Getting By

Thank you so much for all the really kind and sweet comments about my mom.

Currently I am getting by…I think everyone in my family is still in shock and I miss her…like a lot…a lot, a lot, a lot.

I’ve started compiling my long list of thank yous.  That should keep me busy for a bit.

I also have cancelled all current orders and I really have no idea when I will re-open.

Harper said to me today, “You need to sew mom.”

I haven’t touched my sewing machine or any art supplies in about 17 days.

That’s a long time.

Today I think I am going to try and finish this little guy.

Sometimes I ask myself if my mom was real…it is just that crazy to me.

I had to call her work voice mail the other day to give myself a reality check.

I have to say, I do feel blessed not to have experienced this kind of pain and sadness before.

29 years without this feeling…I do feel blessed, really really blessed that this is the first time.

“God is good, the world He made is extraordinary and His comfort is like nothing else on earth.”

Thanks for the prayers.

18 Comments

  1. Laura, I know it doesn’t feel like it, but working on your art/sewing can be cathartic. I didn’t think it would be after my Dad passed. I felt like I shouldn’t be doing something I enjoy when I am so sad. But I wanted to finish the scrapbook I started working on with my Dad in the last weeks of his life, to have for people to look at the funeral. It was actually the best thing I could have done for myself and the family! I’m glad to see you cancelled your orders, because you don’t need the pressure of a deadline hanging over your head, but also glad to see your little cardboard sign you made & that you’re working on that adorable Santa! If you haven’t before, I would suggest starting a family, collaboration project to do in memory of your mom. Maybe something the kids could even think of ideas for. Incorporate your mom’s fav scriptures, song lyrics, maybe even her fav color and some pictures of her with you and the kids. You might not be ready to do that yet, but keep it in mind as a possibility. Also, starting an art journal for yourself to keep private…record your thoughts, prayers, dreams of your mom in it. And do art in it too! If you write something in it you don’t want to see again, collage or paint over it. Just knowing you got it out really does help! All of these things really helped me while I was grieving my Dad’s loss!

    Sending you lots of hugs, prayers and love in Christ!!

  2. Kristy Williams says:

    Laura,
    You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers and I pray for the pain to ease up but with time hopefully it will. Is there anything I can do for you? A cup of coffee, playtime with Harper…anything and I am there. Take care and I will see you soon.

  3. We love you, Laura…and we are praying for you and Chris as you go through the pain and sadness of losing your mom. You had a sweet mom; I saw her at Cracker Barrel about 6 or 8 months ago. We talked for probably 20 minutes. She talked about the two of you and your precious children; she was truly in love with all of you. Proud is an understatement…she had the kind of pride you want your mom to have in you. Her influence on your life is so obvious…and though I know how much you will miss her physical presence, you have your mom’s wonderful qualities which will be with you throughout your life and will allow you to teach your children as she taught you. Please don’t think you have to be strong all the time; allow yourself to grieve as long as you need to. We will be praying for you and Christopher…that the love of God will fill that hole in your heart that only He can fill.

  4. Amanda Williams Smith says:

    Laura, I think of you ALL the time. Sandra was the first “close” family member for me to loose, and it has been difficult, and painful for me. I couldn’t even imagine putting myself in your shoes. I’ve seen the sadness in grandma’s voice and eyes, and know that all the sisters are going through the same. Sandra was the “fun” one….
    I always looked forward going into the bank with Evy and Nora because I knew Sandra would always make them feel special. She always gave them M&M’s. I went there Friday, and Nora said, “M&M’s Momma!” It made me smile and sad at the same time. Love you.

  5. so blessed to get to “know” you through your blog, and to have “met” your mom! <3 and prayers!

  6. Laura, I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling right now with the loss of your mom. You and your precious family are in my thoughts and prayers as you begin this difficult but healing road. What a praise that you got to spend 29 years with her and you can take joy in the fact that she is celebrating with Jesus.

  7. Just a thought, Laura. After my Dad passed away in August, it really helped me to write about some of my favorite memories. (called JOY: to the world on restorewonder.com). It helped me in two ways. It was sweet to remember some memories from when I was growing up that were close to my heart. and it also helped me to share that with others in a blog so they could know how very special he was. I comprehend your pain, and grief. It is so tangible and for me, there have been times where it was all consuming. But that pain is softened by the joy of having known and loved someone who was so special in your life. Your tears are liquid love. Release them whenever you can.

    • Glenda I loved what you said about tears being liquid love! I’m gonna barrow that if you don’t mind? I collect quotes that I like to use in my art journal, and this one is PERFECT!!

  8. Laura, I am so sorry to hear of the unexpected loss of your mom. She does seem amazing and may God’s peace surround you and your family.
    Karen

  9. It is amazing how you can feel you know someone you have never met enough to feel sadness and grief for them. That is a gift from God and my prayers are with you and your family.

  10. My heart breaks for you! I cannot imagine what you are going through! I just know that Harper is right, you need to sew that is what your mom would have wanted you to do. You are her, you are who she wanted you to be she is so very proud of you and she would not want you to feel this pain. She would want you to remember her with joy and share her life with others the way you do in all your blogs about your life and work! You are amazing and your children “need” you and your happy spirit! Love you and praying for healing!!

  11. My heart and thoughts go out to you during this very difficult time. It’s shocking how quickly everything happened – just seeing those photos from your recent visit to what transpired over two weeks really puts it all in perspective. Hold your adorable little ones tight and I’m sure you’ll be back to sewing when it’s the right time. Your story and the candid way you’ve let us in on your life is inspiring and reminds me to live each day and love each person to the fullest. My prayers go out to your family and I hope this blog continues to be a positive outlet for you 🙂

  12. I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful mother. when I was 20 my husband was killed by a drunk driver. not the same as losing your mom. but a shocking tragedy none the less. I am so sorry that she is gone. some things about this earthly life will never ever make sense. I am looking forward to the day when Jesus comes back and ends all of these deep hurts of ilfe on earth. “hallelujah. hallelujah. all will be made new.”

  13. I never know what to say at a time like this, but I hope you feel the prayers lifted up for you and your family. I think you are so crazy talented and creative, and you have to get it from your momma! Praying for comfort for you!

  14. Wow…I am so sorry for your loss!! So sorry!! I will pray for God to wrap his arms around you and help you cope. I can’t even imagine what you are going through, but do know that God has a plan….an amazing plan and he must have been ready for your mom to join him.

    Your thankful heart will continue to bring you many blessings and help you get through each minute, each hour, and each day.

    Your precious babies will be your stronghold and encouragers!

    My heart goes out to you Laura and I will continue to pray for God to surround your family and YOU and provide an incredible amount of comfort!!!

    Lots of Love from Texas!!

    Laura K.

  15. Tears “liquid love” are flowing from my eyes as I continue to pray for you and your family. Simply a stranger to you — but love your heart and mission to love little love bugs from around the world and make them your own. Keep holding on to what that precious mama of yours taught you- God makes no mistakes. His purpose is purposeful despite our understanding. I can’t begin to understand your heart’s ache but will pray for comfort that only God can bring.

  16. I lost my Dad 6.5 years ago – I was 25. I still have his cell number in my phone. It’s not even his number any more, but I do little things like that to remind me that he was real. Your thoughts and emotions are so normal…the pain will lessen day by day (and such joy that she’s rejoicing in heaven with her Savior!) but you will always miss your mom. Because she is real. Because she was awesome. And because God gave her to you. You can rejoice in God’s plan even when your heart aches. You are not alone!

    • I agree with Brianne. I lost my father 5 years ago when I was 25 and I still have the emails he sent me saved in my email account. I can’t bring myself to delete them and I don’t want to. The pain will lessen day by day but it is a reminder of how amazing she was and how much she meant to you. I pray for you and your family.

Leave A Comment

*