So I had no intention of being away so long... and yes I've said that exact same thing before... but it is true. I started off the year with stuff to show and then... I didn't have anything blog-worthy so I took a week off...and then another...and then I got busy with other stuff... a big family birthday celebration... getting estimates for new windows for my house, re-arranging for the umpteenth time my little upstairs craft room, etc, etc, etc...
And then things got totally off track when my brother, my only sibling, my younger brother, passed away unexpectedly. James has been battling a multitude of health issues over the last 10 years... bad back injury that left him in severe, chronic pain... diabetes... vascular issues... and leukemia. He had a stem cell transplant 7 1/2 years ago that saved his life to this point. He rarely complained about his problems other than some times he just didn't feel well...ya think??... and he was doing what he loved to do, which was work on old cars, every day. It appears he had either a heart attack or stroke which wasn't on any of our radars but is likely with his vascular issues. I knew realistically he would probably pass before me but I thought the cancer would get him in the end...not some other ailment.
Needless to say I've been quite involved with the aftermath of this event. He left a large, eclectic estate which has to be sorted out by my niece, his only child, and I'm trying to help where I can. He collected old cars the way we collect fabric and threads and yarn and charts... we aren't sure yet just how many cars there are. He had a big pole barn building with a bunch in there...and there are cars on his house property...and cars stashed at the service station lot where he had his first job at 14 and still helped out the now 80 year old owner who was his dear friend... and every couple of days my niece gets a call on his cell phone from this guy or that guy saying "I have a car that belongs to James at my place and there is no rush to come get it, but just wanted you to know I have it." This is going to take a while to get things settled
So that's my tale of why I've been absent. I will return tomorrow with some cross stitch that I've played with. My focus hasn't been too sharp lately and I've jumped from project to project... some things are only stitched, not turned into fully finished pieces... and some won't be turned into fully finished pieces till next winter rolls around. With all that has happened I'm going to move onto Spring-y projects... going to kit up a couple of things today.
So hold those you love close... I know its cliche but you never know what tomorrow will bring... I take great comfort in knowing the last time I saw my brother he was eating my homemade lasagna at my table and smiling...the last thing we did together was hug each other and say that we loved each other... now I'm going to go cry for a bit... tomorrow will be better..
carol fun
Oh, such sad news. I'm so glad you have good memories of your last time together to hold on to. When my little boy died I decided I wanted to turn my grief into a project to remember him by. I stitched a complex cross stitch piece of a little boy with his train, teddy, and airplane. It has hung on my wall, in the room I'm in the most for 40 yrs. now. Give yourself some time. . .
ReplyDeleteI lost a younger brother in December 2017. We are sorting out his house. He was a type of horder. What a mess and so far no will. Take it one day at a time. Sending lots of big hugs.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you dear friend--I was thinking of you again today as I am still stitching on the winter ABC--I have a younger brother and I love him so much though I rarely get to see him--there is something about younger brothers--I have 2 sisters between us--but he is my joy--he always has funny stories to tell--even if it is something bad that happened--he can turn into something to laugh about--
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that your brother did what he loved, even while he struggled with health issues--so many would of just sat on the couch and watch tv or something--
hugs, di
OHHh and talking about chickens--we were talking about chickens weren't we-- I seen some really neat ones on Thursday--and was thinking of you then--one had so much fluff on the top of his head, he literally had to keep shaking his head to see where he was going--there is sorta of a photo of him on my 'workbasket' site (upper left hand corner of my sewing blogsite)
ReplyDeleteenjoy, di
Carol I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I am glad you were close and have great memories of him. Take good care now.
ReplyDeleteSo very , very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you .xxx
ReplyDeleteOh, so sorry about your brother. I know you'll miss him but know your niece is so glad you're there to help. My brother's going to have his foot amputated due to diabetes (he's not been compliant at all) and I'm afraid this'll do him in. He's 9 yrs older than me and lives in San Diego so I haven't seen him in awhile.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies on the loss of your brother. Hope things settle out okay with all the cars and your niece’s dealings to clear up his affairs. Glad you have a good last personal contact to remember. I have 4 siblings and someday we will face this but hopefully not for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been away from blogging too, for a much less awful reason. Hope keeping busy is helping! Virtual Hugs from SoCal.
I was just thinking about you today Carol. I was saying to myself, you need to email Carol and make sure things are ok. Well, obviously they were not. I am so sorry to hear about your brother. It must be so difficult to loose a brother, especially a younger one, even if it is expected somewhat. You are wonderful for helping your niece. Having been my step mom's personal representative, I know how much work it is. Plus it sounds like his estate is very complicated. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will be in your neck of the woods the end of March, maybe I can take you out to lunch.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I am so sorry for your loss!! I know how you are feeling - I lost my older brother this past summer to complications of Agent Orange. Lots and lots of complications. After 18 years of new ailment after new ailment a severe fall finally took him from us!! Take care of yourself through all of this and know that your brother is in a better place now!! But I am sad for you!! :-(
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Take good care.
ReplyDeleteI understand your absence, so sorry for your loss. And, oh my, sounds like sorting through that estate is going to be a lifetime project. Use your stitching time to recover and don't worry about keeping us posted (though I always enjoy seeing what you are working on).
ReplyDeleteSo very, very sorry Carol. Grief like that does not just end, but is incorporated into the 'new' you. You are honoring your brother by helping his daughter with the many mundane tasks that are part of wrapping up someone's life.
ReplyDeleteWow, Carol, that's something else. I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Allow yourself time to grieve and remember all the good times. {{Hugs}}
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss! My younger sister suddenly passed away almost 8 years ago at the age of 48. Hugs and prayers!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your brother, Carol. It sounds like he was a great guy and you have many fond memories to carry you through this tough time. Get back to your needlework; it can provide much comfort!
ReplyDeleteOh Carol, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. You take all the time you need. Things will settle out, little by little.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your loss.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shock! So sorry to hear about your brother. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI've fallen woefully behind in catching up with my blog friends and I'm so very sorry to read of your brother's passing, Carol. I know that your niece must be grateful for your help during this time. I hope, that in time, your memories will bring you comfort and that you find healing in your stitches. Keeping you in prayer.
ReplyDelete