Tuesday, September 06, 2011

sometimes it's ok to cry

I was just about to sit down to lunch today when the doorbell rang.  It was our delightful postal carrier, her arms laden with packages.  The largest, a box, was for me.  "It's Christmas", I told her and we both laughed.  The package was from my dear friend Gerrie in Portland, and it made me curious.  It really isn't Christmas, nor is it my birthday - the two times a year that we normally gift one another.  What could it be?  I ripped open the box, and here it is:



Gerrie had used this photo, taken on Father's Day, of my Mom and my grandson Charlie, to make this beautiful piece.  It was the last time Charlie was with my Mom before she died, and we had a wonderful visit.  I will always remember that day, as I questioned whether or not I should have called our daughter to alert her that her Grandmother's condition was deteriorating rapidly.  As it turned out, Mom had a fine afternoon, rose to the occasion of the visit from her beloved Granddaughter, Grandson-in-law, and Great Grandson, and then plopped back into bed, whereupon Charlie snuggled up next to her and gave her  an unsolicited peck on the cheek!  It's a beautiful memory, and Gerrie captured it so sweetly.


You can see her loving stitches here




and how beautifully the image transferred onto the organza.  I really can't believe it!  I'm overwhelmed with her kindness and thoughtfulness.  With all else that she had to do, she chose to take time to do this for me.  Thank you Gerrie!


So I picked up my cell and called Gerrie....and I cried, and I cried, and then I cried some more!  Sometimes you just can't help it!  It's ok - she's a dear friend and she understood.  


I love this piece and Gerrie, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

PEACE


11 comments:

Beverly said...

What a marvelous gift, and a keepsake for you and your family. Words just don't seem to cut it with something like this, do they?

Gerrie said...

It was a labor of love. I always felt as if I knew your Mom from your stories. I was always a bit jealous that you got to keep your Mom for so long. When I saw that photo, I just knew it had to be captured in fabric. Tears on both sides of the country today.

Jeannie said...

Sniff. The gift says it all.

Angela said...

what a kind and beautiful gift. Made by hand with love, nothing better.

diane said...

This is so beautiful, meaningful and loving. Thank you, Gerrie, and to Judy for sharing. What a treasure.

Lora Martin said...

I'm getting all teary reading about it. Thanks for sharing a lovely memory and a precious friendship.

Eva said...

So touching. So caring. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

How very thoughtful of your friend. I'm misty-eyed myself. It's beautiful!
xxoo
Carroll

Ginny Huber said...

very touching..and a beautiful piece..misty -eyed says it!

Carol said...

What a beautiful gift for you. Gerrie is indeed a good friend. I think quite a few tears have been shed over this post. Love, Carol xx

Diane said...

So glad that Gerrie gave you the gift of a life time. What a cherished memory she created!