Thursday, September 4, 2014

"In the book of life the answers aren't in the back." Charlie Brown

'Tis a pity really because sometimes I would dearly love to refer to the back of the book and be enlightened as to some of the answers.

It has been a li'l while since I have visited 'the land of blog'. Our family has experienced a very sad time with the passing of a dearly loved member of our family who fought valiantly the cancer which finally proved to be too powerful. My sister-in-law fought so hard and for so long that we were not prepared for the end. We hoped beyond hope that we still had more wonderful moments of time to share;  to soak in her optimism and loving heart but alas, such was not to be the case. My story is no different to so many others. It seems to me that each one of us,  has been touched by the sadness of cancer sometime throughout our lives; that we all know and love someone who is battling this insidious disease or some other terminal illness.

Though my heart feels hollow and aching I have kept my mind and hands busy with a li'l stitching. I have found a li'l solace stitching my scrappy postage quilt in my sunny sewing room which in an odd way seems to brighten my day. I have found the stitching of this pretty to have somehow cheered my days...........a little. It is a quilt that requires very little thought or concentration. All it requires is a hit-or-miss placement of itty bitty squares; stitching square by square, row by row; culminating in a higgledy piggledy, fun and pretty quilt.




I am thinking that this quilt will be a queen size quilt, so there is quite a way to go.

To soothe the soul, me and Miss Maisie, with the sound of the last frost crackling under our feet, have been taking many a lovely morning stroll  through the picturesque countryside; enjoying the warming Spring days as Spring begins to spring, as  the countryside slowly awakens with the effervescent sounds and scents of new life. The handiwork of my Heavenly Father's glorious creation before me is balm to my soul.








Lush, velvet green paddocks dotted with sweet, sweet itty bitty new born calves. Yes indeedy, Spring is a glorious season.




Ironically, my sister-in-law slipped quietly away on Daffodil Day which here in Australia is a day where the Cancer Council of Australia raises awareness of cancer and is a fundraising event to continue it's research into cancer. Daffodil Day helps grow hope for better treatments and more survivors. To the Cancer Council, the daffodil represents hope for a cancer-free future.

So in remembrance of my sweet, sweet sister-in-law, who day by day wrapped every one of her family in the warmest of hugs, I have picked a sun-filled bunch of daffodils from our garden. Whenever I drink in the sunny daffodils in our garden, it brings to mind those of my beloved family and dear friends who have been afflicted with this disease. The cheery and sunny daffodils help me to reminisce the fun times and nostalgic memories spent with these loved ones.


Forgive me my melancholia.........I will endeavour to find my usual droll self, not before too long. As E.A. Bucchianeri once said........it's true, is it not, that when all is said and done, grief is the price we pay for love.



18 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post. It's easy to imagine your dear sister in law being a wonderful person with the eloquent way you have described her here. Many hugs to you in this time of sadness xx. I especially am touched by your quote at the end - 'tis exactly the truth.

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  2. Yes wouldn't it be nice to look up the answers. I'm so sorry that this disease has claimed your loved one. I do know a little of how you feel. My mother in law has been terminal for all this year. She has lived longer than expected but I fear she is failing now. I take comfort in knowing we will see her again someday. I will be thinking if you : )
    Hugs,

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  3. Dear sweet Kim, my heart is with you in this difficult time. The daffodils are certainly a ray of sunshine. I'm so glad that you are finding solace in your beautiful postage stamp quilt. I'm in love with it for sure.

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  4. Aw Kim, so so sorry to hear of your sad loss. Your post is a lovely tribute to your sweet sister-in-law, and I pray for peace for all your family at this hard time.
    Your quilt is just beautiful, as is the countryside around you - it matches your beautiful heart.
    Sending you love & hugs across the world, love Gilly xx

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  5. Hi Kim, I cant remember if I wrote to you and passed on my condolences to you at the passing of your sister in law. If not I apologise and will do so now with a big heart felt hug. It is hard to deal with the empty space that such a loss brings but remember that the life and love spent with your sister in law has not been wasted and can only enrich your life for having known her. Remembering her at special moments can only honor her and support your brother. Hoping the sun shines your way and warms your heart with happiness much love Moniquexx

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  6. Our memories are so important. It keeps those we love close. Lovely.

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    1. Yes...there are always the wonderful memories. Thank you for your sweet thoughts, Heather.

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  7. Dear Kim I am SO SORRY to learn of your loss. I think your tribute to your sister in law was lovely. I had been wondering why you hadn't posted in awhile. Now I understand. My family, as so many others, have dealt with this ugly disease. I am so thankful there seems to be some hope in some areas on the horizon but that doesn't help when it is up close like this.
    I enjoyed my visit to your country side..... it always seems funny to me that you folks are seeing the signs of spring as we are entering the fall of our year.
    Sending lots of hugs, hope and encouragement to you, your brother and your family!

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    1. Thank you Beth. It is a disease that touches so many, let's hope that with each day new discoveries are found to eradicate it forever. 'Tis funny that we down here are delighting in the loveliness of Spring whilst you way up there are delighting in the gorgeous colours of Fall. Fall in your li'l corner of the world must be beautiful. Kim xx

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear your sad news, Kim. I would echo exactly everything that Beth has said so well. Your post is a very lovely tribute l and I'm glad you are surrounded with the beauty of Springtime and your sewing :)

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  9. So sorry to hear of your loss, and yes you are so right this disease affects us all in one way or another, I lost a very dear friend to breast cancer some years ago now but I still miss her so much. I love your quilt it's beautiful and the scenery is lovely, it's good that you have Spring to look forward too, the daffodils are lovely as is the quote, sad but so true. :) xx

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  10. Very sad but beautiful post. I´m so sorry to hear of your loss which can only be softened by time. hugs

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  11. Lush, velvet green paddocks, beautiful bright fabrics with splashings of yellows and daffodils. May you find soothing balm in each as we each continue on along life's bitter sweet journey on our way to the next. Sending thoughts and prayers your way Kim.

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  12. Oh Kim - I am so sorry to hear of your sister in law's passing. I am heartened to read of the great love you have for her. I am sure you have many happy memories to bring a smile to your face when you miss her most. Your quilt top is looking lovely (I love the simplicity of squares) and the countryside truly glorious!

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  13. I am so very sorry, Kim! My deepest condolences. I hope you find some comfort in creating and sewing. Sadly the quote from E.A. Bucchianeri is so true.

    -Soma xx

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  14. I am so sad for you and your family, Sarah Lizzie. I am sending warmest of hugs of love and light to you, dear friend.

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  15. I am so sorry to hear this..... but the saying at the end is so true...D x

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  16. So sorry to hear of your sister-in-law's passing. Cancer is so intense and so many fight to the end. I'm sure that God is holding her in his arms right now - helping to ease the pain that was.

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