Monday, January 25, 2010

2Sketches4You Laura#44 + A Loving Memory




OK...yes it is still pink and red, but there are a few other colors this time, too. lol! I just can't get enough of Valentines. There is just something about being able to express your love for someone combined with doing something you love to do that makes me oh so happy! Now add in one of Laura's fabulous sketches and a great sponsor in JustRite Stamps and that makes me one VERY happy camper. Now I am going to indulge myself a little and take time to express a little love and tribute to my brother. He passed away a week ago today. Through a series of everyone thinking everyone else had told me about it...I managed not to find out about his passing until Friday afternoon. Since my dad is 90 I'm giving him a pass about not letting me know. (We'll overlook the fact that even at 80 or 70 or 60 this might still have occured) At any rate, I'm so very thankful I was able to make the funeral that was at 10:00 am on Saturday. We literally just threw some things and a suitcase and headed off for California Friday afternoon and spent the night there so we could be ready for the funeral on Saturday morning. It was great to see my family again and a little sad to think that the last time I had seen some of them was at the last funeral. This is too often the case. I want to make it a priority to keep in better touch with everyone. Now I would like to share my favorite memory of my brother. He was 21 years older than I am, so we did not grow up in the same household. He was married by the time I came along. In some respects he was more like an uncle to me than a brother. My favorite memory is of him playing the piano. He was genius at it. Our mom was happiest when he was sitting down playing the piano for her. My mom's favorite song was the theme song from Dr. Zhivago (Lara's theme). For my mom's birthday one year he taught his daughter to play this song for her. I remember going to my brother's house and my neice sitting down at the piano and playing and tears streaming down my mom's face. Well, enough of that...but do me a favor and go hug a loved one today...make a Valentine or in some way express your love to someone you are close to. Speaking of which, I am soooooooooo excited for Karen Pedersen who has her son coming home from his two year mission tomorrow!!! She hasn't seen him for two years and I can bet there will be some hugging and expressing of love going on in that household!! I'm so excited for you and your family Karen!!!

16 comments:

  1. Cheryl, THANK YOU for your kind words about me and my family in your post. You are right! I am barely containing myself with excitement for Easton's return tomorrow! I am honored you remembered. I am sooooo sorry to hear about your brother the the fact that you were informed so belatedly. I'm glad that you made it to the funeral and were able to be there and also spend some time with your family. What a special story you shared! Your card is perfect as always. I am soooo into houndstooth right now. That ribbon is delish!

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  2. Hi Cheryl!!! Beautiful card as always my friend.
    I`m so sorry about your brother loss.I`ll paray for him..
    I want to tell you that I just came from the supermarket and I saw two guys from your church and I inmediatly thought in your son and in you.They were buying some food and the looked so happy and I thought your son could be making the same where he is and I`m sure he`s so happy!!!

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  3. Cheryl, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother and I know you will cherish those favorite memories you have of him. I'll be thinking of you and your family! Sending BIG hugs to you, my dear! I love your gorgeous card. The glittery hearts and the wonderful ribbon and stitching, it's amazing! Much love to you! ♥♥ Kay

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  4. So sorry about your loss, Cheryl but glad you found out in time to make it to the funeral. BTW, I LOVE Lara's theme. :)

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  5. I'm very sorry that you lost your brother. It's truly a blessing that you were able to attend the funeral. My prayers go out to you and your family.

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  6. Oh Cheryl, soooo sorry to hear about your brother...thanks for sharing your story about him and the piano...

    Your card is absolutely gorgeous...love all the colors!

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  7. Oh wow Cheryl, this is gorgeous. Love the colours and its a great design too. Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday.
    Hugs
    Desire

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  8. Cheryl, so sorry for your loss. I love your work and the bright colours you use. You are an inspiration for a novice stamper!!

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  9. Your card is gorgeous, Cheryl! Don't stop making the Valentines.......cause you're fabulous at them!
    I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Sending you a great big hug!

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  10. Ooohh Cheryl I'm so sorry for your loss. Glad you made it to the funeral and thank's for sharing that story with us. You are in my thoughts.

    Your card is as always the sweetest one, love it.

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  11. I am sorry about the passing of your brother. My condolences to you and your family.

    Your card is very beautiful...I love the papers you used, and the cute little restroom people! Great job with the sketch this week (as always)!

    ♥Lea

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  12. I am sorry about the passing of your brother. My condolences to you and your family.
    The card is beautiful!

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  13. Hi Cheryl! Love your cards and design!! I'm so sorry about the loss of your brother! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs! Lisa

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  14. oh i am so sorry to hear about your brother, but how lovely to have such wonderful memories!

    speaking of lovely, this card is really quite spectacular! love the way you've combined those strong graphic b&w prints with the softer colors and shapes! (& yes a 2S4Y sketch is always gonna be hard to beat in the inspiration category!) :)

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  15. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's passing.. my deepest condolences to you and your family.

    Your card is just gorgeous! I love the cute birdies, fun colors and the wonderful details!

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  16. Wow! What a lovely card!! :-) It´s amazing how you combine pink and red together - and it looks faboulous! :-)

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