Sunday, January 05, 2014

Parting is such sweet sorrow

The second Gnarled Entling Warmer is done but for the blocking (it is soaking while I type). It's a wee bit roomier than the first one and my grafting turned out far nicer, so I kinda hate to part with it! Just kidding; it was fun to make, knowing it would keep a blogpal's ears warm this winter. ;-)
And that blogpal is Deairdre! (I didn't realize Deairdre and I are practically neighbors, living as she does in Lebanon, OR. We may have to make a date to meet – wearing our fraternal twin Warmers!)

Yesterday morning just before we left for church, we got a call inviting us to a farewell gathering for a dear friend – Rick's best friend, in fact – that very afternoon. We had to do whatever it took to be there of course, taken by surprise that he was leaving that night for a job in Illinois.
As different as night and day; as close as brothers (in Christ)
We shared memories, laughter, and tears, knowing that we will be friends forever but so sad for all he's been through and for our loss of his proximity. He was the first person I called when Rick had his heart attack – in fact, I had him paged while we were in the ER. He came quickly in his scrubs (he's an anesthesiologist) and prayed with Brian and me, then took off work early to be with Rick at the hospital he was transferred to.

Late last night, after returning from our Christian horsemen's meeting (following our friend's farewell), I got a call from my sister. As soon as I heard her voice I knew there was bad news of some sort; it was nearly midnight in her time zone. Sure enough, the middle daughter of one of my cousins (who died unexpectedly a couple years ago) lost her battle with mental illness yesterday afternoon when she committed suicide. I tell you, the Lord cannot return too soon to save His children from this sad world!

Still, there is beauty and our blessings are abundant. Fog has been replaced by sunshine, clear skies and frosty mornings. It is a good day to prune trees and berry canes – and grub out the ever encroaching feral blackberries, pretty as their leaves may be rimmed with rime.

That's it for today from . . .

15 comments:

Mama Pea said...

Congratulations, Deairdre, on being chosen to receive the lovely ear warmer! And thanks, Michelle, for having the generous giveaway.

So sorry to hear of your relative's passing. So many people are having such a hard time of it these days. Sometimes no amount of support or love from others is enough.

I hope Rick and his good friend can stay in touch even though they will now be half a country apart. It's hard when good folks move away. But we live in such a mobile society and sometimes job opportunities have to be taken when they are offered.

white_lilly said...

Its always lovely reading your post and seeing your beautiful pictures. We are having hot dry weather here at the moment so it is refreshing seeing frosty morning. It is also refreshing for those who know the Lord that days of rejoicing, gladness and rest will come when he returns.

Sandy Livesay said...

Michelle,

Congratulations to Deairdre!!!!

Michelle, thank you for sponsoring such a beautiful give-away.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to Deairdre!

It's so heartbreaking when a young person commits suicide.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Suicide is such a permanent solution to what is normally a temporary problem. Peaceful thoughts being sent for your family.

Tombstone Livestock said...

Congratulations to your winner. Sorry to hear about both of your losses one due to location and one that is forever. Did you tell him to check the weather reports lately for Illinois.

12Paws said...

Ditto Tombstone--for the loss of family member. And also for your friend checking out the Midwest weather! I'm located in the Thumb of Michigan--about 200 miles east and looking at 8" of snow, with 5' drifts. Your vegetation photos nearly made me weep! It will be months before I see the first snowdrop. Love your blog & your sweet sheep & the care you give them.

C-ingspots said...

I'm very sorry to hear of your family member's death Michelle. So very sad, and so permanent. My prayers are with your family. As far as Brian, I'm sorry that Rick will be missing the closeness of his friendship, but I've no doubt that they will keep in touch. It's probably a good move for him in many ways. Have a good week, and thank you for the giveaway contest. Congrats to your winner!

Susan said...

I'm so sorry, Michelle, for the loss in your family, and that such a good friend is moving away. I am sure the bonds of love and friendship will hold you all together, no matter what the distance. Absolutely love pix (as usual) that always help brighten my day.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Michelle, I am so sorry for the sadness; how much more can God's great heart take?

A :-) said...

I'm sorry for these losses, Michelle. Maybe you'll come and visit your friend in Illinois sometime :-)

A :-) said...

I'm sorry for these losses, Michelle. Maybe you'll come and visit your friend in Illinois sometime :-)

A :-) said...

I'm sorry for these losses, Michelle. Maybe you'll come and visit your friend in Illinois sometime :-)

Lea said...

I realize this post is from nearly two years ago, as I'm reading through back posts of your blog, but I needed to comment on this. Thank you. Thank you for acknowledging that she lost her battle with mental illness the way one would lose their battle with cancer.

Michelle said...

You're welcome, Lea. It truly is an illness, and there are no medical cures outside a miracle of God, only treatments.

And a very belated thank-you to all of you for your kind comments!