When I started my blog a couple of years ago, I was thinking about what I would like to do when I retire. I had no idea that I would wind up creating such awesome friendships with some of the most kindest caring people. I had no idea that would happen, yet it did.
I lost my beautiful little sister on September 19, 2018. It was something unimaginable to me. She was my best friend, pal, travel buddy and confidant. SHe accepted me for who I was and never questioned my judgment, even when she probably should have. She stood by me during a time in my life when no one else did.
So many of my blog friends reached out to me. I was overwhelmed by their kind words, While their kind words brought tears to my eyes, they were not all in sadness. I had made friendships with people I had never met, yet they knew me and wanted to comfort me. I was humbled.
When I received the news that Kellie had left me, I knew I needed to do something that meant something to me and Kellie. I knew Kellie would be cremated and taken to the beach. She was an avid dog lover, like me, but her husband was very allergic to dogs, so she spent a lot of time at my house, “Getting her dog fix” as she used to say. I had a dog quilt. Nanette had sent me the top and I had quilted and finished it. I loved that quilt. I called Nanette, like a blubbering idiot and asked her if she minded I sent that quilt with Kellie. She, of course told me that she was perfectly fine with it. While it may seem odd to cremate a quilt with someone, I found comfort in knowing that a part of me would forever be with her.
I love you all dearly and thank you for your words and kindness throughout this difficult time.
Lori, I am so sorry to hear that your sister passed. My heart and prayers are with you. I have never thought of cremating a quilt with someone, but it is a beautiful, loving thing to do. What a blessing that you thought of it! I can’t think of a more comforting send-off. May God be with you, friend. ~ Stacey
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Thanks Stacey.
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I am very sorry for your loss, but as a quilter can certainly understand your desire to send a piece of you with her for always. May you find comfort in that decision.
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Thank you
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Lori, my prayers and thoughts are with you. What a loving idea to send the quilt with Kellie.
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Thank you.
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Lori, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. Hugs and prayers for you. Hoping you find peace in the memories of your time together.
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Thank you
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No matter what you are going through, the blogging community will be there for you like you never imagined. Losing a sister that you are so close to can almost crush the heart but it keeps on beating with love for your sibling. I too understand wanting to send a little bit of your energy along with your sister. She will feel your love eternally. My heartfelt condolences, Lori. Hugs, Marlene
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Thank you Marlene.
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You are such a great person Lori, I am glad that Kellie has her doggie quilt with her now. Please know that you have the care and support of all your Blogger Buddies! I miss you posts – as they are so true to life!!!!! Hugs
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Thank you Nanette, for everything.
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Oh Lori, I’m so sorry to hear about your sister! What a lovely thing to have your dog quilt with her! That makes it sooo special!!! HUGS big HUGS!!!
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Thank you Gail.
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I hope you continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude at your readers and perhaps other online friends reaching out to comfort you at a difficult time. I recall wanting a shoulder to rest my head on, and would have loved hearing someone else tell me “You did the best you could,” or some other such comfort as I made decisions for my mother when I did not feel anywhere near qualified to do so. I hope you continue to have these sorts of comforts, no matter how or when they come.
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Thank you.
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So sorry for your sisters passing Lori. I hadn’t read your posts for a couple of weeks. May our Father wrap his love around you in a way
you find assurance of his love and presence in a new way!!
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Thanks Peggy.
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So sorry for your loss of your sister and close friend. What a beautiful and meaningful idea with your quilt.
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Thank you Kathryn.
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So sorry for your loss and that is beautiful you sent that quilt with your beloved friend.
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Thank you.
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May God bless you with peace even as you grieve, that it is not unbearable. Love you.❤
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Thanks Tonya.
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Warmly welcome, friend.❤
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I’m so sorry. I had not heard the final outcome, and I’m just as sorry as I can be that you’ve lost your best friend and sister. I think the quilt is a wonderful send off. I pray the Lord’s blessing of peace on you and that you always feel her close to you, as she lives in your heart forever.
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Thanks Susan.
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Lori, sorry to hear about your great loss, my deepest condolences.
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Thank you
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Lori I am so sorry to hear of your loss and know that words are completely inadequate at a time like this. Know that you and your family are in my prayers. Hugs, Susie x
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Thank you Susie.
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Lori, I am so sorry for your loss. I know mere words cannot mend the hurt and loss you feel. May God wrap His loving arms around you and your family and hold you all tightly.
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Thank you.
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Awe, I am so sorry to hear this Lori. I wish I could offer encouraging words that better days will come. However I have not lost a sister but can imagine how devastating it would be. I lost my mom in January to a fall and have only this to compare to you. I’ve not really grieved because I cannot shake the anger. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Thanks Denise, sorry about your Mom.
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Sometimes there are no words ~ the dog quilt was the perfect way to say goodbye ~ wrapping you up with love during this difficult time ~ Sharon
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Thanks Sharon
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Lori, so sorry for the loss of your sister! What a wonderful way to send a piece of you with your best friend! May God continue to bless you and your family!
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Thank you
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Lori — I think sending that quilt off with your sister is a beautiful idea. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Thanks Sandra.
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We love you, Lori, and will keep lifting you up in prayer. Know we are walking beside you, even though we aren’t physically with you.
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Thanks Kathy, you make me fell so much better. I do appreciate the support.
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I’m so sorry for your loss… sending your quilt to be with your sister is such a lovely idea, and as you say, that way she’ll always have a piece of you with her. I did something similar when my ‘special’ Nana passed away. (She was my husband’s Nana, but I always saw her as my own Nana too, which is why I called her ‘special’ Nana). I made four fabric hearts, one each for me, my husband and my two daughters – we each wrote a little message on our heart and signed it. The hearts were then placed on Nana’s folded hands. Mx
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That is so sweet. Thank you.
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Lori, what a wonderful thing to do – sending your little sister off with a dog quilt. Big sisters know what needs to be done!
I can’t imagine your pain over yet another loss in your life. Hugs to you, Lori.
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Thank you Jodie.
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I am so sorry for your loss ♡♡hugs
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Thank you.
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Sending the blanket with your sister was a beautiful last gift to her! I did that for my dad ,it still gives me comfort knowing he was tucked in comfortably,with something he loved. Stilling thinking of you and sending hugs!
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Thank you Deb.
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Lori, I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t even have the words to try to make this an easier journey….it’s not. Just know I send you love. As for the quilt, what a great thing to do…..to help you navigate such deep grief. More quilts can be made. Sending your sister off with such a beautiful gift was the best thing. Hugs.
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Thank you.
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Lori, I am so sorry for your loss of Kellie. As the oldest sister, I know that there is just a certain ‘something’ about a sister connection. Including the quilt makes perfect sense to me. When we lost my brother at a young age, everyone in my family included personal mementos to go with him on his final journey. Peace.
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Thank you Joanne
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