Sunday, December 6, 2009

Life, death and family

A long car trip to the country yesterday to farewell my much-loved aunt has left me contemplating the big stuff. Thinking a lot about family, childhood, life and love. My heart goes out to the cousins (who were more like brothers and sisters when we were kids) who have lost their Mum.

The world will miss this super-crafty lady who loved life and family so much. It's a better place because she was here.

She was a great inspiration and support to me when I was a craft-obsessed kid... and even came - frail with age and illness - to my last launch and visited me at the Stitches and Craft show this year. Always interested. Always engaged. Always supportive.


This photo is one of my favourites of my parents (facing at centre) and Dad's sisters - when they were all young and beautiful and life was not cruel. Today it's a reminder for me to seize the day....
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21 comments:

  1. MartyDecember 6, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    So sorry for your loss. Time heals the wounds but she will always hold a place in your heart.

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  2. Gillian RDecember 6, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    Nikki, so sorry to hear you've lost a very special person in your life. That's a fabulous photo... love how glamorous they all look!
    Take care now and give your little family extra big special hugs. They'll give you all the support you need right now.
    Gillian.xxxx

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  3. rachelmpDecember 6, 2009 at 12:31 PM

    Thinking of you and your family. What a beautiful photo and family keepsake xx

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  4. One Flew OverDecember 6, 2009 at 12:35 PM

    So sorry to hear of your Aunt's passing Nikki. Thinking of you and sening lots of love x

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  5. AnonymousDecember 6, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    So sorry Nikki, thinking of you. I love this photo, how good looking is everyone. This would look fabulous framed. ZanetaXX

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  6. AnonymousDecember 6, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    So very sorry for the loss in your family. But you were all so lucky to have had her!! Remember all those blessings and good memories. She will live on in your hearts forever.
    Jackie in San Antonio

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  7. AnonymousDecember 6, 2009 at 4:22 PM

    I too am sorry for your loss, and thank you for the reminder!

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  8. CathieDecember 6, 2009 at 5:08 PM

    sorry to hear Nikki.
    it definitely makes you re evaluate life when something like this happens & I certainly have done that & I know the pain that you & especialy your cousins are going through.
    hugs ♥

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  9. UnknownDecember 6, 2009 at 6:29 PM

    That's a beautiful picture. So sorry about your Aunt. Life is too short.

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  10. Gay McDonellDecember 6, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    Very poignant indeed. Sorry for your loss.

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  11. CurlyPopsDecember 6, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    That's such sad news, especially when she was supportive of all of your crafty endeavours in life. It certainly does remind us all to sieze the day.

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  12. willywagtailDecember 6, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    Sorry to hear of your loss but yes you were lucky to have extended family who love you and what you do. She would have been very special. Cherrie

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  13. mériDecember 6, 2009 at 7:59 PM

    I'm so sorry hearing of your loss, Nikki! You'll be in my thoughts!
    xx

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  14. NikkiDecember 6, 2009 at 10:38 PM

    I bet your super-crafty aunt was proud of you.

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  15. MichelleDecember 7, 2009 at 12:01 AM

    Nikki...
    Such a gorgeous photo...
    and I am sure you have gorgeous memories to look back on...
    So sorry for you and your family...
    Crafty ladies who encourage us along are just treasures...and it sounds very much like she was very proud of you...

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  16. LuisaDecember 7, 2009 at 10:01 AM

    I was very touched by your post. Thank you for sharing.
    I have just done a post on my blog which runs along a similar thread to yours...it's about an advent miracle.
    Luisa
    x

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  17. lauraDecember 7, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    It sounds like she was a sweetie! It's scary though how time runs by so quickly. I have to say though that I see a strong resemblance between you and your mother!

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  18. KarenDecember 7, 2009 at 2:50 PM

    So sorry to hear about your aunt Nikki - it's lovely though that she inspired you and is so well remembered.

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  19. AnonymousDecember 7, 2009 at 3:41 PM

    Dear Nikki,
    She is not lost to you if she is in your heart. Just think of her watching over you.
    Condolences to all your family.
    Sue F-S

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  20. FionaDecember 7, 2009 at 10:26 PM

    Sad news Nikki. The lady second from the right I thought might have been you except for the fact that it was another era.

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  21. thornberryDecember 10, 2009 at 6:01 PM

    Nikki - I somehow missed this post. My condolences to you on the loss of your aunt. You've written a beautiful tribute to her. Take care.

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I LOVE to read your comments and they brighten my day. I can't respond unless your profile has an email address attached, though... And some days I simply don't have time to respond.... but I respond in a telepathic sort of way to each and every comment.
xxx Nikki