This is a picture of my sister Sue and me with our mother. I am the blonde, and though you can't tell from a black and white photo, Sue always has had gorgeous auburn hair. Mama is ninety years old now and has been having some health issues. The last week in August she had another stroke and fell. Her right arm is fractured and she has lost a lot of her memory. Mama will probably be transferred to a nursing home/rehab facility next week. My heart is heavy, but at the same time I know she has lived a long, good life. She has had many struggles, but she has been an amazingly strong and determined woman when she wanted to be.
At the age of forty, she went back to college to finish her degree in elementary education. She went on later to earn a Master's Degree. She taught at the local elementary school for many years. She has never thought of herself as exceptionally strong or intelligent, but she is. I pray that the great God who has taken such good care of her all her life provides for her exactly what she needs now. I am very thankful for my brother who has lived right next door to her for years. He has also taken very good care of Mama and is still doing that to the best of his ability.
Meanwhile, here in the Land of Muddle, Summer is winding down. It is still hot, don't kid yourself! But there are hints of Fall in the air here and there. Buddy is such a good boy. I am thankful for him. Those two chickens are the only ones left! I don't think I will get any more.
My friend Phyllis sewed together many half square triangles I cut with the Go! Cutter from some of that last batch of fabric I was given by my sweet sister in law Gloria. I'm thinking I may do a simple zig zag design for this one. We'll see.
I'm still making more blocks for the Scrappy Trips quilt. I got six of them put together in the last couple of days.
And here are six more ready to sew together.
I got all the 2 1/2 inch strips cut for the Christmas quilts that Sandy, Phyllis and I are making. Now I need to cut sashing strips from these whites. (Millie, do you see your Christmas strips under these? I won a giveaway on Millie's blog several years ago and made this quilt from them.)
It seems there is a lot of pain, anger and sadness in our world now. I know that it's there, and in a lot of cases it is valid. However, giving in to those feelings usually only makes things worse. I choose to look on the good things, the things that make me happy. Many of you who read this are people who make me happy. Your positive attitude, your talent, your willingness to share your knowledge all make this world a better place. I'm thankful for you!
Hugs and kisses,
13 comments:
I agree, have 9 happy thoughts for every sad or angry thought. Pretty soon you'll feel happy all of the time.
I like the zig zag you have started. I want to make another one too but haven't decided which fabrics yet.
Many times we think we are strong and we get blind sided by illness and our elders starting to fail. I went through this last year and it isn't easy. Keep your mind clear and you will get through it. Keep sewing. Chris
It is lovely to read about your mother and have you talk of all the positives, even though she is unwell. She sounds like a very special lady. And it also sounds like you have a great brother.
The zig zag blocks are looking good. I love the way HSTs can make so many designs.
Enjoy the change in weather.
Life is just too short to be consumed by sadness or pain ... there is always something positive to focus on. I'm joining you in your prayer for your mom.
You are a very special friend to so many and like I've said before, a heart of gold. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom but she's in my prayers as well as you and your family. I agree, to much sadness in the world. All we can do is focus on the things that brings happiness. I always get a blessing when I visit with you. Blessings and Much Love, xo
I always love seeing your quilts and I am amazed at how industrious you are...I wish I was even half as productive! Also, my thoughts are with you on your mother. I know it isn't easy and you guys will be in my prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mama Elaine. It's so, so very hard to watch our parents age and lose their abilities and it just makes me sad. Thank goodness we have quilting, don't you think! I can't wait to see your scrappy trip take shape -- I'd love to make one!
I'm so sorry your mom fell and broke her arm. I know what you are going through. My mother fell in June and broke her foot. It's been a long journey, but she's healing. She's 93. Your quilts are beautiful. I'll keep your mom in my prayers.
Age creeps us on us all,, but it is what we have done with the time that counts. Your Mother sounds amazing God Bless her. I note the Go Cutter. have a look at my blog and see the Quilts made in the early 1840s 1850s no electricity, no fabric stores just time and endurance making sensational quilts.
Wondering how you are doing? I was so sorry to read about the passing of your beloved Bruno. The heartache of that is a familiar feeling.
Praying for God to give family and yourself peace about your mom, I know you will be strong for her.
Today I spent a while scrolling thru your blog.... getting lots of smiles and inspiration. I'm getting ready to tackle my frame quilting machine again, as soon as hubby gets it leveled again. Then a new new needle, different thread, clean out bobbin race and anything else I have read about...... just like starting over.
Hugs and kisses to you and your wonderful attitude to life
Elaine, how touching this post is! How wonderful that you still have you mom.......however, my heart goes out to you to see her vitality to dwindle away. I know it is hard........like you, my brother lives closer to my mom.......and although she still gets around well......he can fix everything for her that breaks down.......he is a blessing. I love the sweet photo of you and your sister together with your mom. How wonderful that she pursued her teaching career. Yes, these past few days have been sad and concerning in this troubled world of ours. We just have to hang on to the Lord to help us see the light through all of this darkness. My prayers to you dear friend and for your mom. I only have 4 hens and 1 rooster left to my little flock of chickens as well. Now that my husband's work is about to end.....we want to travel to see our children who live far and spread apart.......so I am not planning on getting any more chickens as well. I live too far out for any of my friends to come take care of them each day.......I do have a friend who will baby sit my little handful when I do go to travel. How pretty your quilting always is.........are you going to the quilt show in November? Have a good weekend dear friend
What a wonderful picture of you and your sister with your mother. She was beautiful. I'm sorry to hear that she had a stroke and fell. Getting older is not easy.
There is a lot going on in the world right now. There's so many people. So much going on. Chickens are interesting to watch. A lot of work!
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