Followers

21 February 2012

In Memoriam . . .

Yesterday was supposed to be a joyful day. We had our anatomy scan--quite thorough, but quite uncomfortable. Baby H decided to be quite cooperative and so we know we're having a little girl. Watching my husband fall a little more in love with his daughter was an amazing experience. We celebrated as we do such things--I went shopping for her wardrobe, she is going to be quite the style maven, Left-brain muddled over how he will pay for her wedding. I might be biased, but she is on track to be a beauty, all long legs and arms, with the brain of an Einstein and a wonderful little heart. If she ends up with red hair, and green eyes, 14 years from now, there will be a line of boys out my front stoop to rival Halloween.

But, with every good news comes bad. My stitching friend Sue Block died on Sunday, after being diagnosed with cancer just a few weeks ago. I could not help but start sobbing. Sue was a wonderful person, kind when you got to know her, opinionated, funny, honest, the kind of person we all need in our lives. I have known her since I started going to Sue Hillis' GTG, not as well as I should have, but enough to know she was a good person. She was so happy when she was told about the baby, her face just lit up. I got one last afternoon with her 2 weeks ago, she said she was going to fight this. And I know she did, but she just couldn't beat it. In a selfish moment last night, I asked myself why bother to make friends, when losing them is so hard, but then again, the people we meet, the people we let into our lives, not matter how long we are given with them, are gifts we allow ourselves, and to deny ourselves the gift of friends, that is too much to bear. So I raise my teacup to Sue, bless her, bless all those whose life she touched, thank you for being in my life.

17 comments:

Susan said...

I read about Sue on the 123 Board. I didn't know her, but can certainly understand your sadness. It does make you wonder why as humans we have such capacity to love people, and then we have to lose them, and feel such pain. It's all part of the human experience, I guess.

And life does go on, as you are learning already with your beautiful new baby girl. Your description of your husband's reaction is precious!

ArchangelDecker said...

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your stitchy friend.

Nancy said...

So sorry you lost your friend. It's so hard to say good-bye to those we hold dear.

valerie said...

I'm glad you had a good scan but sorry to hear about your friend!

A girl! Imagine all the cute outfits! Little girls are fun to dress up!

Denise said...

Congratulations on the news of a little girl, my first was a girl too, you will have a ball! I am so sorry to hear of your friend though, my sympathies.

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

Rachel, So sorry about your friend Sue. Each friendship adds to our life.. Glad baby is doing well!!

Vicky said...

{{{Hugs}}}

Kathy A. said...

I am so sorry hon to hear that you have lost a wonderful stitchy friends. I am sure that she touched your life for a reason. Sending hugs.
And congrats on that upcoming little girl. How funny that your DH is already worrying about financing her wedding. lol.

Siobhán said...

Rachel, I am so sorry about your friend. Your baby girl has a special angel to look after her now. God bless.

Bette said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. But think on her with love and remember how excited she was about your baby. The pain will fade but the good memories never will.

Pumpkin said...

I'm very sorry to hear about your friend :o( Cancer is such a cruel thing. I asked myself that same question but with my pets and I can to the same conclusion...each and every one is special and gives something to your life.

Congrats Rachel! Have fun shopping and picking out names :o) It's amazing to see that tiny life form on the screen isn't it?

stitchersanon said...

I am so sorry you lost your friend..we cannot really fight cancer..but we can live with cancer and it sounds to me ( I hope you dont mind me saying) that from the impression you give, that your friend is someone who lived well. And to think your little girl who of course will be gorgeous and clever and amazing, gave your friend a moment of joy without even being here yet.
Whilst life can seem crap, actually when you think about it, that is pretty amazing.
xxxx

Meari said...

Sorry to hear about your friend. :(

Very happy to hear the news about the baby, though. A girl... how exciting!

Julie M said...

((Hugs Rachel)) I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

On the other hand, I'm so excited to hear you are having a girl!! How sweet the left-brain is already stressing about the wedding!

Take care of yourself!

Felicity said...

Congratulations on the news of a little daughter. I've had three of them and they are such a delight at all ages (they are now 24 to 31 years old).

My sincerest condolences on the death of your friend named Sue. One of my nearest and dearest long time girlfriends died in January, so I know how miserable you are feeling. Hugs.

Carol said...

I'm very sorry to hear about your friend, Rachel--she sounds like the kind of friend we should all be so lucky to have at least one of in our lifetime...

I'm so happy for you and your husband--a new little girl will bring such joy and delight, amazement and wonder into your lives :)

Sherry said...

Rachel I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend.

What a delight that you and your husband are expecting a little girl. You are truly blessed.

I do my thing and you do yours. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, it can’t be helped--Frederick Perls