Thank you all for your kind, supportive, understanding words, prayers, and thoughts of comfort. They have meant so much to me. Throughout the past four plus years that I have had this blog and have been sewing, I have turned to it to help me through so many different things. My own creativity, this amazing opportunity to share it, and the love & positivity given back to me, has sustained me through some the darkest times in my life, and will continue to through this grief. And so I want to, as much as I can, keep up with my regular postings here. Especially all the giveaway days I have had scheduled months in advance. The days I don't, are the days that I just can't, just as I've been doing for the past several weeks. Some of you took notice and I could only share my reasons between those of you who reached out and myself. Since Tuesday I've been feeling a strong need to sew, which is part of my plan for this rainy day. The joy it gives me to make and share feels necessary, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Thanks again for helping me through this. While I make binding to finish my newest quilt, I know my thoughts will be with those of you who share this loss and pain with me, I'll be sending love to you.
♥ Maureen
Maureen you are a beautiful person and your honesty and REAL presence on this blog is so genuine. I'm so sorry for your family's loss - but glad that you have family and all of us who feel like we "know" you to show you how much you are loved. Hoping your rainy day sewing brings some peace and happiness today.
ReplyDeleteHugzzzzz ... thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to read you will continue here and that you trust it will help. I read your father's obit and could see how involved he was in his hobbies as you mentioned in your last post. I don't know him, but I believe he would have wanted you to continue as well. Know he is with you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your family. I just lost my Dad in January and can relate to your pain.
ReplyDeleteKnow that if you ARE absent, or can't sew, it's ok and might be part of the process. When my closest cousin passed tragically 3 years ago, I found large periods of time where my creativity was just..absent. It has come back to me more regularly. God bless you in the days ahead, and may you find peace and comfort in whatever you set your mind to.
ReplyDeleteIn the past, in times of loss, I've chosen to avoid taking time to be creative. I was afraid of the thoughts and feelings that would come with sitting quietly and working. I didn't realize then how much I was hurting myself, and have since realized how much it helps me not just to continue making, but to allow those thoughts and feelings to happen.
DeleteMareen, I have tears running down my face right now, knowing how much pain you are in. Grief is such a hard road to travel. When you need to cry; cry. When you need a hug from your dad; hug your kids and your husband. Sometimes the pain from grief is physical, it just makes you ache deep inside. Cherish the memories of your dad and take it a step at a time. It will get easier. Your extended sewing family loves and appreciates you so much. I will continue to pray for you. God has been the ultimate help for me in my times of grief.
ReplyDeleteSo incredibly true, Teresa. Perfectly said. One just has to do what works best for them and to work through the grief in a way that feels best for them. Some days may be more productive than others, but it's best to do what feels right. It's a way we all move forward toward a new normal.
DeletePeace be with you as you continue to heal.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, I am very sorry for your loss. Yesterday marked nine years since I lost my Mum, who passed away suddenly when she was visiting me on holiday. The pain does ease in time, and eventually you will be left with only the good memories. Sending you a big virtual hug.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Hugs from one of your many Blog friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for your loss Maureen. My grandfather passed away in April and my family has been coping with the grief. I always take time to think when I sew and I think that helps quite a bit. I plan on making a memory quilt for my grandmother, mom and uncles using his old jeans. I thought about doing a memory quilt sew-along on my blog, but I don't have enough readers yet.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you feel the need to SEW and decided to let yourself do it!! I know how much it helps me, ALWAYS!! From silly little anxieties, to restless nights waiting for teenagers to come home from going out, or young adults flying across the world...to deep pain and grief of loosing the loved one (my nana, my dad...) - sewing and creating is my saving grace, comfort and refuge. I know it will help you to. Hang on and all the best!! {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
ReplyDeleteI don't have any words of wisdom, but I do feel your pain. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for your loss Maureen. My grandfather passed away in
ReplyDeleteApril and my family has been coping with the grief. I always take time to
think when I sew and I think that helps quite a bit. I plan on making a
memory quilt for my grandmother, mom and uncles using his old jeans. I
thought about doing a memory quilt sew-along on my blog, but I don't have
enough readers yet.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI understand so thoroughly - my best friend who was also my mother died a year ago, and I have been overwhelmed by the loss. Know that I, as well as everyone else who knows and appreciates you, are thinking daily of you and yours during this transition.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
ReplyDeleteWhatever it takes, for as long as it takes...(((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteGrief is difficult and unpredictable. You will probably find that your needs will change from day to day or even moment by moment. Sometimes you will want to share, sometimes keep busy, and sometimes be alone with your thoughts and tears. It's all OK. Allow yourself to accept whatever feelings surface and to 'do' or 'not do' accordingly. I send you Hugs, Love, and Prayers.
ReplyDeleteXXX Take care of yourself and your family. Love, Sondra
ReplyDeleteMaureen I'm so sorry you lost your dad. I read his obituary and it sounds like he was a great man. I know that he had a good life because his family loved him so much. May God bless you and give you peace. Thank you for your blog. Your creativity inspires us all.
ReplyDeleteGrief is unpredictable. Take your time and take it day by day or even hour by hour. We are here with you.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Malini
May you find healing in the act of making. It's a gift to create. I'll be sending love and supportive thoughts your wa
ReplyDeleteI very recently also lost my brother. He was like my father, best friend and brother rolled in one. I know how painful of a time this must be and I'm so sorry. Hugs to you and your family. Take care.
ReplyDeleteGrief takes many forms and comes at unexpected times. Give in to it. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSending you love, dear. It's tough to lose a parent. They are so tied to us. Will keep you and your families in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, you are in my prayers. Take your time.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, Please know that we are here for you. You are so much more than just a "blog" or a "give away"! I may never meet you in person, but I consider you a real friend that I care about. Losing a parent is losing a part of us. I lost my Mom 43 years ago and Dad 54 years ago (I am 59)but I think of them everyday. Your memories and love will see you through. Know that even when you don't post, we are sending you love.
ReplyDeleteMaureen - Love and prayers to you and your family. May you find peace during your grief.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your family. I lost my Dad 14 years ago and my Mom 18 years ago. The pain never goes away, but it gets better as each day passes. ((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteDear Maureen,
ReplyDeletePlease accept my deepest sympathy at this very difficult time. Although we've never met, I feel a friendship with you through your wonderful blog. I lost my dad just days prior to my 14th birthday and I am 53 years old now. It is a scar I will always have. Cherish all of the special memories of your father and may you always feel him in spirit and creativity. Sending a warm hug to you. carolann427@aol.com
So sorry about your father. This is a loss that will change you, and you will always miss him, but it won't always be this raw. Take comfort from all the love coming your way, and take as much time as you need to regain your footing and creative direction. No pressure.
ReplyDeleteTake good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteMaureen,I am sorry to hear about your loss. I am sure it is very difficult. I think you have a large "following" here on your blog of ladies that support you and appreciate your blog.I know I do. Just do your best and we will all be here for you while you adjust.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss and praying for God's comfort for you. The grief process is a daily/hourly process and we all go through it in different ways. You do what is best for you...which can change day to day. Hang on to happy memories and know many are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family, just one day at a time. And at times it's one hour at a time. My mum passed away 3 years ago. She is always in my heart, know hat you are loved and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, I'm so sorry. I know that losing a loved one is equally painful even if it is expected. I recently lost a dear, dear friend and family member to a disease she had suffered from for some time but when the time came it was still so heart wrenching. Take comfort in your memories, they are so precious.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, I missed the post earlier. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Having been through the loss of my father, I know that you may need some time to process. It is okay to let the blog lie fallow for a few days. No one who has any compassion will think less of you.
ReplyDeletePeace to you dear lady.
praying for you
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration. Hugs and prayers your way. Take the time you need and come back when you need to.
ReplyDeleteMaureen so sorry to hear of your loss. Grieving is a personal journey...I can feel the pain in your words. I'm not good with words but know that you're not alone. Ditto what everyone else here says. Sending strength and hope your way!
ReplyDeleteMaureen, It's just never easy. Grief and grieving has no defined timeline and is a unique personal journey. I just lost my Aunt 2 weeks ago and she was such a force in this world, it's hard to fathom that she is not here . Take your time. You are amazing, so very gifted in your talent and creativity. There is so much in you that the world waits to receive. But always listen to that intuition of when to stop and cry, and when to get up and do something you feel inspired to do.
ReplyDeleteWishing you MUCH love, peace, and comfort in the days ahead. And- that quilt is stunning, gorgeous, elegant - beautiful.
I shared your post on FB
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. X
ReplyDeleteDear Maureen, I am very sorry for your loss! Your blog and work are very inspiring to me and I am happy that your art is something that accomanies and helps you through this difficult time. I know what it feels like to lose a parent and I believe that having a creative outlet is a huge blessing in any crisis. All the best for you and thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete██Ɔ ••✿ ƤҼƌҪҼ ㄥ◯∨モ ƌƝƊ HuGs ✿ Maureen!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about your loss. I'm always behind reading blogs I follow and don't always complete but I hope you find peace in the days to come through the love and support of family and friends.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless