Almost immediately I was reminded of a dear co-worker named Sandy. Sandy was a tall woman and what my mother would kindly say, 'big boned.' She was also quite large busted. Sandy had a personality to match and was always loud and laughing. She loved life and as a social worker was a real advocate for her clients. Sandy's favorite clothes were a collection of cotton sun dresses. The problem was her bra straps were always peeking out and she just didn't really care. She was always hot and wore her sundresses long after the summer was a memory. Then she would layer a jacket or sweater over them but by noon her jacket was tossed aside.
Sandy has been gone now for over three years. We lost her to cancer. Of all the types - breast cancer. By the time the mass in her breast was discovered it was very large and well established. Our whole agency of about 200 people were given the day off to attend her funeral. It was standing room only and person after person stood up to say what Sandy had meant to them. Most moving were the testimonies from her clients who said she was the one who made them want to change their lives or to keep on going against the odds.
I wanted to make a sundress like Sandy's and added some beaded ribbon just for the bling of Sandy's personality. The pictures doesn't show it but I stuffed kleenexs under the flesh colored paper for the 'boobs' and creased the paper so it looks like cleavage. I made her bra staps out of flowered ribbon. I added a stamped necklace from Simply Said that reflects Sandy's strengths: kind, thoughtful, caring, generous. I am sure Sandy would blow off all the kind words but laugh at her bra straps hanging out.
Thanks for looking and ladies...sometimes we are so busy caring for others that we don't take care of ourselves. Don't miss your annual exam.
Thanks for reading and looking!
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2009 GMT Views: 1177
Favorited:3
Registered: November 7, 2006 Location: Willamette Valley Oregon Posts: 34503
Sat, Feb 14, 2009 @ 11:26 AM
...sitting here with tears and loving Sandy's story! Thanks for sharing it with us, Christine and your tribute card is over the top wonderful! I can see that stuffing, I adore the sundress. I can just image Sandy walking down the hall...confident in herself. Love, love the bra straps.
Isn't the Lord magnificent in how he uses our stories to reach out to others!
------------------------------ Susan~~~One4Joydaily I'm a FAN CLUB member, U? MY GALLERYof visual Delights MY BLOG
Registered: August 6, 2007 Location: Warm, sunny and beautiful GA!!! Posts: 21370
Sat, Feb 14, 2009 @ 11:52 AM
Christine - your friend Sandy would have loved the card as much as I do!!! This is such a sweet tribute to her!!! I hope it remind all of us to *check* ourselves?!? Early detection is so important!!! Thank you for sharing Sandy's story!!!
Registered: January 28, 2005 Location: Posts: 25783
Sat, Feb 14, 2009 @ 2:15 PM
Fabulous card!!!! Wonderful remembrance story, Christine!!!! WOW!!!! Love the way you made the bras straps very floral and pretty!!!! Great necklace detailing, too. Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Registered: December 8, 2006 Location: currently stationed in Norman Oklahoma Posts: 11275
Sat, Feb 14, 2009 @ 2:29 PM
This is really pretty! So sorry to hear of your friends loss. It is sad because most women today don't bother getting their breasts checked. Love your style.
------------------------------ Bonnie~Proud Fan Club Member~Marine Wife My Gallery~One of Kota's Kids My Blog~Bonnie's Creative Corner Every Job is a Self-Portrait of the Person Who Did It. Autograph Your Work With Excellence.~Author Unknown
Registered: September 12, 2007 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 61357
Sat, Feb 14, 2009 @ 6:25 PM
What a beautifully moving story of your friendship with Sandy. I have a strong feeling that Sandy would love your testament to her personality and your talent at creating something that so reminds you of her presence. Fabulous card.
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