Thursday, October 13, 2022

A small memorial

 Hello all. I have bad news today, so if you don't like being brought down, go on ahead and come back another time. I won't be mad. I hate bad news, too, especially this kind.

My mother died this week. She had had a number of health problems over the years, and it all finally came to the point of no return. We're trying to be comforted by the fact that she is now beyond the pain and suffering she endured for years, but it's hard.

As a little, tiny memorial, and because this is a quilt blog, I'm sharing a pre-blogging quilt that I made for her in about 2012 or so:

 
Not a great picture, but taken on the clothesline that she used for years and years. And really, I wasn't focusing on getting good backgrounds or pictures. This was a BOM from Marti Michell whose name I really don't remember. Sweet roses? Wild roses? I don't remember, but I think it came in the mail, on paper. How primitive! I might still have those patterns, too.


I do remember that there were these plastic templates to use that made every piece fit exactly. It all went together perfectly, including the sashing, but it was a bear and a half to cut. No strip cutting or piecing. I had it professionally quilted in pink thread, and it has lived on the bed in the middle bedroom ever since. It even has a marker stain on the backing from a careless grandchild. I didn't photograph that, because I know my mom was frustrated that she couldn't get the stain out.

So there we are. I wish I had something happy and uplifting to say, or at least some kind of happy, quilty picture. I promise to be happier after the funeral on the 22nd. A lot of us have to travel, so that was easier than trying to rush in from all corners of the country in just a couple of days.

 
Hug your moms or your mom-like people, or call them, or at least think about them today, okay? And maybe make them a quilt so that you can wrap up in it after they're gone, shed a few tears, and remember all the love on both sides of the machine. 

Peace to all,
Mari

34 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

so sorry Mari - I lost my mom 8 years ago this week so I can feel what you are feeling - glad the pain is gone but missing her all the same still to this day -it does get easier with time - that is easy say of course now but at the time it wasn't easy.

Ivani said...

Oh Mari, I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain that is to loose a mother and I can imagine what you are feeling.
Feel yourself hugged.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Mari, I'm so sorry about your mom. This is such a hard thing to go through. The quilt you made for her is beautiful, and I bet she loved it. Sending you much love.

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

so sorry for your loss. sending

ButterZ said...

Sorry to hear about losing your mum. I feel your pain as I lost mine 7 years ago. I too have a quilt of mums on my spare bed and a few of her crochet blankets that I use. Take care and there will be many thinking of you.

Quayquilter said...

A lovely and thoughtful post. I think about my mother a lot even now more than a decade after her death.

Danice G said...

So sorry about your mother. I have lost both parents and my only sibling (twin sister) and it is truly a difficult process for sure. Praying for you. The quilt for your mother is beautiful.

karenbbsnow said...

So sorry to hear about your mother, praying for peace and comfort for you and your family in the days ahead. The quilt is beautiful, love the colours.

My mom passed away when I was in my 20's , she was a great seamstress...always sewing us and herself clothes when we were kids. I always wonder if she might have caught the quilting bug had she lived longer.

Susie H said...

I chose to read on because I feel like we're blog friends and friends share the good, the bad, and the ugly. I'm sad about the loss of your mother and I'm glad you have your quilt and memories to 3ase the pain. I wish you peace.

Preeti said...

Mari, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. It hasn't been easy lately and this sad news has to be devastating. Thank you for sharing the Roses Quilt with us. It is a beautiful tribute to your mom and all moms everywhere. Sending lots of love, healing wishes and big hugs. You know that I am a phone call and a short trip away should you need anything.

Sheila said...

Thank you for this lovely tribute to your mother. Moms have such a special place in our lives, and it sounds like your mom was extra special. Please take take time to savor all the precious memories of her.

Sara said...

My deepest condolences on your loss! Hugs! It's difficult to lose them, but also difficult to see them in pain.

JCH said...

Sorry about your mom. Mine is gone too. I talked my mom into making a quilt which I have and a crocheted throw. So glad I have these. I still miss her even though it's been years.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

My condolences to you and your family. Losing a mom is also losing the generation before you and as they all suddenly disappear you wish you had asked more questions about "the olden days". Safe travels for all of you that need to.

Brenda said...

Sending you condolences. I lost my mother too, and there remains a hole where she was. Take care. It takes time, so be patient with yourself.
Brenda

Kathryn said...

A sad event indeed and you have my sympathy. I had a recent loss also and am adjusting to a new life. I wish you peace and grace. Thank you for sharing your quilt that graced her bed. It brought her joy.

sue s said...

Mari I am so sorry for your loss. Another Blogger I follow lost her dad this week too and I will be thinking of you and yours as well. My mom's been gone 6 years now and I still wish I could call her and talk.

Soapstone Quilts said...

My sincere condolences on your loss. ((Hugs))

MissPat said...

So sorry, Mari, on the loss of your mother. Mine has been gone many years now. My husband died a year ago next Wednesday and there's not a day that I don't think about him. Take the time you need to grieve.
Pat

Bernie Kringel said...

Mari, my thoughts are with you. Take time and be with your family. It is the one good thing that happens when we lose someone special - all of the family gathers together to remember and to support each other. Hugs to you.

Rosec said...

Condolences on the loss of your mom. May she rest in peace.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

I'm so sorry Mari.... sending you great big hugs. I love that she had a quilt from you and that she loved it. I just lost my Mom too - so I understand the Hug your Moms and mom like people - its so true, but such an important reminder. Sending you lots of love.

Quiltdivajulie said...

So many truths in this post. My mom has been gone for years - and she, too had a quilt I'd made although by the time she passed she thought she made it and had no idea who I was. For those whose moms are still alive, HUG THEM and CALL THEM as often as possible. Sending lots of virtual hugs YOUR way.

Laura said...

Beautiful tribute to your Mom! I am so sorry for your loss! May the Lord bless you with comfort and love during this time of loss!

Kate said...

So sorry for your loss. It's always special when a loved one prizes a quilt, it makes for very good memories.

LA Paylor said...

we share your life, and life is full of losses and good times both. I'm sorry for your loss and the sadness.
all week I was thinking about you but didn't know if I should call, you're so busy... LeeAnna

barbtaz said...

So very sorry for your huge loss. May your precious memories of her carry you through.

celia ambrose said...

May you gain comfort and peace in the weeks to come knowing that your Mom is not in any pain now. The quilt you made for her is so lovely. Sending love and prayers in this time of sorrow.

Katie said...

I'm so sorry you lost your mom. No matter what we tell ourselves, it still hurts. And please don't apologize for sharing on the blog. This is your space and this is part of your life. The quilt is beautiful and the marker stain, no matter how frustrating, is part of it and your family's history.

Kathleen said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Mari. Losing our moms is one of the hardest things in life, I think as I still miss mine every day. Meanwhile, I hope you can take comfort in the end of her suffering and the wonderful memories you have. I'll be thinking of you (no need to comment).

Cathy said...

Oh sweet Mari, my heart aches for you. Losing our moms is a milestone event (a very sad one) that changes you for the rest of your life. While time marches on and we age into matriarchal roles ourselves, our moms are always in our thoughts and hearts. The tears can come on suddenly, especially when something happens to make you think “I have to tell Mom this!”, and then you realize…. Big, gentle hugs to you…. xo.

grammajudyb said...

Dear Mari! I’m so sorry for your loss! It certainly is hard to lose our moms. I miss mine every day! I hope you find some comfort as your family gathers this week! Share the memories and a laugh or two! What a pretty quilt you made for her! I never got to do that for my momma!

Tammy said...

I am sorry for your loss. Hugs.

piecefulwendy said...

Oh Mari, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, and sorry that I'm so late in reading your post. Moms are special, no matter what age we are, we still want our moms. I hope you find comfort and peace celebrating her life with your family. Safe travels to all.