A Season of Life

Hello Friends, I have certainly neglected my blog lately. What have I been doing???? Well, it certainly hasn't been quilting or sewing. I have not sewn a single stitch since Ron's passing! I am trying to get my mojo back! I will be attending a retreat with my Wacky sistas the end of the month so I'm sure they will get me inspired.

I have been doing some reading and learning to cope and live in this new season of my life. You see I work full-time. Ron was retired and I lovingly referred to him as my "house boy". He kept the house clean, did laundry, and cooked -- well cooked most of the time. He did these things in between hunting and fishing. I was VERY SPOILED and didn't realize how spoiled I was. I have mowed the grass only ONE TIME IN MY LIFE! I don't even know how to start the lawn more -- that contraption is foreign to me -- LOL. My dear oldest son has been taking care of the yard for me, but is going to teach me how to use the mower. I've realized that I have to do laundry (I'll save the story of the alleged 'pantie snatcher' for another post), cook, wash my car, take it in for oil changes, and many other sundry things. Just this week it struck me that I may need to check the a/c filter! I walk around my house and think "oh my gosh, I am totally responsible for this place!

How am I coping you ask? Well, it is simply by the love and grace of God. I have a very strong faith and a great network of friends. I have many, many bad moments (and sometimes days), but 'these too shall pass' in time. I also have many, many wonderful moments too. You see, Ron and I were 'best friends' and were just approximately six weeks shy of our 40th wedding anniversary. When he left this world, he took a part of me with him, but he also left a part of himself with me -- his strong will, his love, and a zillion memories! He also left me with the knowledge that I WILL SEE HIM AGAIN! I know without a doubt that he is living in the most glorious place -- a place that words cannot describe. I know that when my time on this old earth is over, he will be waiting for me. This knowledge brings me great comfort. Also, knowing that my Heavenly Father is constantly holding my hand on this journey and equipping me with everything I need is my constant strength.

SEW, I went to the local quilt shop today and picked up some fabric for an apron swap. I'm hoping to get back into the studio this weekend to do some sewing/quilting. I am thinking that signing up for this swap and having a deadline will get me back to my sewing.

I have rambled enough for now. Stay tuned and I'll share the "pantie snatcher" story in a future post!!! It was quite an awakening for me but a funny one!

Ya'll have a Blessed week and I hope all your stitches are perfect and your seams are all quarter inch.

Childhood Memories

Isn't it funny how you can see a picture, a person, or object that will jog your memory about something in your childhood. The other day, I was blog-surfing (yes, that is a new word--LOL) and I saw a picture of a quilt with a child playing on it with little cars. I am the youngest of three children and the only girl. With two older brothers, naturally I would want to play with cars. I LOVED playing cars. I have a fond memory of a quilt that my Mama had and I loved to play on it. It was perfect as a 'town'. I would spread that quilt out in the middle of the den floor, gather my little cars and enter the world of make-believe. It had a place to park your car, roads to drive those little cars on, and just make believe. I have no idea what the pattern was nor do I know what happened to that quilt. But it just made me feel good all over to remember such a fun time from my childhood.

A Day of Reflection

Today is a Day of Reflection for me. After a routine colonoscopy, I heard those dreaded words "You have cancer." I'll never forget it as long as I live. I was numb. All I could think about was my husband and how he was going to react. How did he react? (You see, prior associations with family/friends who was diagnosed with cancer died within months.) He said that "WE have cancer" not just me! He has been my rock thru it all. That was five years ago today. The prognosis wasn't real good. I had surgery where a section of my colon was removed. Today, I am cancer free. I have my regular appointment with my Oncologist this coming Thursday. If all is well (and I pray it will be), I will only have to go see him annually from this point forward. This is a major milestone! I am my own Hero. I know this sounds vain, but hey I kicked cancer's butt I have a right to celebrate!

I look at life differently now and do not take anything for granted. Life can change quicker than the blink of an eye. I'm so thankful and grateful to God as I know it was His healing powers that saved me. I often think "what if" they had told me I only had 5 years to live? What would I have missed?

I was around to see my husband retire after working for over 33 years at the power plant; my third grandchild was born; my youngest son got married and blessed me with a wonderful daughter-in-law; I retired from my 20+ year job as office manager; I have renewed relationships with some old friends; I have a wonderful group of quilting buddies -- the Wacky Pack that I LOVE to be with; I spent an entire month in Europe visiting several countries; I went on a quilting cruise in the Caribbean with the Wacky Pack Quilters; I did the 'zip-line thing' in Honduras and just "knew" I was going to die!; I've witnessed healing in sibling relationships in my DH's family; I watched my oldest son make a career change that required sacrifices on the part of his family and himself -- he is now a Fireman in Houston, TX, and found his calling. I have witnessed my youngest son graduating from Texas A&M and watched his career SOAR and him become so successful! I am so proud of both of my sons. I have started another career as the Director of Senior Services/Transit in Freestone County. It is a great job and one where I truly feel I make a difference in lives. As a result of this job, I have a new set of friends that I consider a true blessing in my life. I have won a couple of awards with my quilts. I have made quilts for both sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren plus other friends. I was so scared I wouldn't get this accomplished. I could go on and on, but I'll stop now. I am just so happy and proud on this 5th anniversary of a very life-changing event.