"Art is my vehicle through life; may we share the ride together." Ron Wickersham

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Tough Week

It's been a roller-coaster ride this past week. On Monday one of my very dear friends, Jean Baughman, passed away after a long battle with cancer. We had known each other for 26 years and were kindred spirits. From our very first meeting, it was like we'd known each other forever. We could talk on the phone for hours at a time or sit up half the night talking. We first met through a stitchery group and spent many hours stitching projects together. Later she became enamored with watercolor and I moved into rubber stamping. She was always one of my biggest supporters and always encouraged me. I will miss you terribly, Jean - rest in peace.

On another note, my husband had a heart ablation in December at which time they took a CT scan which showed spots on his liver, thyroid and lungs. After many doctor appointments and tests, we finally got news this past week that everything looks fine (he still hasn't had tests for his lungs though) and that was a tremendous relief!

And, finally, Recollections (the scrapbook store where I have been working for 10 months) closed yesterday. It was heartbreaking to see the inventory slowly depleted and the store an empty shell. The associates were all very close to each other as well as to many of the customers - they were friends and "family," so it was very hard to say goodbye. Hopefully everyone will stay in touch. It was a fantastic job - more than a job really - and is a great loss. I must keep remembering what our manager said, quoting Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it's over; Smile because it happened..."

So, life goes on and maybe there will now be more time for art...

2 comments:

K Hutchinson said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your good friend. I lost my friend one year ago to cancer too! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Cindy Dean said...

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I hope things get better for you. Sounds like alot of stuff happening all at once.