Scraps and Strings: Sad news, happy memories

Thursday, 17 March 2011

Sad news, happy memories

Today I heard of the passing of my dear friend and former neighbour. We were separated in age by 34 years, but she was my best friend on the street. Her health had been failing recently and because she loved flowers of any kind and roses in particular, I was planning on giving her this rose lap blanket once it was quilted. I finally got around to basting it this weekend, and after hearing of her passing, I spent a bit of time at the machine quilting it, way too late. She was very special person to me, generous with her cookies and time and always interested in my life and my family. If you're interested, click over to this column that I wrote for my newpaper when she moved away from my street into a retirement complex.

18 comments:

fabriquefantastique said...: remember the happy times, and try to make some of her recipes live on.; 17 March 2011 at 13:46
Janet said...: Such a sweet article about your friend. My condolences on your loss.; 17 March 2011 at 14:08
LizA. said...: What wonderful tribute. Everybody needs a Mrs Rempel in their neighborhood!; 17 March 2011 at 14:27
Quiltdivajulie said...: My heart goes out to you ~

"...by offering small kindnesses in bad times and good, and by graciously receiving gifts in return..."

Thank you for sharing your neighbor with all of us.; 17 March 2011 at 15:00
Michele said...: You didn't say to go get tissues. What a lovely friendship and what a lovely lady. I hope we all grow up to be just like her.; 17 March 2011 at 15:05
beth said...: Brenda. That was the most beautiful article. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know it inspires me to be a better neighbor. Sorry for your loss.; 17 March 2011 at 15:41
Mary-Kay said...: So sorry to hear about your friend Mrs. Rempel. May her cookie recipes live on. You should keep that quilt, which is beautiful, and remember her every time you use it.; 17 March 2011 at 19:52
Barb said...: I am sorry for your loss....; 17 March 2011 at 19:59
Pat said...: I am so sorry you lost such a good friend, but I am sure she knew how very much you loved her.; 17 March 2011 at 21:01
jovaliquilts said...: Sorry, Brenda. It sounds like a friendship to treasure.; 17 March 2011 at 21:12
Tonya Ricucci said...: I'm sorry for your loss.; 18 March 2011 at 07:44
beth said...: You DID inspire! I made cookies and gave them away today.... Blogged about it too. ;); 18 March 2011 at 16:56
Kim said...: It is hard to say goodbye to friends...this cycle of life is hard as it is sweet. I hope you find a new neighbor that needs some TLC.
Some of my dearest friends are former neighbors!

Happy sewing; 18 March 2011 at 18:08
joe tulips said...: How sad to lose a friend. That was a very nice article about her. Your quilt will be your memory quilt.; 18 March 2011 at 18:27
corina said...: My condolences on the passing of your friend. You wrote such a beautiful story about her. The quilt is not too late, she can see it from above and feel the love you put into every stitch.; 19 March 2011 at 23:23
Rosalyn Manesse said...: Well, isn't that sad! My sympathy.; 20 March 2011 at 17:21
merrily row said...: I read your post, then your article. I only hope someone could speak so kindly of me. You were lucky to have found each other. And a got a kick in the pants from you. There is a cherry pie in the oven right now for my neighbor, Hettie, who is 30 years my senior. Thanks.; 22 March 2011 at 17:54
Andrea, the little collector said...: So sorry to hear about your friend. Maybe that quilt can begiven to someone in her honor and her generosity touch one more life.

You are in my thoughts...; 23 March 2011 at 21:23