Sunday, July 4, 2010

3 Cards For 3 Amazing Sisters

Hi everyone. I first want to say that this is a long post, so if you are unable to read the whole thing, I totally understand. I know how busy many of you are.

As some of you already know, my sweet little mom died on Wednesday, June, 30th. In some ways, it feels like it happened weeks ago, not days. Then there are times I feel like it must have all been a bad dream. She couldn't really be gone, could she? Needless to say, it has been a very difficult time with much sorrow and little sleep.

I am finding out that making cards helps keep me busy and has actually been very calming and therapeutic for me. My mom loved my cards, and I know she would not want me to stop making them. I also want to thank those of you who have sent messages of condolences. Your friendship means so much to me. Two of the many reasons why I love this hobby so very much.

I need to explain a few things so you can understand why I've made these three cards for my sisters. In the last month or so of my mom's life, she wanted to stay as independent as possible. That meant staying in her own home for as long as she could, knowing eventually that the cancer would force her into needing more help. The 6 of us kids took turns helping her with daily chores, meals and taking her to appointments.

As the weeks progressed, along with the cancer, mom became weaker and even had a few falls. We realized that she should not be alone at all anymore. Two of my sisters, Mary and Laurie, live very close to her, so they started taking turns sleeping there. Finally we had to convince mom that it was time she move into my sister Nancy's house. This had always been the plan. We did not want her to be put in a nursing home. Nancy has a lovely home, with plenty of room and she and her husband, Jim, were kind enough to give mom a peaceful, loving place to stay in the last days of her life.

I am so appreciative of the love and care that my sisters gave so easily to our mom, so I've made each one of them a card. I made this first card with some Making Memories paper and will be sending it to my younger sister, Laurie.

Laurie had the perfect combination of gentleness and strength each time she was with my mom. She really is so special.


This next card is for my sister, Mary. She is so sweet and actually took a fall, along with mom, down a few stairs. She felt so badly.

Mary was always there for mom whenever she needed anything....and I mean ANYTHING.


This last card is for my oldest sister, Nancy. She is the most generous person I know and is married to a man who is just as generous. My mom stayed at their house for a week before she died. In that week, Nancy, her husband and their four girls never left my mom alone for a minute.

The sacrifices they made in order to give mom dignity, love and peace were nothing short of amazing.

I'm hoping these cards help show my sisters just how much I love them and appreciate all they did for our mom.

I know this was a long post, but I felt it was so important. Thank you, as always, for visiting. Much love and hugs to all of you.

42 comments:

Sue McRae said...

Barb I am so sorry to hear about your mothers passing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
It's so wonderful of you to acknowledge your sisters for their support and kindness during the last few weeks, I know they will truly appreciate it.

Pam W Merwin said...

Barb, I follow your blog from a link I have on mine. I love looking at the cards you make here and on Flickr. I am sorry I missed the post of your mother's passing. I know how you feel as I lost my mother 4 years ago to colon cancer. What a blessing it was that you and your sisters could minister to your mother in such a special way. I know your sisters will love the beautiful cards you make for them. Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Nancy said...

Oh Barb, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. My prayers are with you and your family.

CinnamonSally said...

Barb I am so sorry, but you are so lucky to have such a close and loving family who supported your Mum through the last few months.
Hugs
Sally

Jill said...

Oh Barb, your post brought tears to my eyes. How proud your mom must been as she looks down upon her beautiful, caring girls. Your cards are gorgeous and the thought and meaning behind these pieces of art is especially touching. Sending you more hugs and prayers than you know!!!

Trinh said...

Barb, I am so sad to hear about your mom's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. So sweet of you to make cards for your sisters; they will be so touched. Take care & know we are praying for you!

Lin said...

I loved reading your post today, Barb, as you have been in my thoughts alot. You are so fortunate to have your sisters there with you to share the grief and remember the joys of your dear Mom's life. She raised some pretty special people, and her legacy will continue in you all. Your cards are all lovely, and I'm sure they'll be cherished. Hugs to you all as you live through this difficult experience.

Dawn T said...

Barb... the tears are pricking my eyes as I read your wonderful tribute to your sisters. How lucky you are to have such special people in your life. Your Mum sounds like she raised a very special set of people in you and your siblings. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Joy said...

Barb, I am sitting here reading and writing this comment to you, sharing tears with you. I want you to know how much I care and how much love that I am sending your way, you are always in my thoughts. I know that the beautiful cards that you have made for your wonderful sisters will be treasured forever. Hugs my sweet and dearest friend.

Rosemary said...

Oh gosh, Barb! What beautiful cards for your sisters! I know they are going to treasure them always! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! And like everyone else, shedding some tears as I write this. But, it is so good to see you creating! Hugs!!

Debbie said...

Barb, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I know how hard it is and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I so glad that you have such wonderful sisters and you will have each others support. You will also be able to share wonderful memories of your mom. I love the cards you made for them, I'm sure they will treasure them.

Nat said...

Barb,
These cards you made for your Sisters are wonderful and its so good to see you making cards. Your family is so caring, & everyone was there for your Mom. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Huge hugs, Natalie.

donna mikasa said...

Oh, Barb...your cards for your sisters are so touching and the stories behind them, too. Keep making your cards, if not for yourself then for others because I think it will help with the healing process. Big hugs to you, dear friend.

Anonymous said...

Oh Barb I am so sorry about your mum. I've been out of the blogging loop this past week but just wanted to send you my deepest condolences and hugs and let you know I'm thinking of your during this tough time. The cards for your sisters are all gorgeous as always :)

Vanessa said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom, Barb! Your cards for your sisters are beautiful, they will treasure them. You are in my thoughts! Sending big hugs, Vanessa x

Tiffany Ervin said...

Wonderful post Barb! It really is therapeutic to make the cards and also to write about our experiences and sharing them here! What a wonderful tribute to your mom and the thoughtfulness of your sisters, your cards are beautiful! Thinking of you, BIG HUGS!

Tanya said...

Barb, so sorry for you loss, the cards are a beautiful thank you for your sisters. It sounds like you have a wonderful family.

judy said...

Barb, I was very sorry to hear about the death of
your mother. It is wonderful that you and your
sisters have each other to help one another at this
very difficult time.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Still thinking of you and your family, Barb, at this sad time. These cards for your sisters are so beautiful and clearly made with love. I'm so glad you were supportive of each other during your mom's illness and passing. Linda W.

Virginia L. said...

Barb, what a heartfelt post and tribute to your mom and, especially your sister! I'm so saddened about the news and hope that you take comfort in all things important to you, your siblings and relatives , friends and card-making. I also find card-making helped me tremendously when I first experience the loss of my father just a month ago. My toughts and prayers are with you and oyur family! xoxo

Kath Stewart said...

Hi Barb...so sorry to hear about your Mom but she was so lucky to have such lovely daughters and I'm sure you have wonderful memories of happier times that will see you all through this difficult time....love all the cards you have made for your sisters....big hugs kath xxx

Nancy said...

I'm so glad that you are finding comfort in your creativity. These cards you lovingly hand made for your sisters are beautiful and I've no doubt will touch their hearts. The way you all worked together to fill your mom's last days with love is a wonderful tribute to her and the family she raised. What a blessing that you have a loving family to share in your grief and to help you through these difficult days.
Keeping you in prayer and sending love and hugs!
bless you,
nancy

Anonymous said...

Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. How blessed your mother was to have her daughters and their families caring so lovingly for her in her final days. May her soul rest in peace and may you all be filled with comfort and peace in the days ahead. You will all be in my prayers,
Judy1223

Lucille K said...

Oh Barb,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom, I know how had it is to lose her. Your family sounds so lovely and you are lucky to have your sisters. My thoughts to all of you.
Lucille K xoxo

Lucy Abrams said...

Sending lots of love to you Barb. I am sure your sisters will treasure the beautiful cards you have made for them. I'm thinking of you lots - and hoping that you and your family find comfort together.
With love, Lucy xxx

Kelly said...

Hi Barb, I too want to express my sympathy for your loss. I lost my mother almost 14 months ago to cancer as well. My therapy was putting together a memory book of my mother. Remarkably I managed to get it together without too many tears. I am very proud of the way it turned out and keep it visible in my living room. The cards you made for your sisters are beautiful and I am so glad that they were there to help care for your mother. You and your sisters need to stay close and give each other strength to get through each day. Unfortunately I don't have any encouraging words to help you get through these next weeks and months. There were days when it was all I could do to get out of bed and just breathe. I pray that God will give you all the strength that you need. God bless all of you.
Kelly Murrel

Suzanne C said...

Barb... I have tears in my eyes as I read this. My thoughts and prayers are there for you and your family. Your cards are beautiful and sure to be appreciated by your sisters as well as the words you have shared about them. I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs, Suzz

Anne said...

Hi, Barb. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. And I love the treasures that you made for your sisters - to remember them and their time with your mother. The cards are so special and it is so thoughtful of you to have made them. Thinking of you.

Kathy (krolski) said...

Barb, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your post was so touching. It sounds like your Mom was an amazing person and your sisters are just as amazing. And of course we (your HA Flickr friends) know that you are such a special person too. Your cards are beautiful and I know your sisters will appreciate them. Sending you hugs my friend and thinking about you during this difficult time.

stampingandstitching said...

Barb, you are still very much in my thoughts and prayers. This is such a lovely tribute to your sisters and I can see the love that went into making each of these cards. I'm sure your sisters will cherish them. I know you will all comfort and support each other as you go through this very hard time. Love and hugs.

ivy said...

card crafting is my escape and i am glad this helped you keep your mind busy and calm. the cards you made for your sisters definitely shows the love & admiration you have to them. what a great group of siblings to care for your mom when she needed you guys the most.
i am sorry for your loss.......hoping you'll continue to keep your mind off things by making beautiful cards. huge hugs to you---you're in my thoughts.

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Barb, you're in my thoughts & prayers. Did you get my email that I sent you? Please know I meant it when I said you can contact me whenever you feel the need to talk. Hugs, Vera.

Vicky said...

Barb, such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing a part of your life that is so personal with us. May you have hope, love and comfort in the present with your loving family and friends.

Deirdre said...

Barb, so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and sending hugs to you across the miles.

I adore the cards you made for each of your sisters and I am sure they will love receiving them for you. Hugs, Deirdre

Godelieve said...

So sorry to hear about your loss Barb.
I want to tell you so much more, but my poor English is not enough on occasions like this.
Take care...

GrammySue's Creations said...

Barb, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. I lost my Mom 34 years ago this month and I still miss her very much. Take care and God bless. You are so very thoughtful and the cards that you made for yours sisters are beautiful. Hugs to you.

78thistles said...

Barb, so very sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts are with you. Your cards are lovely and I'm sure they will be treasured.

Sanne said...

Dear Barb
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I know how you feel. I lost my mother, too, 10 years ago. Remember allways to keep the good memories in your heart.
Thoughts Sanne

lynda said...

Barb....
I'm just reading this, and feel so bad about your mom! These cards are beautiful, and speak volumes about your love for your mom and your sisters. May that love, and the prayers and thoughts of your friends, carry you through the coming days, weeks and months. My heartfelt prayers are with you! Hold on to your precious memories, Barb. They will be your lifeline during this time. That, and remembering how blessed you are to have had such a beautiful mom!

Deb Walker Deb Stamps Life, LLC said...

So sorry to hear your news Barb. It's especially tough on the families in the end stages of cancer. We're going through the same thing at our house with my dad's passing, and helping the grandkids work through their grief. Sending good thoughts your way and praying for peace and loving memories to comfort you and your family. Deb

Anita Rex said...

Barb I have been away and have finally been able to read this. Sending you love on the loss of your mom. Love the cards and the reasons you made them for your sisters. I hope that they appreciated them and know how much you care. I am glad that your card making helps you and brings you peace and think it's a great thing for you right now. Love Anita

Martha said...

OH, Sweet Barb!

I finally got the courage to read your heartfelt post. How wonderful that your dear mom was able to stay in a home during her last days. AND what a special blessing to have such a supportive family.

I loved reading this, and, of course, I shed some tears while reading it.

A mom's love is just SO special and irreplaceable (not sure if that's a word)!!!

Thank you for the link, my friend.
BIG HUGS to you!
Much love!