Thursday, April 12, 2012

A Time to Say Good-Bye

Today is bitter-sweet.  Although I know my friend, Tami, is in Heaven because she placed her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, it's still the day we say good-bye.  I'm attending Tami's funeral this afternoon. She lost her battle with liver cancer, which took her at the age of 50.  She leaves behind so many people who loved her including her husband, Todd, her beautiful 12-year-old daughter, Desiree, and her autistic son, the handsome John, who is 9.  She will be sadly missed.

I made this book for her sweet Mom, Kay.  I thought that Kay could fill it with precious childhood memories of Tami, and tuck some special things inside the pockets of the glassine bags I used.  I wish I could comfort her more.  How do you say good-bye to your own daughter?  I cannot imagine.  I can only thank God every day for my health, and the health of my children.

Here is the mini album:

Here is the cover - a little bit closer and straighter:
Here are some of the other pages.  Each one has a pocket and tag:




I'm entering this project in the following challenges:

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html - Simon Says Stamp - April Showers Bring Spring Flowers Challenge

http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/2012/03/23/simon-says-stamp-presents-a-flower-challenge/ - Lily Pad Cards - Simon Says Stamp Presents a Flower Challenge

http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/pile-it-on-15-all-about-s.html - Pile it On Challenge Blog - All About S Challenge - My "S" things include Stamping, Stitching/Sewing, Silhouette Stamps, Stickers, Scripture, and Sympathy (because of who it is for).

http://youngcraftersunite.com/2012/03/challenge-8-%e2%80%93-clear-cards/ - Young Crafters Unite - A Sewing/Stitching Challenge.  There is LOTS of sewing/stitching on this project.  Here is the challenge photo:


www.littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com - Abby's Scripture Thursday Linky Party

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek.  I must get a shower now and get ready to go.

Have a blessed day, and don't forget to thank God today for your health and blessings.
Karen

20 comments:

  1. This is absolute lovely Karen, she is in a better place, yet, you miss being surrounded by her. I know you're gift is so much appreciated, it's filled with so much love. Hugs, Marion

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  2. I know it is hard to say goodbye. Praise God that she is with Him now. You've done an amazing thing with creating this very precious book! I'm sure that it'll help to say goodbye!
    Love and Prayers,
    Jennifer

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  3. This is such a lovely, thoughtful thing to do for Tami's mum, Karen. You have put a lot of work into this book and I'm sure it helped you too, to know you were doing something worthwhile to help someone else, even in the midst of your own grief. At least she is with the Lord now and no longer suffering, but of course, the pain still goes on for those who are left behind. Psalm 16 verse 11. Kx

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  4. Oh Karen, I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. I will keep her family in my prayers. What a thoughtful gift you've made for her mother, I'm sure it will be treasured and appreciated by her.

    Your work is stunning. I'd love to be able to have you over for a play date. Thank you for letting the light of Jesus shine so brightly through you. ~ Abby

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. What a lovely book that her mother will treasure. Good thoughts coming your way.

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  6. A wonderful keepsake for Tami's Mum. You are such a wonderful friend to her daughter to have done this and I'm sure that she will appreciate it more and more as she fills the pockets.

    Love 'n' hugs, Margaret xx

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  7. If hurts to say good-bye to a friend but what a blessing to know you'll see her again!!
    This is a very special and wonderful gift for her mother!!

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  8. What a beautiful book Karen & such a special tribute to your friend! Her Mom will love it.

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  9. What a beautiful album, so sorry it has to be for such a sad occasion. I'm sure her mother will appreciate your heartfelt sympathy, and this lovely gift to say "I care."

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  10. Hi, Karen. So sorry for your loss. Tomorrow is my cousin's husband's funeral. He also passed away this Easter weekend leaving his wife (my cousin) and their 6 year old daughter. He was only in his early 30s. I made a card, nothing as fabulous as YOUR creation, and sent it. I think that any small kindness helps them to feel of God's love and move on. Not being perfectly happy again, but being able to live and find joy in life because of our Savior's Atonement. I will keep all of you in my prayers. And this really is gorgeous, Karen! It's perfect! :)

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    Replies
    1. Mynnett, Im also sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep your love ones in my prayers. Blessing AJ!

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  11. Hi Karen, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. We really have to give God the glory because we are here today and the next day isn’t promise. I will keep you all in my prayers. You did a beautiful job on the album and it made me want to cry. Prayers your way and the family!

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  12. Dear Karen~

    I am sure you were a special blessing in Tami's life. A fellow-ship with prayer, and sharing is something special. I am sorry that she is no longer here on earth to be with you, but so glad that you know the Truth that she is in Heaven. And, that one day we you will be reunited! She now has no pain or sorrow. The beautiful book you made for her mother, will be a special keepsake for sure. It is beautiful and was made with such love! I am sorry about your grief...lean into Jesus for comfort and peace. I will pray for her family, and for you, her dear friend.

    He IS Able!
    Traci Starkweather

    You May Receive 1-5 Cards!
    http://He-IS-Able.blogspot.com

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  13. So sorry you lost your dear friend. You made a beautiful book as a tribute, to her, for her mother. I'm sure she will cherish it. I will keep the family in my prayers.
    DIANA L.
    http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/

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  14. What a BEAUTIFUL tribute to your friend!!!!!!!!!! AND thoughtful gesture to those that loved her! May the Lord comfort you & her loved ones at this time! GOD BLESS!!!!!!

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  15. Oh Karen, I hear your pain - may God not only comfort the family, but you too as Tami's friend.
    Love what you have made - how thoughtful.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  16. qu'il est joli cet album, très réussi, biz

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  17. I love it!!!! Soch a sewwt lovely project!

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  18. this is beautiful and filled with so much love. Her mom will really appreciate this keepsake.
    I am sorry for this loss, she's gone way too soon.
    Thanks for playing with us at Pile It On. it was a pleasure, even if I did cry, to see your work.

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  19. I to just lost a wonderful friend to a 11 year battle with cancer on April 12th. She was 55 and her youngest son and his wife just welcomed into this world a sweet baby daughter on April 11th. She was never able to see her first grandchild. She will be very much missed, but I know she is dancing before the throne! I love your project. I'm considering doing something like this for her mom. Prayerfully, it will be as wonderful as yours. Thanks for sharing your heart and beautiful memorial keepsake.Hugs, B

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