You know when you say, "Hey, at least it can't get any worse....."?
Many of you already know that it has and I thank you for your messages, prayers, cards and support, you have helped more than you can know.
Other friends, blog readers and Facebook friends that I don't communicate with very regularly, will not know that Daddy died suddenly on 18th April. His funeral is not until 13th May and so we are all in a strange limbo. This limbo is preferable to the limbo we might have been experiencing as Daddy discovered he had secondary cancers (liver and spleen) a week before he died. His death was unrelated to the cancers, being due to a ruptured colon, and he died with dignity and free of pain. God moves in mysterious ways indeed, Daddy would have hated a slow, miserable death being cared for at home or in a hospice, he would have been very irritable about the whole thing.
These are two of my favourite pictures of Daddy, this one taken a year ago, the oldest and youngest members of the family:
and this one taken with Mummy on their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2006:
Needless to say I am doing a lot of stitching. I have been working on my New Zealand journal quilts and the hand stitching has been marvellously therapeutic and it somehow felt as if I was stitching my prayers into the quilt (there was no time to make a prayer flag for Daddy) even though Daddy never visited NZ. This is not a good photograph, apologies. I have to quilt the "Wellington" block and then add the binding and labels. I have haikus to add but haven't decided yet whether they should go on the blocks or on the back....
It's a Bank Holiday weekend here, three days of chilly winds but some sunshine promised, have fun whatever you get up to and I'm hoping normal service will be resumed fairly shortly. Love Lis xx
so sorry for your loss. thinking of you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMemories to treasure of your very special Daddy, Lis. I hope they will comfort you and your family through this difficult time. I'm sure Sam must be missing his Grandad too. I'm glad that your Dad had a calm passing. Sending you love and hoping you have a peaceful weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of your loss! Lis. my thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read of the loss of your wonderful Dad, Lis. Robin and I are both sending you cyber hugs from New Zealand, to envelope you in warmth and friendship from the other side of the world. Condolences to you and all your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear this news Liz.I hope your memories of your Dad remain strong and happy. Hugs Ali in NZ.
ReplyDelete'... at least it can't get any worse'. As you experienced, it did, and it was painful. However, better times ARE ahead, you just need to work your way through this difficult limbo. You know the healing powers of stitching and the NZ quilt will help you along the way; there is a little prayer in each stitch and the memories of your father will find a home in your quilting.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you.
As you say,Lis, tough times ahead. Your memories and your stitching, time with friends and especially family will help you through.My thoughts are with you with a big hug as well.
ReplyDeleteso very sorry Lis. A sad time hopefully made a little easier by the love of family and friends,sending you gentle hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh im sorry Lis, thoughts and prayers with you all xxx
ReplyDeleteQueenie is right about the healing powers of stitching. Prayers and hugs from Japan.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the loss of your beloved Daddy. Sending hugs your way xx
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your news, Lis. Hope that your stitching gives you some comfort. xxx
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog and it is inspiring. I live in New Zealand and loved the photos showing the amazing designs we live with but either don't take time to notice or just take for granted. Thank you for your time and effort to help me see and become a little confident to try to put those images into stitch and fabric. Belatedly very sorry about your Dad. It leaves a big hole. Thanks Margaret
ReplyDeleteI love your work. Stitching, seeing nature in ways other people don't, and taking time to celebrate beauty using fabric and stitch is inspiring and healing. I know it's now a year since your Dad died but the sadness created by his absence continues. Kia Kaha (Maori for stay strong).
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments Margaret, they are very much appreciated. I'd like to see what you are inspired to stitch, especially if it reflects wonderful NZ.
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