I couldn’t help but slide down the ladder…..
It’s been nearly a year since I’ve been in touch with you all. It was a challenging year for sure. My Mom passed away early last March. Though it was expected, it still comes as a terrible shock and waves of grief are with you for quite a while. While it was comforting to see my siblings, it has been many years for a couple, it is sad it took a funeral to bring us together. Early June, Puppy Girl Emma was diagnosed with a bad liver. We worked very hard to fix what could be fixed, keep her comfortable and gave lots of lovings. When it was time to let her go, I brought along Puppy Girl Gabby. They had been inseparable for over 13 years. I didn’t want her to wonder where Emma went. Then, a couple of months go by and Gabby isn’t feeling well. We ran every test, leaving nothing to chance. Cancer! Gabby was gone in less than two weeks. All this happened in seven months. Three weeks later, I had a complete knee replacement, with complications. I had the pleasure of spending Christmas Day with Roadie but less than three weeks later, we almost lost her – she almost died. Thankfully, she’s recovering. With all of these events, I kept sliding down the ladder of life. I was on the last wrung. As I said, 2024 was a very challenging year – filled with grief and sadness. I tried to sketch, tried to stitch, nothing felt right.
With the start of 2025, I got back to teaching my EMT students, it energizes me. A first floor apartment, one that allows furbabies and that I could afford, became available and so I moved. I was still in physical therapy 3 times a week, with all sorts of restrictions over my tasks. But with loving friends, move I did. Have purged and downsized quite a bit, gave 2/3 of my fabric to my guild. A couple of weeks ago, I started sketching again. I finished writing a new pattern and am scheduled to vend at quilt shows in Hartford, CT, Rhinebeck, NY and Bennington, VT by this September. I’ll be back out with quilters and stitchers – my favorite kind of people. I look forward to sharing these new projects with you. If you haven’t already, be certain to “follow” Puppy Girl Designs on Facebook. I’ll be posting different items there.
Take good care of yourself and be grateful for every day!
Lynn
Sorry 2024 was such a hard year for you. Praying 2025 is a better year. Looking forward to your new designs.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for your well wishes. I look forward to sharing the new designs.
Lynn
Oh, Lynn. I have a had a few years such as yours, and am making my way through one now. Thankfully, mine have been separated by a decade or so each time (and in our family we remember them as if they are code words: 1988, 2003, 2014…). I’m so sorry you have known so much wrenching loss, so close together. I saw your name in my In Box and it brightened my day; it is good to know that you are finding your way out of the worst of it all. Sending love to Roadie, who I know is already showered with it.
Hi Beth,
I understand about your “codes”, have used that system myself. Am looking forward to getting all of my ideas into the sketch books. Thank you for the smile!
Lynn
Dear Lynn,
I am so sorry for the year that you have had. So much loss and health concerns in such a condensed period of time is difficult. You are so courageous for hanging in and taking care of yourself. Be grateful for your friendships, for your EMT dedication and your quilting business. Better luck going forward and chin up.
Barb Leafer
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for the well wishes, I’m optimistic.
Lynn
So sorry to hear of your Mother and Pets passing. I to have lost my mom and my dear Tinkerbell within 3months of each other,. Yes it does hurt and the pain is real. It takes time to heal. You are in my prayers.
Hi Patricia,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mother and Tinkerbell passing. If only our furbabies lasted as long as we do.
Lynn
Holy Molly! Honey you really went over the quota for (poop) in one year! Or several! Thanks for sharing this and I hope you know there are so many people out here sending you love and fellowship. Some friends and I get together monthly and sew for the local Children’s Hopspital. Just thinking of them puts my problems in perspective. But a little sun now and them through all the spring rain would be nice. Sending good wishes from me and my pupper Indigo.
Hi Joan,
Thank you for the well wishes. What kind of pup is Indigo? We are so lucky to have our furbabies. I miss my Girls, think of them often.
Lynn
My goodness, you have had a challenging and sad run.
So sorry.
I can relate!!! Getting old is not for sissies!!! Seriously, NOT. I’m currently suffering a setback as well. I hope things stay on track for you going forward, and a (hug) too.
Big hugs! I know all too well how those challenges and grief feel having lost my mom and beloved dog within a few months of each other and having some unexpected health issues take months to resolve immediately after. You will get better. It will get easier, even with hiccups. It sounds like you are moving out of the toughest parts, and I celebrate you!