I had the best intentions to play in every month’s sketch for you to try by Jen Del Muro last year. I think I slacked off after about the 4th month. This year, I will try again because I LOVE her sketches! Here is January’s sketch – which I made into a masculine card for a co-worker who was dealing with the year anniversary of his 13 year old daughter’s death earlier this month. Everyone in the department signed it and he sure appreciated it! He was impressed with me making it but more than that, was happy he had someone who has dealt with loss, to share with.
He is new to our department (since Oct) and sits next to me. When I first met him, he was very open about his loss and since we have had several opportunities to chat, I’ve learned more about it. One day he shared with how difficult (and how he was dreading) coming to the day of her death and how he was going to make it through. For some reason, I shared briefly about how, although I have not had a child or lost one, I do know loss because I was 9 when my dad died and 25 when my mom did. It really hit him so hard to think that although he lost his daughter – it put things in perspective to know that I have lost BOTH my parents and he wanted to know how I deal with it. I shared and he was grateful. It’s not often I really get to share the struggles I have going through life without my parents to share it with me. Sure I have in-laws that I am close with and love dearly, but it’s just not the same as having my own around. It meant a lot to me that he took the time to sympathize with my loss and just couldn’t imagine it since he takes for granted both his parents are alive. It’s just not until someone has experienced the loss of a parent that they truly comprehend what it’s like. I am glad I can be there for him even if it’s just a few words to let him know everything will be all right and he needs to talk/think about her to keep her memory alive.
I used the Nature’s Greetings stamp set by Gina K, kraft pure luxury cardstock for my base, Echo Park’s Times and Seasons pattern paper and a black button for a simple embellishment.
Thanks for stopping by - I hope you have a wonderful weekend and look forward to the new Gina K release which is on Tuesday night!! The 3-day inspiration hop starts Wednesday, hope you will join us! I am off to create with the awesome new sets!
