A wee little moth was resting on one of my Brown-Eyed Susans the other day. And why not? Every creature needs to rest. I took this on the Macro setting. He was so tiny that I wasn’t even sure he was a moth at first.
I’m getting read to start on this sampler designed by Rebecca of Drop Cloth. I’ve had it for months and just never got around to it. It’s called the Cake Sampler and was inspired by a vintage cake decorating book. If you remember, I embroidered another of her samplers last year:
I really love her designs – she has another one coming out on Monday. I think I need some calming, meditative handwork to get me through these worrisome days. Dad spoke to both Meredith and me last night, in tears, about having to make some sort of decision about Mom’s care. He cannot be the primary caregiver any longer – it is simply too much for him. His heart is breaking. They’ve been together over 65 years and she is the love of his life. Our hearts are breaking, too.
I think some embroidery is in order.
I’ve enlarged the size of my photos. What do you think – are they too big? Let me know.
Have a good weekend.
Not to large at all, I like big pictures for my tired ole eyes.
I salute those that can hand embroider, its a skill, it truly is.
I hope you are feeling better.
GOD bless and keep you all safe.
First- I love larger photos because I am nosy and I want to see every little detail :) Second- my heart breaks for your family too- what an agonizing decision your Dad has had to come to. It is very brave of him to admit that to you and your Sister instead of hurting himself by trying to do more than he physically can. I will still be keeping your Mom and Dad in my prayers and sending them vibes of strength right now. Hugs to you Claudia ♥
Claudia,
I love the samplers. Might have to think about them…
I truly know and understand what you and your sister and dad are going through. Heartbreaking.
Carol
My heart is breaking for your daddy. Such an incredibly difficult and sad time for him to go through. And, busy hands are happy hands so embroidery should do you some good. Yes, I recall the photo of the piece that you posted last year. It’s wonderful, Claudia! This new one will be too!!
Breathe in, breathe out…. good times will return in good time.
I LOVE THE SIZE OF YOUR PICTURES, AND YOU TAKE GREAT PICTURES TOO. HOW I WISH I COULD EMBROIDER AGAIN, MY HANDS ARE FILLED WITH ARTHRITIS, I KEEP TRYING……YOUR SAMPLER IS SO LOVELY, CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT FINISHED. SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM AND DAD, HOW HARD IT MUST BE FOR HIM, AND I KNOW IT IS HARD ON YOU AND MERE. PRAYERS ARE STILL GOING YOUR WAY. TAKE CARE MY FRIEND. RIZZI
Prayers lifting for your Father, Mother & yiour family. This is never an easy time when these decisions need to be made. I am so sorry you are going thruthis, Claudia.
Your needlework is beautiful.
Would you be so kind to leave a comment on my BLOG ONLY, for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon
Claudia, we went through the same thing with Walter’s parents some years ago. It in not a good time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Is the sampler all one color or do you get to choose from the great colors in the jar? Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Oh Claudia my heart is breaking for your parents and your entire family. I’ll keep you all in my prayers.
And yes, I do think so embroidery is order.
Gentle hugs…
Leann
I feel awesomely sad to hear about your mom and dad and the changes in their lives. I guess it is because my mama is almost 86, and I am projecting. Yes stitching is a good thing.
Your photos are not too large. I would love to start some embroidery myself. It’s been a long time since a project like that. You and your parents are in my prayers.
Oh that is so stressful….not an easy thing to have to endure…for everyone involved….
I do think a little creative outlet therapy is definitely in order here…relax…just focus on the colours and the fabric……
Carmelina
xo
Oh your poor Dad! He and your Mom are in my prayers.
Blessings, Joanne
Good size with your photos today.
My Dad was so very sad when Mom went in to care. He had looked after her for 10 years after she finally got the diagnosis of Altzheimer’s -he broke his hip and that was then end of one way of living and the beginning of the next. Mom is living in a very good care home 1 km from Dad and he visits every day – scooter or taxi. They hold hands and she tells him she loves him and he tells her he loves her, they walk and walk around inside the facility (Mom is very good at hiding and escaping) and then have coffee and a cookie before he goes home again. She is a very loving gentle little lady – they are now both 91. I will not say it has been easy or simple.
It will be so hard on your Dad creating a new way of living. Adapting. Thats what my Dad has to keep doing, adapting to how thing are now. I mostly am over the tears and can finally talk out loud about my Mom but sometimes, when I hear a new story, like your Mom and Dad’s, I tear up again. Life.
Prayers for you all.
This is so hard Claudia. It is always so difficult to know what to do when our parents age.
Your embroidery is beautiful and I hope you take solace in it now during this time. Yes, keeping our hands busy helps us sort things out somehow.
sending you a big hug…
My thoughts are with you and your family. I love your sampler.. I hope it gives you a little break & something to enjoy!
I personally lovve the larger photos, Claudia. The older I get the more eye strain i feel. Even with my readers on I find myself reaching for a magnifying glass to read the phone book in anything less than bright daylight.
My heart breaks for your dad, your sister, and you, Claudia. Your dad has done an amazing job for your mom. In my very small family, I have become very familiar with how difficult things can become when trying to care for an elderly parent who can no longer care for themselves. The decisions to do what is best are not always easy ones, but whenever any decision is made with love, it is the right one. I hope that thought will make it easier for you, your dad, and your sister.
I will pray for all of you. I truly understand the heartbreak you are all going through as it mirrors everything my sister and I have just been going through. Please call or write if you ever need to talk. I am here for you… Donna
I have gotten so far behind on reading blogs. I have just gone back to catch up on your past few posts. I am so sorry about your mom’s situation, which is also yours, your sister’s, and your dad’s. I know that it is very difficult to finally come to the conclusion that a loved one cannot be cared for at home, or by a family member alone. Whatever decision you, your sister, and your dad make about your mother’s care, will be a heartfelt one and will be the RIGHT one. It is so hard to let go and to eventually say goodbye to those we love.
Claudia I read your blog every day and I am one of those people who don’t leave comments. I love your blog and look forward to seeing what new thing is going on at MHC. I love Rebecca Ringquest embroidery designs. I saw her stuff on your blog and had to have the first sampler you did. I have finished the one you are getting ready to do. Matter of fact I have done all but one of her samplers. Yes embroidery is such a good thing for the soul. I am so sorry about your Mom.
Stitching is how I often soothe my soul. I hope you found peace in your embroidery. Your mother is so blessed to be surrounded by such a loving and caring family during this season in her life.
Love the larger photographs!
I, too, love the larger pics. Helps bring me the details.
I love is sampler from ?last year?
May your folks be given the strength to follow this latest path in their lives. Hugs to them and to you.
I like the larger photos. The better to see them, my dear! I’m so sorry about your parents, Claudia. Are you “mended up” now? Let’s try to talk next week if you’re up to it.
Brenda
Claudia, I’m so sad to hear about your mom and all that your family is experiencing right now. I do know how you’re feeling, as my step-mom was in the hospital for about a week, and now she is home, but the diagnosis is that the cancer is now in one of her lungs, and seems to be fairly aggressive this go around. We see the oncologist again on Tuesday, but I think we are all beginning, in my family to realize that perhaps there won’t be much more that can be done, other than to keep her comfortable.
I was thinking, that throughout this last bit of time, that what seems to keep us most focused and in the moment right now, seems to be the little domestic things that we do. I’ve been crocheting, watering plants, those sorts of things. Baking muffins to share with blueberries my nephew picked. My stepmom is showing some interest in those little things that I do, so I’m trying to always have a little something like the crocheting to share with her. It’s so hard though, to think that she won’t be around one day, to share the little things with.
Your mom’s health sounds much as my granny’s was towards the last part of her life, and I think you may be right, that her body is tired. I wish that I had words to comfort you, I really do. I know how hard it is.
Take good care, and love one another through.
Lots of love to you and to yours.
Lena
Sorry about your parents, Claudia. I am keeping them in my prayers. The sampler is very nice. I’m looking forward to seeing the end result.
Your new sampler looks so fun! Glad you have something to help take your mind off the heartwrenching decisions that are being made.
Dearest Claudia,
I feel so sad for your dad, and for you and your family. that is such hard desitions to take, but it have to be taken- and even you will all be heartbroken- it is the right thing to do, –so your father will not be totally broken himself.
I love the embroidery from last year, and know it is good for the mind to enjoy the small pleasures in life, when it is afraid, and anxious.
Hugs,Dorthe
I love your new photo size. I’ve often thought that I need to learn how to change mine.
I’m so sorry for all that your family is going through. Stitching is so therapeutic– so calming and healing. It’s helped my get through “real life stuff” in my recent past. Keep on stitchin’, my friend… I’ll keep you and your sweet parents in my thoughts.
Hugs,
Jill
Yes, you need solace right now, hope you are blessed with some as you continue to create beauty while stitching at this difficult time dear.
It will be so hard for your dad but perhaps alternative care is now required for mom. We’ve all been through this with parents – Bob’s mom is 93, and although physically able doesn’t remember much now She lives in assistive living in PA near his sister who has been awesome – all the sons are far off, including us, and we feel guilty not being closer to help out. I sure hope all will work out for your mom – it’s always sad and makes us each aware of what the future may have in store!
Love the large pics – I post mine this way too – they show more detail and people seem to enjoy.
Thinking of you, Mary X