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? No...trust me...no!
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.
We love you JWG; you will ALWAYS live within our hearts!
Hugs, ~M.
WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Verve Visual Forever in our Hearts
Papers: PTI Aqua Mist and Smokey Shadow, DP by MME
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and LondonFog
Accessories: Verve Visual dies, misc. button, chocolate twine, Janome Sew Mini
oh what a beautiful card Michele.. and love all the different elements and their meaning. A really special card .Thinking of you all
ReplyDeleteLisa x
What a beautiful card for such a difficult occasion Michele you have done fantastically well here -amazing!
ReplyDeleteLove to you all today sweetie
Laurie xx
Your post is so touching! What a lovely card and sentiment. Thinking of your family today.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and thoughtful card Michele. Love ya, BFF
ReplyDeleteA beautiful card Michele and thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda stuck for words MP...I loved how all those elements have different meanings ... you have a wonderful way with words (I think I've already told you that) I'm sure they're not lost on Jim. It's as beautiful as you are xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card! Love it! Olena
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card Michele and I am sure your husband appreciates the thoughtfulness.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card Michele, but every more beautiful how you did everything with a meaning and a purpose!! Wonderful! Beautiful and thoughtful posting! God bless you and your family!
ReplyDeleteHow elegant Michele - love the colours honey!
ReplyDeleteSuch a thoughtful and compassionate post to go with a beautiful card. I'm rather on the edge myself w/my mom these days so tears welled up pretty readily on this one. I'm thankful for each day and appreciate your reminding me of that.
ReplyDeleteMichele, thank you for sharing this, such a tough card to make for your HB, but I love how much thought you have put into every single piece. Simply Beautiful, Sue xx
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