My father went in for hip replacement surgery the Monday before the Thursday that I had my heart surgery. His surgery went very well, and from the hospital he went to rehabilitation. Being a stubborn 89 year old man, he decided to go home early. He did many things he was not supposed to, such as climbing upstairs to get into bed instead of sleeping in the bed that was set up for him downstairs. On about the third night that he had been home he fell down the stairs and could not be resuscitated for a long time. It turned out that he had had a very bad heard attack and a small stroke. Later testing showed that he had many health issues that we were not aware of and that quickly brought on his death. Needless to say my father's death has been a huge source of pain for all of us. However, his life is also a celebration. As much as I will miss him I am so glad that he did not suffer with illness for a long time. He lived to be 89 years old in very good health, his hip only bothering him for the last year. He had a life rich in love, belief, value and life experience. He was a very generous man. He will always be with me and I will always love him.
I've had an idea for a contest, but I want to hear from some of you whether you think I am crazy. I think that I have been writing about sadness so much lately, because that's what's been happening in my life. I want to turn things around a little.
In the late 1800s, early 1900s women wore mourning clothing in black. Many of them were quite beautiful. I thought that it would be fun to have a contest in which contestants would make up a "celebration shawl" instead of mourning clothes. It could be made of any kind of fiber material, fabric, felted cloth, paper mached, etc. It has to be life size, and it has to have a "life celebration" theme. As with the last contest, you would take 3 very good pictures of your shawl and send them to me.
There would be 2 rewards, 2 lace shawls that I have made. One shawl made of black lace, and one made with white lace.
Before starting this contest I want to hear what you think and I want some questions. Does this make sense? Am I crazy? Please be honest. If I don't hear anything I will get the point!
Love and Hugs, Cameron
Cameron, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. You are quite remarkable, your inner strength must be great.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you.
Love and hugs, Sue x
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your father. And I also think that the idea is wonderfull. When my brother in law died in his sleep (age 54) his wife celebrated his live and we had a very inspiring funeral with songs he loved. That's why I think it's nice to make a celebration shawl. I hope that more people think that way, hugzzz...peebee
ReplyDeleteHi Cameron, I am sorry that your father is gone now but happy that he had such a good long healthy life. It seems you will have many good memories of him and that is worth celebrating.
ReplyDeleteWhile I think your idea of a celebration shawl is a good one, I for one would probably not join this because I have so many other things I am working on and don't want to take on more. But possibly there would be many others who would want to do it for a chance at one of your hand made shawls. Are you on facebook? That might be another place where you could advertise this contest. Good luck. Again, very sorry for your loss. Your father was a very handsome man!
I am sorry to her of the loss of your father Cameron but what joy shines through in that photo. It is good that you have so many wonderful memories to keep by you.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of a shawl is a good one but i won't be able o join in this time as I have too much else going on at the moment.
Dear Cameron, I had hoped this would not be the outcome of your Father's problems, however when losing a Dad (mine at 70) we have to be thankful for the time we were given with these remarkable men. My Dad fought in WWII and could have easily never come home from that. He was also in a severe car crash and survived that. So I thought of those times and how he could have left before I was born or when I was a very young child. I know you too will remember all the days you shared with your Dad and be grateful you had such a wonderful person in your life for 89 years.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of your project. I think seeing the responses you would have to have a fairly long time frame where people would have time to fit it in between the work they already are committed to. :)
Hugs !
Sorry to hear about your Dad. I like the idea of a celebration shawl but I am so bad at finishing things at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThe response to my idea is great, but I need more participants than 2. I understand time crunches, and too many projects. But I am still going to post pictures of my shawls to try to get more interest.
ReplyDelete