I am overwhelmed with gratitude….

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.

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55 thoughts on “I am overwhelmed with gratitude….”

  1. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  8. 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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  13. 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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  17. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. 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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