Monday, September 19, 2011

A hole in our hearts

My progress so far on Mary Allen.


I was very happy to get to something besides borders and words.  And the cute little owl.


My sweet, gentle, FIL passed away last week.



I still remember when I first met FIL and MIL, how they welcomed me into their lives.  Theirs was a special family.  They always respected others, they never fought.  Never.  They didn't raise their voices -- except to tell a funny story or to tell about their day when they got home.  FIL was always ready to help out in time of crisis or just to keep someone company.  He always thought of others before himself.  I can see so much of him in my sweet father type.  So much of MIL as well.  I could never express in words just how much my FIL will be missed.

The picture above was rescued from the flood waters in our basement.  It shows FIL at age 17.

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I hope everyone has a good week ahead.  Hug and kiss your loved ones.


80 comments:

Cindy said...

i am so sorry about your FIL....may you find peace in all the wonderful memories you have of him.

Glenna said...

Oh, Margaret. I'm sorry for you and Father Type. Condolences to your family.

Mary Allen is looking pretty nifty!

Annie said...

Sorry to hear about your FIL. Nice that you could rescue that photo.

Your sampler is coming along nicely. The owl was your reward for perseverance!

Leneslines said...

I am so sorry for your loss, but happy you have good memories to cherish. Such a gift! Your work is, as always, absolutely gorgeous. Interested in that little thing... after 'mind'...:)

barbara said...

Hugs and loving thoughts to you and yours. I'm so happy you see the traits you loved in your FIL in your father-type. :)

Sherry said...

Margaret, I am so sorry for the loss in your family. He sounds like such a wonderful person and one that will be remembered with nothing but love. You and your family are in my thoughts during this time.

Mary Allen is just beautiful!

Sweet Sue said...

If we're lucky enough to have in-laws we love, their presence graces us forever. My sincere sympathies to you and family...

BrendaS said...

Margaret --
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your FIL sounds like a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.

Very nice progress on your sampler. Your needles are always smokin'!

Nancy in WI said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Margaret. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Life is precious!

Siobhán said...

(((((((((((((((((Margaret & family))))))))) I'm so sorry about the loss of your FIL.

Your Mary Allen looks great!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Margaret and family... I'm so sorry the loss of your FIL.
Your Mary Allen looks fabulous.

Cathy B said...

So sorry for your loss; your FIL sounds like a kind and gentle man!

Mary Allen is beautiful! When I first saw it on Terri's blog I fell in love with it, but have resisted buying it. Now, after seeing your progress, those pesky thoughts about stitching her are back again!

Deb said...

I'm so sorry for the passing of your FIL Margaret. I know that your memories of him are wonderful and my condolences to you and your family.

Mary Allen is looking great. You've made a lot of progress.

Rita said...

I'm very sorry for your loss.

Your sampler is looking great. I'll have to dig out my wip of this after DS's marching band season is over. (I volunteer a LOT at practices, games, and contests.)

Kristen said...

Sincere condolences, Margaret.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever...

Shirlee said...

So sorry your FIL has passed away. You are blessed to have the happy memories he left with you. Love the sampler! Blessings, Shirlee

Anne said...

Sorry to hear about your FIL. Sending my love and condolences to your family at this time. He sounds like he was a wonderful person and that he will be fondly remembered.

Your sampler is beautiful!

Take care

Anne

Deborah said...

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Cari said...

I am so sorry about your FIL. Sounds like a wonderful man and I love the pic. So glad you were able to save it.

Mary Allen is beautiful....smokin' needles once again dear friend. And I see that sweet Mia is helping out with the stitching and blog update!!

Hugs

Littlebit said...

Margaret, I am so very sorry to hear of your father-in-law passing. What wonderful memories you have.

Beautiful job on your sampler. You amaze me at how much you get done!

Melissa said...

I am sorry for your loss. It is wonderful to have met such a wonderful man though, and for a FIL! I guess the sweeter the acquaintance the harder the parting!

Love your Mary Allen - so pretty! You take such great photos. Wish mine could look so clear and crisp.

Mia looks like the Queen of her realm!

dixiesamplar said...

Margaret, I am so sorry for the loss of your FIL...he sounds like a wonderful man, and he will live on in your heart & memories forever!

Mary Ellen is gorgeous...and so is Ms. Mia!

Terri said...

So sorry for your loss!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Margaret, I'm so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Blessings to you and your family as you remember this kind, gentle man. kelley

Giovanna said...

My heartfelt condolences to you all, Margaret - it isn't easy, I know. Hugs, and take care.

Annemarie said...

Dear Margaret, I'm so sorry to hear about your family's loss. I hope you find comfort in stitching that masgnificent sampler. {{{HUGS}}}

Edgar said...

`So very sorry for you and your family's loss - It was terrific you could save the picture form the waters. Remembering you in our prayers - Big Hugz!!!!!!


MA is looking super de duper!!!!!!

Sylvia said...

Again, so sorry for your loss Margaret. I am thinking of you guys.

Your smoking needles are at it again - wow, what progress and Mary is such a pretty sampler.

valerie said...

So sorry to hear this sad news Margaret. Remember all the happy memories. Condolences to you, Father Type and the kids.

Great progress on Mary Allen.

*hugs*

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Oh quelle magnifique progression, de plus en plus beau !
bisous bisous

Penny said...

Margaret, so very sorry for the loss of your FIL! He sounds like a very special man. Wonderful that you could save the picture from the water.

Mary Allen is looking beautiful and what a quick stitcher you are.

Sweet Mia.

Andrea said...

So sorry for your loss Margaret. Your FIL sounds like a wonderful man, I know you all will miss him so much. I love that picture of him, very dashing young man!
Hugs my friend.

(your stitching is so beautiful, as always, and sweet Mia, give her a smooch for me)

xoxo

Berit said...

Love the border!

So sorry for your loss; your family are in my thoughts today.

Zlata said...

My condolences! It is very hard when closest people go away! But the memory of him will live forever in your hearts!

Mary Allen very beautiful! And such great progress, as always!

Ranae said...

I am sorry to hear of your loss, thoughts with your family
The sampler is looking great.

Marjorie said...

So sorry to hear about your loss Margaret. Please give my condolences to your hubby too.

Jan said...

Oh sweetie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sounds like he will be missed immeasurably!

Your Mary Allen is looking so gorgeous!! Wish I had that much done on mine. One.of.these.days.

Hugs to you, dear Margaret!!

Jennifer H said...

Margaret,

So sorry for your loss! You are in my thoughts.

Hugs and Love,
Jen

Michelle said...

Sending lots of hugs and prayers to you all. He will surely be missed.

Love your Mary Allen, she's looking beautiful and that owl is so cute!

Ellen said...

Margaret,

So sorry to hear of your FIL's death. He sounds like a wonderful person. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories.

Sherry :o) said...

So sorry, Margaret, for your loss. It's never, ever easy! Love the photo.

Your progress on Mary Allen is swell! Looking great!

Melody said...

Margaret, I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your FIL. So sad.

Your sampler is coming along great!

Also, what a good feeling to get the basement cleaned up! We need to get busy and clean ours this Fall. (no flood water reasons tho, just accumulated junk)

Liz said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Margaret, what a sad day for you all, love and hugs for you..
take care
Lizzie
xxx

Jo Ann said...

Margaret, My sympathy to you and your family. May God bless you all.

Jo Ann

Joanie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! Cherish him in your memories and I am sure you see him in your DH and son. {{{HUGS!!!}}}

Carol said...

Your father-in-law sounds so very special, Margaret. You were very lucky to have him in your life. I'm sure you have some wonderful memories of times you shared with him and I hope they carry you through these sad days...

Your sample is looking so nice--I'm sure stitching is very comforting at a time like this.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your father in law. He sounds like a very kind man - something we need more of!

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

So, so sorry for your loss. Huggles and prayers.

Chris said...

So sorry for your family's loss.

Jeannine 520 said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Margaret. My condolences to you and your family.

Kajsa said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss..but he will live forever in your hearts.

Melanie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your FIL. *hugs* Condolences to you and your family. I'm glad you were able to save that one of a kind photo of him. What a treasure to keep to remember him. He looks so dashing and happy. :)

jean said...

Margaret I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved FIL. No one can take away your precious memories though. Loving your work as always
Hugs

KarenV said...

Many condolences to your family on the loss of your FIL Margaret. He sounds like a wonderful man.

Lovely progress on MA, those colours are so pretty :)

Lois said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your FIL Margaret. What a lovely picture of him and so nice that you were able to rescue it.

Mary Allen is looking good!

Mary said...

So sorry to hear of the loss of your FIL. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Mary

Love to Stitch said...

Terrible-- so sorry to read of your families loss. I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Nice you were able to find that picture in the basement- it is a great keepsake :)

Cathy Lloyd said...

My sincere sympathy to you and the father type on the loss of your FIL. Sounds like his life was very well lived!

Mary Allen is beautiful!

{{{hugs}}} from Utah

Kim said...

Maragret, so sorry for the loss of your FIL. It sounds like you and your family have some wonderful memories of him (and MIL!). The photo of him at 17 is just so sweet!!! Glad you were able to rescue it from your basement!!! Your needlework as awlays, is wonderful to see!!!!

Paulette said...

I'm so very sorry about your FIL, Margaret. My goodness, but I can see him so easily in your sweet father type!

Mary is looking absolutely stunning! Congratulations on such amazing progress, despite all you've been throught his month. I'm sure there's no solace like it.

Love, Paulette

Sharon said...

So sorry Margaret on the loss of your dear FIL. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Your MA looks beautiful!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

My most sincere sympathy to you and your entire family, especially your dear husband. One that lives with so much integrity, where others speak of them in highest praise are surely now with the angels in heaven. May he rest in peace. I shall include the repose of his soul Margaret in my morning rosary tomorrow. Memories of the heart never fade and love lasts a lifetime, always remember that and take comfort. Hugs and much love to you and yours.

Katrina said...

What a sweet tribute to your FIL!!!! I am so,so sorry about his death.

Mary Allen is looking gorgeous too :-).

krayolakris said...

Oh Margaret, so sorry for your family's loss.

Jenny said...

Oh Margaret, I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Thanks for sharing some of your memories of your FIL and MIL with us. It is always such a great inspiration to hear about happy couples that last through time. I am glad that you were able to rescue such a precious memento from your flood. It is also wonderful to hear that you can see both your in-laws in your DH.
I am thinking of all of you. Hugs!

Sally said...

I am so sorry about your FIL. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Your sampler is looking gorgeous :)

woolwoman said...

Margaret I'm so sorry about your the loss your family has suffered - so sad to lose someone so special.
(((hugs))) Mel

doris said...

The picture of your father-in-law is priceless. It feels like magic to me to see someone in a time that seems so far away. I'm sorry about your loss, but I know you have many wonderful memories of him.

Daffycat said...

Oh, no. What a sad time for your family. My thoughts and prayers for all of you.

DonnaTN said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. You posted a great picture of your FIL. I can see the resemblance to your father type.

The French Bear said...

Margaret, sorry to hear about your FIL, what a dashing figure he was, how great to have rescued the photo. May your fond memories bring you lots of comfort.
Your stitching is stunning, love what you have done so far!
Hugs,
Margaret B
xx

Catherine said...

I am so sorry to read if your family's loss. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Your stitching as always is beautiful!

Catherine said...

I am so sorry to read if your family's loss. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Your stitching as always is beautiful!

Nicole said...

(((Margaret))) I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Your FIL sounds like he was such a nice man and will definitely be missed.

Mary Allen is looking beautiful! You've gotten a lot done. All I've done is look at the linen, chart and threads. It hasn't stitched itself yet. :)

Joy said...

Margaret, you and your family have been in my thoughts all week. I hope you're doing as well as one can during this time.

MA is lovely.

Margaret said...

Cherised golden memories are yours to keep and to share, thanks for sharing what sounds like the life of a wonderful person.

Loretta a/k/a Mrs. Pom said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your FIL. What a beautiful photograph of him. He looks so gentle and loving. Reminds me a lot of the father-type. Hugs.

Valerie said...

Margaret, I am so sorry for your loss. You always spoke with such love for your FIL...I know he will be missed. I will keep you, the Father Type and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers...{{{HUGS}}}

Mindi said...

I love your progress on Mary Allen, she's coming right along. My condolences to you and your family for the loss.

Susan said...

Margaret, I'm so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. I'm glad you have such happy memories of him.