Saturday, December 31, 2016

Things that matter most.

A selfie taken a few months ago with Dad.
Some things are so much more important than quilting and blogging about it. I have taken a little unplanned break from blogs and stitching since my last post.
At age 93, my Father, my hero, my friend passed quietly from this life on Thursday, after having taken a sudden turn for the worse two days before Christmas.

Father's Day 2016



Through the holiday weekend their small home was filled as family and friends who loved him wanted to be there for a last good-bye. Mom and all of his children were beside him as he took his last breath and I felt his hand go limp in mine. It was a tender moment as this valiant warrior in God's army was taken home to rest. We are at peace with his passing, and I personally have no regrets. But missing him will be a daily occurrence!

So did I make it to 50 small finishes for 2016? No. Does it matter? Absolutely not! What matters is loving those who are important to you, and making sure they know how much you care.

There have been a few more sweet surprises in the mail. Pat (Amity Quilter blog) sent along this pretty star. She has made bunches of them, and I just discovered last week that my younger sister has started making them. Maybe this old dog will learn a new trick.

 
Mary (Quiltin' Grandma's blog) sent along these lovely things, and I think there was a treat included, but it was probably consumed so quickly that now I can't recall. : )





Pam (Heartspun Quilts blog) included me in the dispersal of some of her beautiful repro scraps.
Thanks to each of you!






And thank you to those who have emailed or called with your love and concern.
I will be back in a little while. Until the funeral is over Tuesday and family disperse to their homes, time will be filled with visiting and reminiscing. 
I am wishing you all a new year of love and choosing to be kind! My Dad was all about being kind to everyone. I think that will be my motto for 2017--choose to be kind.
Janet O.


p.s. It is a frosty world here right now. Pretty, but very cold!

60 comments:

  1. Janet, I'm sorry for your loss. You were blessed to have your Dad for so long. You have such a healthy attitude about this, and indeed, choose to be kind! Such sweet pictures of the two of you together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Betsy

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  2. Thinking of you and your family.

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  3. Janet, My prayers are with you as you travel this path of grief.

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  4. Hugs and love to you and your family.

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  5. I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's death, Janet. The gospel and covenants give us the knowledge of an eternity with our family but we still grieve when our loved ones pass from this life into the next. Blessings to you and the rest of your father's family.

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  6. I'm so glad you got to be there at the very end.

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  7. My sympathies on the loss of your dear dad. Occurring at the holidays adds a whole new layer to how you'll remember this time. Glad so many were there to say goodbye and wish him peace.

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  8. I am sending hugs to you and your family. I lost my Dad about three years ago and understand how hard it is.

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  9. I couldn't read any further after hearing your father died. It still is a bit fresh with my dad and FIL passing. May God comfort you and your family during this time.

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  10. I am so sorry for your loss. He will live on in your heart and memories.

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  11. Janet, big hugs all the way from New Zealand to you........your dad sure had a fabulous innings! Never ever an easy time to loose someone so special. Take care xx

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  12. No doubt your father was a blessing to many people over his lifetime, and you will have many wonderful memories to think on for the rest of your life. I'm sure you will see him again some day. ---"Love"

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss, Janet. Thanks for the reminder about making sure those we love know we love them. I think your motto for 2017 is a lovely way to honor your father.

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  14. Janet, You are obviously your dad's daughter. I think you have lived the motto all along. I'm sure your dad was so very proud of you (and the rest of your family). May he rest in peace.

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  15. Prayers for you and your family.

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  16. I'm very sorry for your loss. I also had to say goodbye to my beloved father this year, so your tribute really hit home.

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  17. Being Kind is what you are! Your father will be alive in your heart. Sorry that it happened on the Holiday time. Enjoy the time with your family. I am sure this has been a shock. You are in my prayers!

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  18. your thoughts are so right janet....my mom is nearly 90 and still healthy and active, but no one is promised tomorrow and every moment is treasured...it is why the sanctity of life is so important...for everyone

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  19. So sorry Janet to hear of this loss. It is a wonderful tribute you carry from your Dad and share with the world. Those are the things that are important. I also send prayers for you and your Mom at this time. Know we are wrapping our arms around both of you.

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  20. Janet I am so sorry...he will remain in your heart forever. I love your mantra for the year...what a wonderful world we would have if we could just have everyone be kind❤sending you hugs

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  21. Oh Janet - I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you all peace, love and hugs in this new year. Enjoy your family time...we'll be here when you're ready!

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  22. I have been missing you and this morning I was going to email you. I wanted to check on you and OMG I didn't expect this. Sending you love and hugs as I went through the same with my Dad years ago. I was there when he died and felt his mojo leave his body into my hand. I'm tearing up now.... Love and lots of hugs.

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  23. Always sad to lose a loved one. Especially during the holidays when everyone is celebrating.

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  24. What beautiful photos of you and your Dad. God Bless Him and your family.
    Your frosty photos are so so pretty.
    Happy New Year Janet
    xo

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  25. I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to be with my mother at her passing and then spent 4 beautiful years taking care of my father. It was the best 4 years. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs

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  26. THank you for sharing your sadness with all of us. It is such a reminder about our priorities. Your photos are such memories for you. It is so easy these days to get caught up in alll the nonsense these days. Being kind is such a good start for everyone. MY thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  27. What a sweet post, God's blessing to your family.

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  28. I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. It's comforting that he was surrounded by those he loved. Take care.

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  29. Enjoy the loving memories of happy times with your father and a life well lived, as you think of him each day. Treasure your family and ask for more hugs. Condolences on your loss, fathers are special men as they teach us to choose good husbands and raise fine sons.

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  30. Finding peace with your Father's passing is a great blessing. Cherish those you love, your projects will be waiting for you. Your finishes are all beautiful.

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  31. My heart is filled with sorrow for you Janet! I know that grief will guide your days for a little while, and that's as it should be. Be kind to yourself my friend and allow your heart time to recover from such a sad loss. I don't know how many friends are praying for you right now, but I'm betting it is way more than you could ever imagine! HUGS & BLESSINGS!!!!!

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  32. I'm so sorry for your loss. Quilting will be here to help you work through your grief or will be there for you when you are able to return to it.

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  33. My prayers for you and your family. God bless

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  34. This was a lovely post and I am so sorry for loss. My prayers are with you and your family through this time in your life. Know that we are here for you whenever you are ready. You are part of our family.

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  35. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow. There is a blessing in the knowledge that we will see our loved ones again.

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  36. You are in my thoughts... and I hope that all the precious memories you have of your Dad bring comfort each day.

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  37. No matter the many years, or the many accomplishments... it's always sad to say goodbye to a hero! Thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends.

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  38. Oh Janet, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Will be sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. I know you will cherish all of the memories!

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  39. Janet, May God bless you and keep you in his care as you learn to walk in this world without your dear father.

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  40. Dear Janet, I was so sorry to read of your Father's passing. I know you will miss him, but he has left a wonderful legacy. What a different world we would live in in if more people were just kind. You and your fanily will be in my prayers.

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  41. I have been thinking of you Janet and it is nice to know you are all at peace with your Dad's passing. It sounds like he was a wonderful and well loved father and friend. Enjoy your special family time xx

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  42. Dear Janet - I am so sorry for this sad news - we will never forget our fathers, will we. May you find peace and acceptance - he lived a long life - how wonderful to have had him with you so long. I am thinking of you. Elaine Adair

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  43. So sorry for your loss. I'm so glad you write that you have peace, such a hard thing for many. As long as you find joy in the journey of stitching, don't worry about the number of finishes, just enjoy the journey. Big hugs being sent your way.

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  44. Oh Janet, I am so sorry. He is now at peace, and my prayers are with you and your family. I hope the hole in your heart quickly fills with warm memories to lesson your pain.

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  45. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sandi

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  46. Hugs of consolation for you and your loved ones.

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  47. Dearest, Janet, I knew your Dad through the wonderful, kind woman and friend that you are!! Thank you so much!! And what a wonderful service!!

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  48. Janet, I have been down with a nasty cold and pretty much off the computer & have just now seen your post, my heart & prayers go out to you and your family. Take all the time you need, and my God bless you in this time of healing

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  49. So sorry to hear of your loss. You always talked about your dad with such bountiful love. My prayers are with you.

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  50. So sorry for your loss Janet. Sending hugs to you and yours.

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  51. So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Obviously, you have many great memories and those will carry you through this difficult time.

    Charlotte

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  52. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Take time for yourself and cherish all the memories. Such a pretty frosty photo.

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  53. Oh Janet! I am just learning this news! My most sincere condolences to you and your family! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you! My heart is breaking for you at this time!

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  54. Janet, I'm so sorry to read about your dad passing away. And you are so right...it's about people and loving each other. Hugs to you!!💕

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  55. Oh Janet, I have just received your post.... It's a sad news and I am sending to you and your family my sincere condolences....
    Big hugs.

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  56. Please accept my deepest condolences.

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  57. I'm so very sorry for your loss, Janet. It sounds as if your sweet, kind spirit was passed on to you from your parents. May you, in time, find comfort in your precious memories and may they bring you joy as you continue to bring joy to others with your sweet spirit.

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