniversary sampler was on 28ct linen.
your niece sounds a little heartless and I hope that she was just teasing you. I hope that with time you will be back to your old self again.
Tara
Your LHN piece looks stunning and I do love the frames; however, No. 1 is my absolute favorite!
I am so sorry the clean out is stressing you; I know how that is when there are so many other family members involved.
Love you,
Sue your SM
Wow! I'm so impressed with the back of your work. I was sure you had posted the picture backwards. Very beautiful! Again I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mom.
I love the back of your Heart of America - incredibly neat!
Looking forward to your progress on the Midnight watch.
Blessings to you as you work in your parents' home, Donna ILCS
Heart of America looks great and I can't wait to see it in all it's glory! Nice new start.
Sorry to hear about how some are acting picking out keepsakes; unfortunately I think it is a common occurrence.
I've been thinking of you, Meari, as I know this must be a very emotional time for you and your siblings as you sort through your parents house. I'm sure you've come across things that have made you laugh as well as some that have made you cry. It sounds like there were no major problems with the division of things which is wonderful--not every family has the same experience. I hope the rest of your cleaning up goes well...
If the front of your stitching looks anywhere near as good as the back, we are in for a treat. And I look forward to watching you stitch the BBD piece. I've always wanted to stitch that one myself even though, I, like you, am not a huge fan of many BBD designs. So glad your stitching can help ease some of the pain of the past few months... Take care now.
Oh Meari. My heart hurts to read of the family affair going on with your parents possessions. I have been through that. It is the pits. You really see a person in a whole new way sometimes. Not good either.
Just take one day at a time. You never know when something small will remind you of your parents. It does get easier to deal with but you don't forget.
If you want to pass on the Blackbird pattern when you are done, let me know. I could trade you for one that is similiar but different. I'll try to get a photo up soon.
jackie
http://needleworkerssamplings.blogspot.com/
Meari I know exactly what your going through from first hand experience. Keeping you in thought and prayer, glad you have siblings to lean on each other. Your stitching is always beautiful, so the back side doesn't surprise me (Wow, I know my backs aren't that neat!). I love BBD and Midnight Watch looks wonderful. I don't think I have that chart so guess what?-Yep, you enabler:)I am visiting a great shop this weekend and may bring it home if they have the pattern. Take care Meari
It's good to hear from you Meari.
It is amazing, and very sad, what happens to families when someone passes. When my grandmother was dying, she refused to go into hospice and wanted her three daughters to stay with her, take care of her, and grow together that way. The three of them are barely speaking now. Actually, the two oldest are mostly ok with each other. The youngest was the real pain and isn't speaking with anyone at all. Which, based on what I heard and what I observed during that time, isn't a loss at all. Such a shame.
Good luck to you with sorting and taking care of your parents' home. And I hope that you and your siblings will continue to be good to each other.
Take care,
Karin in CA
Welcome back, Meari!
I wondered where you were. I'm very sorry about your loss. You have my sympathies.
Kirstin E. in Ohio
Go ahead and grin! The back is so clean. I wondered why the letters were backwards! When my mother died, the relatives descended. I'll leave it there. Luckily it sounds like a peaceful division of your parents house, a testament to how your parents raised you and your siblings. Take care!
Meari,
First of all, when I tried to reply to you when you commented on my blog regarding my being at peace regarding my fiend, I tried to reply. The silly thing wouldn't let me.
Now for my response to your blog update: You have been in my prayers. I am fortunate that both my mom and dad are still living. I am not sure how I will handle that when it happens.
Congrats on your finish! I'm looking forward (LOL)to seeing it with the buttons on.
Your new start is looking great so far!
Dear Meari your finish is wonderful even backwards.
Take time to grieve at your own pace you lost both your parents in so short a time
I think about you everyday sweetie. I felt the same way when my grandparents passed away. I cherish everything she gave me and my other cousin doesn't care at all. To each their own but I'm thankful I'm the way I am. It's not an easy process to get everything taken care of I understand. Love ya!
Sorry the family is not at their beat right now. It's hard enough to lose someone but to have to deal with that too is not right! Your stitching is lovely as always! Take care of yourself.
Your finish looks pretty darn awesome backwards. Congrats! Love the new start as well.
Oh Meari, so sorry to hear of your moms passing
Your stitching looks great
Take care
Meari -
Your stitching looks great!
Marge
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