For a moment, albeit brief, I thought the world had stopped moving - the sobs were gut wrenching, loud, overwhelming...and at the same time the silence was deafening...and life really hurt...and our little ones discovered life here on earth is not "forever".
Five years ago today, Jim's father passed away at the age of 66. The first parent we have lost, the first grandparent our children have lost. We knew the time was drawing close, we had time to prepare - but are you ever really prepared?
I made this card for hubby, each of the kid's signed it and I wrote a little note inside. Lots of hidden meanings in the card - most I don't even imagine hubby will see, but let me share them with you.
The edges are distressed - losing a loved one is rough, distressing. I used direct-to-paper of Pumice Stone Distress Ink - those edges look almost black don't they? Yeah, that's how you feel.
The heart - it's cut from paper with a beautiful design - our hearts are interwoven with love, but also broken into small pieces.
The button and stitching (the stitching is tough to see, but it's on all 3 layered panels) represent stitching life back together because life keeps marching on whether you want it to or not!
The vine - growing and accepting that your loved one is gone.
I remember the service as if I'm still there - it was sad but also filled with lots of laughter. Our son, age 6 at the time, did something so hilarious during the service - EVERYONE laughed - and that was good.
It was a unique service in that the 3 boys (hubby and his 2 brothers) did the entire service - yes, they each spoke and the oldest preached the service. GULP!
So many more unique moments went into the day we laid him in his final resting spot; but I'm so thankful for the memories, but most of all? I'm thankful for the man he gave to me...his son...my husband.
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 GMT Views: 892
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Registered: November 21, 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 6866
Wed, Nov 16, 2011 @ 4:35 AM
My tears spilled over reading your story...so sorry for your loss. No doubt your husband will find solace with such an understanding family by his side. A special card, so beautiful and created with much love too.
I have found John 5:28,29 comforting, maybe you will too.
Hugs to you all.
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Cindy.
------------------------------ ~ Cindy ~ My Gallery
Registered: January 26, 2006 Location: Central New York Posts: 1616
Wed, Nov 16, 2011 @ 5:01 AM
Wow! Where to begin. !st off so sorry for your loss. Your father -in- law was so lucky to have such a beautiful family by his side and your husband to have a wonderful and loving wife.
The card you made for your husband is absolutely beautiful and the colors so rich looking. What a beautiful tribute. May you and your family find comfort in one another today.
Registered: March 20, 2005 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 77633
Sun, Jan 24, 2016 @ 2:31 AM
What a beautiful card with so many beautiful hidden memories. It is difficult and you have told this story with so much love. Your husband will cherish this card from his own family!!
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