Last Monday morning, I attended a funeral of a friend. On the way home, I learned my husband's dear uncle had died. Later that day, my youngest son was admitted to the hospital. No way to start a week!
One of my favorite relatives (aunt/uncle) lived in NC for many of my late teen/early adulthood years. I would always go visit them whenever possible. Then, they moved to Florida, about 4 hours away, but a place I would never visit (inconvenient area of the state). Then there was a split in the family for too long. Three years ago, my aunt, uncle and cousin moved about 45 minutes north of me. The rift was repaired (never having anything to do with me). Though I saw them from time to time, I never seemed to have "time" to go visit them in their new home. Last Monday, before I knew my son was in the hospital, I had my mom arrange for us to go visit them today. We spent a few hours and had a nice lunch. My aunt showed me this pillow she has in the guest room of all the pins she used to wear to work. I thought it was a creative use for something she no longer wears.
Today, I say to you all...take the time to go visit your family. At least pick up the phone and say hello. My aunt is 86; my uncle is 93! Every day is a blessing. I now have it marked on my calendar to visit them regularly. No excuses.
There's nothing more important than family... I totally agree! I'm glad you reconnected with yours! Such a lovely pillow. I like how you've presented it.
Wise advice. I always find it so sad when families have rifts. Well done for taking the time to visit your family with your mom. I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's uncle. And your son. how is he now?
What a lovely pillow - very beautifully photographed, Danette.
You have so much going on, so I'm with you in thought. I agree with you about keeping in touch. I have to say that Facebook has put me in regular touch with family that is pretty far away now, and we have made it a priority to visit family every other year in the north. Time goes fast. The pillow is wonderful. My mom made me a pin that has all of the lost earrings she has collected over the years (the remaining one of the pairs). It's very creative and fun to wear. Hope your son is recovering and I'm very sorry about your husband's uncle.
When it rains it pours it seems! I am sorry for your losses and hope you son is doing well. Great advice, Danette! I am inspired by that pillow and the idea of the pins. I need to check out my jewelry armoire now to see what I can find!
@gailmmeek He's recovering well now, Gail. He spent the week in the hospital with an infection (cellulitis, beware!) and now it will take time for his foot to heal (compressed nerve). We are thankful he is better!
My husband's uncle was like a father-in-law to me. Though they lived far away, we were fortunate to see them each winter when they would come to Florida. I am glad we took the time to see them.
Lovely shot, Danette. I'm so sorry about your losses and about your son having to go to the hospital. I hope he will be okay and that your week will improve.
Relationships is what makes life worthwhile... I so agree with you. I visited my uncle, who will be 94 on Valentine's Day, after a long absence (me not taking the time to go see him) though we did talk on the phone from time to time. He is still so mentally sharp... attends the bank director's meetings every Thursday. I pray that your son is well, and that we will all make a great effort to make time for those we love. The pillow is a lovely memento.
What a heart wrenching story and I wish the best for your son!! A lovely image and what a treasure! Thank you for sharing your heart break with us and such wise words to be sure! Hugs for better days to come!
@kwind@pennystot@mittens@joemuli@calm@soboy5@bill_fe@eyesmile Thank you all for your supportive replies. It's too bad the busyness of life interferes with family time. We all need to be reminded. Today, my cousin drove 25 minutes from work (each way) to join us for lunch.
My son is on the mend. Life can change in an instant. I am thankful for my family!
This is a lovely image... it really speaks of family, history and connection. I am glad (from reading comments) that your son is on the mend. You are right... life can (and often does) change in an instant. We are all thankful for our families! :)
This ornate pillow reminds me of some of the doilies that were my paternal grandmother's. It seems to me that I can remember one of my elderly relatives knitted armchair covers too. Very wise advice. Life it way to short to hold grudges. Besides, if we won't forgive others, we can't expect God to forgive us! I am glad you patched things up! I hope your son is still mending!
@skipt07 I did visit my aunt once "on the sly". I was 45 minutes from her at the time and would not have excused myself had I not. The feud was not mine. My SIL, on the other hand, has chosen to continue her feud with us and declined the wedding invitation she was sent! :-/ As far as my other son goes...the doctor said he might do a case study since it was all so unusual. It will take time, but he is healing.
What a great idea for things no longer in daily use. Still accessible and usable for appropriate occasions.
Life *is* short! I had a similar situation in my [small] family. A rift between my parents and my *only* aunt-and-uncle. Clare & I didn't "respect" the rift and always tried to visit when the kids were with us.
And is your son patched-up and/or well now, I hope?
@rhoing Thanks, Thom. I did visit them once during the rift period and was glad I did. Just glad it was repaired in time. My son is on the mend. It'll be a while before he is fully healed, though he can work. He will most likely have another round of anti-biotics and start physical therapy next week. Doctor says he wants to do a case study on him. :-/
February 7th, 2015
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What a lovely pillow - very beautifully photographed, Danette.
My husband's uncle was like a father-in-law to me. Though they lived far away, we were fortunate to see them each winter when they would come to Florida. I am glad we took the time to see them.
My son is on the mend. Life can change in an instant. I am thankful for my family!
Life *is* short! I had a similar situation in my [small] family. A rift between my parents and my *only* aunt-and-uncle. Clare & I didn't "respect" the rift and always tried to visit when the kids were with us.
And is your son patched-up and/or well now, I hope?