Thursday, October 3, 2019

Life

Well, life is in many ways great. Five of you have sent cards to Karen's Card Shop, for which I am so very grateful. Thank you. School is going extremely well, for which I am so very grateful. I had time to stamp about a month ago and am now am making time to post one of the pictures, for which I am grateful.

Stamps by Hero Arts



The full-card picture looks rather washed out because the colors are so light and my photo skills are limited, but in real life, those pearls are pearly and the colors are soft and frosty looking, as in the close-up. Oh, how I long for cooler temperatures in this unseasonably warm autumn!

I'm grateful for so many things but also feel rather washed out and grieving. My cousin Kathy died last weekend as a result of a car accident. Her younger daughter was in the car with her and just got out of the hospital today. She will, thankfully, recover, but because she had surgery to relieve some pressure from a brain bleed, she'll be wearing a hat at the funeral. Her older sister has asked everyone to wear hats to the funeral so her little sister won't feel weird.

Kathy, her sister Jenny, my sister Lisa, and I grew up together. Kathy was funny, bright, and crafty. She taught elementary school, loved Jesus and babies, volunteered in her church, went on mission trips, led youth groups, played the guitar, loved horses, took amazing photographs, and was a huge University of North Carolina Tar Heels fan, just like her daddy. I've never held that against them, though they did rib me about going to Duke.



One memory of Kathy from our childhood keeps playing in my mind. I walked into Grandma and Papa's house and found the living room door closed, which was unusual. (Papa eventually removed that door because it was mostly just in the way.) So I knocked on the door and heard a muffled "come in." Grandma and Kathy were sitting on the sofa with their arms around each other. Both were sobbing. "What's wrong?" I exclaimed. Neither could speak through the sobs, but they both pointed to the television. It was the episode of Little House on the Prairie when Laura's dog died. I sat down and cried with them. We three were weepers. I still am. Grandma and Kathy aren't weeping anymore, and it's a small comfort to think of them together again, giggling.

Her husband, two daughters, mom, dad, sister, and so many extended family and friends are devastated right now. A bright light as gone from our lives, and we miss her so much.

Sunday, I'm wearing a Tar Heels baseball cap to the funeral. It'll make her dad smile. But y'all, my heart is breaking.

15 comments:

  1. oh susan this is so sad - I am sending hugs from Scotland to your whole family .I cannot imagine the loss you are feeling at the moment I'm sure Kathy will always be with you in your heart and soul .
    The card is lovely too ,xxxx

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  2. I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute you have written for her. She sounds like a bright light.

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  3. What a beautiful tribute to your friend. My condolences.

    Liz

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  4. Your writing makes me want to cry. May you take some small comfort in your memories. Be there for Kathy’s family; today and through all those heartbreaking firsts over the next year. Shared grief is somehow just a bit easier.

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  5. Your card is just lovely. I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy sounds like just a wonderful person and my prayers go out to all those affected by her loss.

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  6. Such a tragic loss. I am so sorry for all who loved her.

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  7. So sorry you are suffering with the loss of a dear one. You and your family are in my prayers.

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  8. It makes me so grateful that as your life has entered a new direction that you feel you can come to us when grief comes. That is what should happen between friends. A lot of us have spent many years with you online but you're really in our hearts.

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  9. I'm so very sorry for your loss & your broken heart. It sounds like you & your family have some wonderful memories of a special person to cherish. You & your family are in my prayers.

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  10. Just reading this today, Sunday, and am envisioning you wearing the Tarheels hat to the funeral...and I smile. What a totally lovely idea in the midst of incredible sadness. All those hats will help celebrate a special life.

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  11. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin!

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  12. Sending my deepest condolences to everyone that was lucky enough to know your cousin Kathy.

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  13. Cherish all those wonderful memories of Kathy and share them with each other. My thoughts are with you and her family as you cope with this heartbreaking loss.

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet cousin, Kathy. It's always so hard to lose our childhood friends and family. I bought a "Dayton Strong" t-shirt after the shooting in the Oregon District. I had been there many times when I lived in Fairborn & then Huber Hts. I will wear it tomorrow for you....and Kathy. ♥

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  15. Sympathy for your loss Susan. Hold on to each other and those wonderful memories. And the blessed assurance that you will one day be reunited with her. Peace, hugs and prayers.

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!