Saturday, June 23, 2012

Loving Women of a Lifetime Blog Hop

You should have arrived from Melissa's Blog. Welcome to our Blog Hop where we all have a story to tell about the wonderful women who have inspired us during our lifetime.
My story is a little different and it took me some time to decide who I was going to write about. Turns out she was right there all along. :)
This blog is dedicated to my mom. This is a difficult time of year for us as yesterday was two years since my dad passed. Dad had been sick for about 5 years prior to his passing. Cancer, Dementia, Parkinson's. It all came on slowly, a little at a time.

Mom and dad were married 40 years when it all started. Mom having never had an easy life growing up, married my dad at the young age of 21. They had 4 children and provided well for us. Mom kept us involved in all sorts of activities, cheerleading, dance, pageants, fishing, and sports for my brother. Dad worked but mom was always there. Mom worked, but there was always a hot dinner on the table every night, the house cleaned and everything taken care of.

As everyone left and started their own families, it was mom who pushed dad to start traveling a little, vacations here and there and to enjoy being together.

Once dad became sick, it was mom who stepped up to the plate again to make sure dad had everything and all was taken care of. Even during the last year when dad had to be lifted into and out of bed, mom refused to put dad in a nursing home but instead to care for him herself. She was the true meaning of "through sickness and through health". She was there.

Once dad passed and everyone went back to their own families and lives, I feel like mom was lost. All her life taking care of others, she was not sure how to go forward.

In her process of trying to find herself, she moved across the country to Texas with my sister. She found she was not happy. She then moved across the country to live with her sister in Virginia. Again, this did not work for her.

Finally, she began the healing process and chose to get her own apartment, she joined the YWCA and the senior center. She is meeting new people and she is thriving. She still has so much life and a chance to live for her. Mom is now making quilts and taking trips with her new friends and plans on going to Germany next year! AWESOME!!

So here's to you mom! I love you so much and hope this brings at least a small ray of sunshine to you today. Dad would be so proud and happy for you.




Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. Next be sure to visit Jessica. She is such a talented and sweet lady so make sure to leave her some love!

Besides, we have lots of sponsors for this wonderful Blog and you don't want to miss out!


You have to make sure you comment on every blog to be eligible to win.
These are our generous Sponsors for our hop. Make sure you stop by their sites and thank them!!



Kat Shriber$30 CTMH kit


The Scrapbooking Queen- 6 of
her stamps  & 2/25 packs of wobbles

LuAnn Hale -Gift Certificate to her stamp store



Amuse Studio$25 dollar gift certificate

Pink By Design -  a stamp set


Ginger snaps scraps-  winner's choice of Camp A Lot, Little Miss or Hello Sunshine 6x6 paper pad.


K Andrews Designs 



Suzy's Crafts



30 COMMENTS:

Pink Polka Dot Scrapping said...

Dear Sue-ANN....You made me cry! Your mother is amazing and she taught you to be toe loving women that you are! I love you! Your Album is beautifuL! Thanks for taking the time to do this awesome creation! You are truley amazing!

Barbara B said...

What an inspiring story. Your mother sounds amazing! The album is beautiful. She will cherish it.

Barbara B.
barbarab3.blogspot.com

Shawnee said...

What an amazing story. I am so glad your mom is thriving. Your album for her is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story with us!

Shawnee

ParkNSlide said...

Your album and your story are a beautiful tribute to your amazing Mother. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Unknown said...

That is so beautiful. What a fantastic way to honor your mother!!

Susan
http://scrapathousandwords.blogspot.com

KAT said...

i believe you, sue ann, are the essence of motherhood having learned from a wonderful woman. this is only my 2nd stop, and i have a feeling i'd better get the tissues out. great album for a great lady.

Ellen Jarvis said...

God bless your Mom for her strength and love, which she obviously has passed onto you, and you to others. Your generosity toward Melissa in her time of need is also very touching.

Fondly,
Ellen ♥ CardMonkey
http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com
E-mail: cardmonkey@comcast.net

Laurie said...

Such a great story Sue-Ann! Love your album.

Crafty and Green said...

What a wonderful Tribute to your mom Suzy! I LOVE IT!! I'm sure she Will LOVE IT TOO! What a touching story!! Your mom sounds like an Amazing woman!! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and a glimpse into your life!!

Many Blessings,
Tina

Karons Krafty Korner said...

Amazing heart warming story - thanks for sharing. And your mini album is wonderful.

angel4ever said...

What a truly inspirational story! My hat is off to your mom for doing what most couldn't or wouldn't do! You mother is one very special woman!!!

Tiffany ♥

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

a beautiful story, Suzy!
i am blessed to hear of her positive moves toward a new and fulfilling life !
you've done a wonderful project to honour her :)

Jackie Randolph said...

Beautiful tribute for your mom Suzy!! She is definitely an amazing women!! Love your memory book for her!

Jessica Kephart | A Homespun Affair said...

Awwww Sue-Ann, it is great to know that she found her own path! Love your book!! Germany?!? I am completely jealous!!

xoxoxox

Jess

Rebecca said...

Your mother truly has a heart of gold! She deserves to have the best of what life has to offer now, and it sounds like she is ready to claim it! :) Your album for her looks amazing, and I'm sure that she will cherish it as she makes her way on her new journey across the world! Also, you are so inspiring for your support to Melissa while little Ethan was in the hospital! People like you are one in a million!

Kathy said...

I love your album!!! It is as wonderful as you are. So beautifully done. Your story touched my heart. I am a follower now, love your site.Hugs Kathy

Sheri said...

A very special Mom and you created something special for her.

Sheri

sherii at cfl dot rr dot com

Miranda said...

Beautiful album for a beautiful person! I am sure your mom will love it!
Miranda :)

Anonymous said...

Okay first of all wow. I can see where you got your loving supportive spirit. Your mom sounds amazing. She will love your album and all of the memories that come along with those precious gems.
I'd like to thank you for helping Mel out in her time of need. What a generous heart you have to help someone you had not met face to face. You are a wonderful person.
dmcardmaker at aol dot com

silvia said...

Glad to hear that Mom is finding her way!!!
Beautiful album!!

jennyplace2 said...

What a beautiful story about your mom you brought a tear to my eyes. Stunning project. TFS!
jennyplace26@gmail.com

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

what a beautiful story and project of and for your mom! Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life with us, very touching!
Lisa

Cathy said...

Your mom sounds like an amazing women:) Happy for her:)
cathyplus5.blogspot.com

Theresa said...

What a pretty album, for what sounds like a truly lovely mom. So glad that she has been able to move forward and start enjoying things again.

Anita Braddock said...

Awesome Altered Album. I love the Vintage look.the Papers you chose are Super. each page is So Beautiful. thanks for sharing your Story and for the chance. follower
www.anita-craft-corner.blogspot.com

scrapperbecka said...

What a beautiful album, your mom will love it. It is so hard when your parents start to get older, but it is great that your mom took that step and is around others who like to do what she likes

Candace said...

so sorry to hear about your dad. :( Your mom sounds like an amazing lady.
What a beautiful project!

Candace
scrappin2littleprincesses.blogspot.com

Christine Kiehl said...

What a beautiful gift and story, so glad I stopped by and got to enjoy it and your project! Thanks for sharing! Christine

Karenladd said...

What a beautiful little album and a wonderful tribute to your Mom. She must be so proud of you!

Migdalia said...

What a Beautiful and Lovely Little Album!!!Made me think about my mom!TFS