Yesterday was spent helping with the 6th Grade sock hop with my son Tyler. I helped with the LIMBO games. WOW, impressed that kids are that limber and can go so LOW! I took so many photos. Of course, gym lighting is not the best but just thankful to have them. This is my son's last year in elementary school. Makes me a little emotional-
As I was watching the activities, my friend Michelle came in. She does not have kids there so I was surprised. I was caught off guard to see her somewhere that normally I would not see her. Instantly, I thought that only 30 minutes before seeing her- I was driving in my car and I kept thinking of her. I kept thinking drive to her house. GO see her!!! You see her husband died recently in a very unexpected way. He was a coach for our MHS Hockey team. He was walking across the ice prior to a game and slipped and fell. He hit his head really hard and at the age of 48 years old- died from the injuries. Our community has been so sad. He was a remarkable man. Their entire family is so loved. He left behind the love of his life and 4 beautiful children. Gentry went to one of her high school dances with one of their sons- we love HIM!
After the funeral, I felt a deep sadness for them. I felt strongly that I needed to help her. My mind kept going... how???? You see Michelle and her husband were best friends and had one of the sweetest strongest marriages I have ever witnessed. They were ALWAYS together. You know the type of marriage of relationship that you would say..."I want that kind of relationship!"
One of the photos that they had displayed at the funeral, was their vacation last year to Cancun. The photos was a huge heart in the sand and it was their initials and I love you. In the photo, Michele and her husband were leaning over in a cute kiss. I admit, I was crying with sadness but also... HAPPINESS that they had that PHOTO taken. Michelle has this PRECIOUS photo to remember that special time.
Back to yesterday- I have been praying for Michelle and her kids everyday. Not a day goes by that I don't think about them. So yesterday I kept thinking...go to her house and kidnap her. (In a GOOD WAY!) Go see how she is doing and see if in some small way you can help her.Then there she was at the school sock hop. It is my belief that I was supposed to see her yesterday. I instantly knew that I had to share with her my feeling and thoughts. I knew all day yesterday that I had to SHARE with YOU too!
If you are reading my blog, I want you to know me. What is important to me? Why do I really scrapbook? Trust me, this has not always been an easy journey. It's not always "fun" to have major deadlines, companies who have not paid me (thank you-because I learned valuable lessons), leaving my family at times, and sometimes "crazy DRAMA" in the industry, and of course my constant year of dealing with a crazy stalker who STILL to this day will not leave me alone! Okay- here is the TRUTH...all of this is all OKAY- I am so thankful for all that I have learned and well I have learned I am so much STRONGER. Not for one moment do I have regrets or feel sorry for myself. I am the luckiest person in the world-
THE REASON....
is because I know that scrapbooking and sharing and what I do is SO much more than paper, scissors and glue! It's MORE than that.
I hugged Michelle and I told her that I want to help her with documenting her husband's life. I suggested we do a A-Z book, just like the one I created about my mother. I started scrapbooking because of her death. I know the need and the emotional benefit to others that you can get by making a book to honor their life and legacy. Michelle has a young grandson who will never remember his grandfather. Through these books- he will. I told her that I am going to help her. I am going to her house and we will cry together, talk, and I'll help her tell the story of her husband.
Michelle told me that she was married to her best friend and she always wanted to be with him. They just always loved being together. I knew that I was meant to see her yesterday. I needed to share with her and be there to support her. We cried together and I felt a feeling confirmed in me that I am here to help others. I talked to her about creating a keepsake memory album- she cried. I can use my passion for what I do...in a way to hopefully help her and others.
I have met thousands of woman over the years who talk to me about loss, and why they started to scrapbook. I know that for me, it's so much MORE than a beautiful project. It's a way to EXPRESS love and feelings for others. So appropriate for Valentine's!!!!
I will share with you what I'm working on tomorrow and give you a FREE download to make your own STAMPS!
Thanks for letting me share- Happy Saturday!!!!!
