Thursday, August 28, 2014

So Sorry for Your Loss

I haven't had much time to craft this week but I did sit down first thing today to create a sympathy card for the family of a truly wonderful woman who lost her battle with cancer last week.  This family has been the foundation of our church for so long.  They are very quiet people and I don't think any of us realized just how active they were until we were reminiscing about Ellen this week and each of us had different stories about our connection to the family.

Sadly, it's been almost five years since they lost their eldest son.  He was a Marine who was killed when a Marine helicopter and a Coast Guard plane collided near Camp Pendleton.   They would be the family to whom people say "God doesn't give you more than you can handle", but I have to say that I so disagree with that saying.  I feel like it requires the person to be stronger than they might otherwise be feeling...that they would feel they had to live up to God's trust in them.  But we are all human and life can be too much for us. Of course, God is always there to give love, support, strength and the promise of our future life in Him, but He certainly does not promise that life is easy or even happy.  

I hope today's service will let the family know how much we loved Ellen and love each of them.  If you have followed my blog for long, you know that my long-time church has been rocked in the past few years with two very difficult situations which cut the membership almost in half.  But today's service will overflow with people wanting to show love and support including so many members who left in pain and anger, and former staff who just could not live in the situation anymore.  Also coming back is the pastor who was in the middle of the storm (since we don't yet have a full-time pastor).  I know today is about Ellen and her family, but I also feel like it's going to be a time to let go and forgive...to remember Ellen in her humble service to the church and realize what truly is important and that is our life in Him.

I struggled with a card.  I hate that when it's really important, I struggle the hardest. I did use a light gray cardstock (it's not just a gray picture).  I was thinking of a misty day, a few enamel "tears" and the one bright leaf.

So Sorry

  • Stamps: Hero Arts Remember clear set
  • Paper: Stampin' Up Old Olive and watercolor paper, Papertrey Ink Soft Stone, Smokey Shadow
  • Ink: Papertrey Ink Smokey Shadow, Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Shabby Shutters, Wild Honey and Spiced Marmalade
  • Accessories: Lil' Inkers Stitched Rectangles, Papertrey Ink Phrase Play #7 die (just the leaf from the center), MME Lost & Found Record It Antique Enamel Dots, Hemptique 10-lb natural twine

15 comments:

  1. A beautiful card. Sorry for your need. I will pray for the service today. Hugs!

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  2. God DOES give us more than we can handle at times, but never more than HE can handle! If we are in Christ, we not only share in His sufferings, but also in His triumph. Your card is beautiful in its simplicity.

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  3. This is gorgeous, Kim. Love the variagated leaf and the elegant simplicity of the card. Sure to bring comfort to this family in the midst of their sorrow. May the service bring much healing to those in attendance and as you said, forgiveness and the wonderful joy of being able to move beyond. Hugs to you!!

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  4. That is so sad.. This card will bring comfort. so lovely.

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  5. Oh, what a terrible loss! I feel so sorry for her family and everyone else who knew and loved this brave woman! You've done her justice with your gorgeous and meaningful card. Subtle but also beautiful in every way.
    Sometimes God gives us people on our paths of life who bless us in in so many ways. After reading your story about Ellen, thanks for sharing, we're able to feel a little bit of the warmth she has spread during her life.
    Wishing you strength and comfort of our Lord.
    She won't be forgotten!
    Bye,

    Marjolein

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  6. Your tribute to Ellen is as beautiful as is your card. Thank you for sharing *her* with us; I hope you include a copy of this deeply touching, heart-warming post as part of the card's message. I'll echo Marisa in sending prayers that the sadness of this occasion will provide opportunity for healing, forgiveness and joy to emerge. I think that would be Ellen's desire, too. Hugs~c

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  7. What a heart grabbing post, Kim. I've thought of you and your church often since and pray that the service for Ellen does indeed bring healing to not only her family but to the church family as well. Your card is a lovely tribute to her.

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  8. Lovely post, from your heart.
    A simple, elegant card to remember a woman you loved. Thank you for sharing your card and er story.

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  9. Oh, Kim! Such a beautiful card for a truly tragic story. I'm sure they appreciated your card.

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  10. Prayers that this sober time brings perspective and forgiveness to your church family. This is a lovely card and sure to be cherished.

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  11. Kim,your card is perfect! What a heartfelt post ,thank you for sharing . I sent you an email. My prayers for those she left behind.

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  12. A beautiful card, Kim ... praying that there is healing for your church comfort for Ellen's family among the sadness. Anita

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  13. What a beautiful way to show your sympathy and love. And what a wonderful tribute to your friend.

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  14. Beautiful tribute and a lovely Sympathy card that I'm sure brought comfort to the family.

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