Friday, October 1, 2010

Dear Friend

Happy Friday everyone!

I have a special post today. One that honors a good friend of mine. Her name is also Barb. I met her years ago at work. We became fast friends and loved working with each other! She was my confidant, my partner in crime, my best bud and my second mom. She is almost 20 years older than me and I've never met anyone with such a dry sense of humor! Oh my goodness, she could make me laugh!

A year ago May, 2009, she was at work and didn't feel well. She sat down and said, "Something's not right, I think I need an ambulance." That was the last time I saw her. Not because she died, but because her family has too much pride to let her be seen by anyone now that she is not "normal." That night at work, she had a heart attack and since then has had several small strokes and many other problems, too long to explain here. I see her daughter in the store once in awhile and when I ask about Barb, she is always very vague and will not give out too much information.

Since I knew her children would probably never let anyone visit, I decided I was going to send her a card, once a week. Another reason for doing this, is that when someone goes away, or dies, we feel sad for awhile but life goes on and that person is mostly forgotten. We stop talking about them and even think about them less and less. I know that life is suppose to go on and that's okay. It's just that I didn't want her to feel like everyone had forgotten about her. This way, she knows that I'm still thinking about her, still missing her everyday and still love her.

Many of the cards you've seen in my Flickr Photostream this past year have been sent to my dear friend, Barb. This one that I made yesterday, will be mailed to her today.




I've been told by her daughter that she does love my cards, so at least I can hope they've made a difference.

Thanks for stopping by and for reading this long post. I so appreciate it!

28 comments:

Joy said...

You are the most amazing, caring and truly beautiful person Barb and I feel very honoured to know you and can honestly say that I am blessed to have you as a friend. This blog post is just beautiful and I know that your friend really does appreciate all the wonderful cards that you send her, Hugs!

Kathy (krolski) said...

Barb, I'm so touched by this post. I'm so glad that you continue to send cards to your friend. I just know that she really appreciates them. You are so kind and such a great example to all of us.

GrammySue's Creations said...

Hi Barb, Your words brought tears to my eyes. You are so thoughtful and caring and I am so happy that we have the chance to be able to comment on each others cards. You are truly blessed. Love this card that you made for your friend, I am sure that she will love it too. You take care and God bless you.

Pam W Merwin said...

Your card is beautiful.I think it is so special that you use your talent to encourage your friend in such a special way. I will be praying for your friends healing.

Anonymous said...

So pretty, Barb! What a sweet post!

Tiffany Ervin said...

This is such a special story Barb, so touching! And what you do for is so greatly appreciated I'm sure! The card is beautiful and lovely! I would hope that you get to see your friend someday!

Sue McRae said...

Such a wonderful post Barb. It must be very frustrating and sad for you not to see your friend but I love that you haven't forgotten about her and keep sending her all these beautiful cards. I am sure your friend truly appreciates it.

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Barb, I think it's awesome & wonderful that you continue sending her cards. That's such a thoughtful gesture and I am sure it helps brighten her day each time she receives one.

Stamping Cafe said...

This is totally gorgeous, Barb! Love love love everything about it!

Sarah J Moerman said...

Beautiful card! You are such a sweet friend.

Froggietalks said...

Such a wonderful thing to do Barb. I have a friend who mentally declined, and I sent a few cards, only to find out that the family had thrown them away.... so I stopped sending them. I don't know that she ever saw the cards I made. I am just so glad that your friend's family lets her see the cards. :)

Michelle said...

Oh my Barb!!! I love this, this is the most gorgeous Hydrangea card ever! I love everything about it:-)

Deb Walker Deb Stamps Life, LLC said...

Thanks for sharing your story Barb. I think many of us enjoy our art so much because of the love and hope that goes into making it and giving it away! I believe there's a lot more than a physical card that gets generated and shared!

Nancy said...

Such a gorgeous card...and such thoughtfulness! I always knew you were a special person!
bless you sweet friend!

Kryssi said...

what a beauty, barb!

Dawn T said...

Just the most pretty card Barb and the reasons behind it, so special. How sad that her family don't let you see her.... but I am so glad she is getting some beautiful cards to cheer her up. YOU are a good friend and such a lovely person Barb.... oh how I wish I could meet you in person!

Rosemary said...

such a beautiful card, barb! i'm so sorry that your friend's family won't let you see her. it must bring her such great joy each week to receive a card made by you! what a blessing you are to her!

Theresa said...

You're an amazing woman. We need more people like you in this world. Also, I love all of the cards you make.

Trinh said...

Your post is so touching, Barb. So wonderful of you to keep in touch with her and I do hope you will get the chance to see her again some day.

alexandra s.m. said...

Lovely paot and gorgeous card Barb!
I raise my glass to that very special friendship ;-)

Debbie said...

I admire you so much for making beautiful cards for your friend and honoring the friendship you shared. What a treasure they must be for her and her family. So sad that you are not able to see her, bless you for continuing to let her know how much she meant to you.

Deirdre said...

Barb, you are so thoughtful and kind - I am sure she really appreciates them. Love the card today and the wonderful post. TFS.

Suzanne C said...

What a beautiful card and the thoughtfulness behind it is wonderful. I am sorry that you have not been able to see your friend.

ivy said...

i am sure your cards are much appreciated and loved! what a sweet & caring friend you are!! (that card is just stunning!)

Anonymous said...

Aww Barb when I read this it made me want to cry! Barb is so very lucky to have an amazing and caring friend like you! You are so thoughtful and kind and I love this card! :)

Kathy said...

Oh my Barb...what a sad story ..it's amazing how one moment can change her life...your life. i bet your cards mean much more than you realize and that they are dear to her heart. maybe if you talk to her kids they might make an exception and let you see her. you have so much love to give and you are an amazing person. Hugs to you both,kathy

Mitt said...

Barb - your beautiful cards sent to Barb and others, mean so much! You are so in touch with the lost, lonely feelings that people have when life changes. Once again, your kindness, your thoughtfulness and your big heart inspire us and so many others! Never regret what you do! It's all for the good, sweet friend! Love ya!

Kath Stewart said...

Hi Barb I am sitting with tears in my eyes...how lucky your friend is to have such a wonderful friend as you and how sad that her family has stopped you from visiting her....I'm sure that your cards are a great comfort to her and you keep on making them....big hugs kath xxx