So unfortunately the objects which remind me of people I have loved and lost are getting more plentiful as the years go by, but one of the most wonderful posters I ever saw said, "How fortunate I was to have loved someone worth missing this much"
Here, are a few pieces of a huge 12 piece stoneware set that my Sister-in-law, April had custom designed in cream with irises on it. The set is now in my kitchen because April died of heat stroke on May 15, 2007, at the age of 56 when she was on a hike up out of the Grand Canyon. April was an avid backpacker and had plenty of water and experience and had been to the canyon many times, but this day she turned to her husband and said, "I think I need to find some shade" and then went into a seizure and was dead in less than an hour. Her husband waited with the body until his friends hiked out and sent a rescue helicopter, so the rest of us didn't know until 2 days later. The day I go the call, I also got a mothers-day card from her, saying, "We're on our way to the Grand Canyon again. This year I'm a bit overweight so if I don't make it out, remember I love you." That still gives me chills, and I still get mad at every Arizona license plate I see that says, "The Grand Canyon State" but Grief is not logical, and she was not only my husbands big sister, but the only relative we had had in 25 years who lived closer than 1300 miles away.
What a beautiful set and memory. It sounds like she was an extraordinary woman who loved life and the great outdoors up to the very end. It probably sounds strange but I think I would rather leave this earth doing something I loved than hooked up to machines in a hospital. And I am learning through my own loss that grief is a companion who changes with the years but always remains present. However, I'd also have to agree with that saying. We are richer because of the wonderful people we've known, not by the amount of money we have in the bank.
It is very sad when we lose someone we love, but to be remembered with such love and happy memories and BE remembered is so important and I am sure your sister-in-law is happy that you are doing that,
What a lovely memory, Dixie ~ but so sad to hear of your sister-in-law. How unexpected that must have been! I's so happy that you have this beautiful stoneware to remind you of her.
