Life

Sunday April 28, 2019

Wow! It's been a year since I posted on my blog! Life happens. Sometimes incredibly fast and often times not the way we expect it.

I haven't stopped paper crafting though! It is the best therapy. EVER. I have crafted through all the ups and downs.

My brother died in August 2018. He was 57 years old. My big brother by two years. He called me Tuesday, July 31, 2018.  He was in the hospital. I went right away to see him.  I spent the last week of his life with him. I was with him when he died. He was an alcoholic most of his adult life and had severe liver disease.  The grief at times has been overwhelming. I've had a lot of guilt and regrets. I'm choosing to focus on the good times we had together. The love we shared. The hope of seeing him in eternity and knowing he is at peace now. 

We had a memorial service for him here at our house. My friend and fellow Stampin' Up demonstrator, Teresa, made the favors for me using the wood crate die. Then she came over and helped me bake my brother's (and mine!) favorite cookie, Date-Filled Cookies.  He received the nickname "SMOKE" from a few of his cousins so we added that to the tag. Well, Teresa added it!

I made cards for my family and friends who walked with me through this difficult time. Creating and sharing it with others was so helpful during my grief. I used the Hold on to Hope bundle. The sunburst came from another set that I borrowed from Teresa. It is retired now and I can not remember the name of it.  I embossed the sunburst in gold.

I hope to be more consistent with my blog, sharing my creations and my Stampin' Up! business. Do you know that 30 minutes of crafting releases the same amount of endorphins that 30 minutes of exercise does?! YEA! Craft and feel good too! I know it has been good for me!

Blessings,

Tracy