This was a really tough lo for me to finish. Kathie\'s kit, Momma Loves Roses was just what I was looking for to do this photo but the journaling was really hard for me.
Journaling reads: Journaling reads: When I am asked about my family, I always say that I am the oldest of seven children. After naming all of my siblings, the state they live in and how old they are, sometimes, people catch that I’ve only named five people. I don’t mention my baby sister, Janet, who was born with a heart defect so that I don‘t have to tell the story. She passed away after 6 1/2 short months of life during open heart surgery that was hopefully going to repair her heart. I’ll never forget the day she died. My Grandma Hoff had come from California to stay with us while my parents took Janet to Boise for her surgery. On that cool January day, mid-morning time, I heard the phone ring and my Grandma say “Hello“.. She called all the kids into the hallway and said, “That was your Dad. Janet didn’t make it through her operation this morning.” I was only 9 at the time, but understood what she was telling us. I realized that my youngest sister, who was 3 at the time didn’t quite “get” what she had told us. Upon hearing the news, my brother and sister, who understood, ran to their rooms to cry and figure out how to cope with the devastating news. My 3 year old little sister just went into the closest room and sat on the bottom bunk bed with a confused look on her face. I was really upset but tried to be grown up enough keep my composure and explain what had happened in terms that a 3 year old could understand. That was the saddest day of my life and it will never be forgotten. Just like people can recall exactly where they were and what they were doing on days on 9-11, or Pearl Harbor; on that day time stood still for me. I remember it like it was yesterday. For years, we still made her a birthday cake and sang happy birthday to her on her birthday. Sleep peacefully sweet baby girl. I sure love you and still miss you just as much today as I did on that cool January morning in 1982.
Registered: November 2005 Location: Niles, MI Posts: 9187
Thu January 10, 2008 6:31pm
What a beautiful tribute page to your sister. I am so sorry for you loss. I am sure that this was very hard for you to write. Kathie Woolery - Momma Loves Roses kit was so perfect for this touching and personal story. It is a beautiful addition to your scrapbook. I have often told that I used scrapbooking to get through the roughest part of my grief for my Mom and my Mother-in-law, somehow, when I was doing pages about them, I felt close to them, comforted... Even now, as years have gone bye, when ever I do a page about these people that I miss so much, I feel them near me... Close to my heart, I hope your experience with creating this page was comforting for you. It's beautiful.
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GrannyScraps Designer & Moderator
Registered: September 2006 Location: East of Kansas City, MO Posts: 1346
Thu January 10, 2008 6:34pm
OMG, Michelle..... this is an absolutely beautiful tribute to your sweet baby sister.... I am sitting here in tears after reading your touching journaling about her loss..... Thank you for choosing Mama Loves Roses to create a page worthy of her memory.... and, thank you so much for sharing her story with us!!! {{hugs}}
------------------------------ Kathie
Aging is mandatory; maturity is optional.
Registered: September 2007 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5554
Thu January 10, 2008 10:33pm
What beautiful heartfelt journaling *sniff* This is a beautifully sweet page. The roses are perfect for the little one. Hugs to you.
------------------------------ Margie
"Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place." — Mark Twain
Registered: June 2006 Location: Paris France Posts: 14776
Fri January 11, 2008 2:39am
I am so sorry to hear what happened...I understand that frozen moment in time feeling and the horrible loss and ache. Beautiful tribute to Janet. TFS, even though it put us all into tears as well...it is truly beautiful!
Registered: June 2007 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 6046
Fri January 18, 2008 8:56pm
What a beautiful page. The photo of Janet is so beautiful and then to read your heartbreaking journalling was very moving. It must be a very hard time of year for you. Thank you for sharing this touching page with us.
------------------------------ Wendy
Don't forget: Amateurs built the Ark; Professionals built the Titanic!!
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