It will be my dad's 85th birthday next month; but it will be the first one without my mom by his side in almost 72 years..
They met at about the age of 12, in 6th grade! and fell in love~ They have been devoted to each other all these years.
Since my mom went to Heaven in July, we have all felt the loss deeply - and of course, dad has felt it most acutely. Married 65 years! That really is a lifetime, isn't it?
We are very proud of him and how he is carrying on with his music and doing his best to keep busy and productive; with a very broken heart~
This photo was taken when they were working in an office together for a while. I believe it was before they were actually married.
I created this on a small paper bag, and it will be filled with his favorite candy! (Tootsie Rolls : )
and perhaps a gift card to a favorite restaurant or something~
It's a real 'eclectic' mix of papers and such, but I've incorporated things that have meaning to me as well.
There's a bit of sheet music paper just above the 'Happy Birthday' that hints of dads musical ability~
He played 7 different instruments in his lifetime, and is still playing the piano and clarinet.
I used bits of ticket stub and filmstrip, reminding me of all the symphony's and musicals they took us too! For years they would buy 3 season tickets, and each of us 6 kids would get one turn to go out for a special night with mom & dad!
My love and thanks to you friends!! for taking time to peek in and see my card today~
I am still playing a little bit of 'catch-up' in my blog visiting, but I hope to stop in and see you soon~
Hugs to you,
Karen
They met at about the age of 12, in 6th grade! and fell in love~ They have been devoted to each other all these years.
Since my mom went to Heaven in July, we have all felt the loss deeply - and of course, dad has felt it most acutely. Married 65 years! That really is a lifetime, isn't it?
We are very proud of him and how he is carrying on with his music and doing his best to keep busy and productive; with a very broken heart~
This photo was taken when they were working in an office together for a while. I believe it was before they were actually married.
I created this on a small paper bag, and it will be filled with his favorite candy! (Tootsie Rolls : )
and perhaps a gift card to a favorite restaurant or something~
It's a real 'eclectic' mix of papers and such, but I've incorporated things that have meaning to me as well.
There is stitching, thread, and a few 'button' cards (the yellowish 25c card & the pale green one) remembering all the sewing my mother did~ When we were growing up she made almost all of our clothes.
There's a bit of sheet music paper just above the 'Happy Birthday' that hints of dads musical ability~
He played 7 different instruments in his lifetime, and is still playing the piano and clarinet.
I used bits of ticket stub and filmstrip, reminding me of all the symphony's and musicals they took us too! For years they would buy 3 season tickets, and each of us 6 kids would get one turn to go out for a special night with mom & dad!
I am still playing a little bit of 'catch-up' in my blog visiting, but I hope to stop in and see you soon~
Hugs to you,
Karen
My dear Karen,
ReplyDeletethis is a beautiful bag to receive , your Dad will be so happy, when opening it up , and to
see , his card/bag and this old and so very lovely photo of them,- so obvious they love each other. I love the many pieces you have used to add memories from your Mom, too- ( my Mom , also always sewed our clothes when we were small ) it is a very beautiful and loving creation.
Thank you for your pm, too- I enjoyed reading, and you will hear from me , dear friend.
Love to you, and hugs, Dorthe
Thank you for the visit Dorthe! I'm so glad you enjoyed the paper bag card I made for my dad~ Your mother also sewed your clothes!? Did she teach you to sew as well? My mom did~ Much loving hugs to you friend! Karen
ReplyDeleteOh Karen you have put so much thought into creating this it makes my heart sing to read your words giving every detail behind each element, even the stitching. My Great GrandMother was a seamstress and could turn her hand to anything and everything with thread and a needle. So sad to hear about your Mother last year, this Birthday for your Father will be a difficult hurdle but he is lucky to have you to help him through the day and bring back those happier memories. 65 years together is more than a lifetime... just think of all those happy memories and moments they shared during that time.
ReplyDeleteWishing your Father a wonderful day when his Birthday comes he will cherish what you have created for him.
Have a wonderful week and take good care of yourself.
Creative Hugs & wishes Tracey xx
Hi Tracey! Thanks for the visit and the heart-felt comment about my dad's birthday card~ I appreciate your kindness. I hope it is a good week ahead for you as well! And lots of happy creating : ) Hugs, Karen
DeleteOh Karen, I am sure he is going to be so very touched by this as I am. Such a special life they had together, so glad to hear he is going on with his hobbies. When my mom past my Dad quite his wood carving all together, he did a little fishing afterwards but then gave that up too, it was so sad for me to watch but I think all those years of taking care of mom with Alzheimer's really took a lot out of him. He lived for 10 years after mom passed, but I know how much he missed her every day. I just love how you have combined the two of them and what they shared with you kids in this beautiful creation, I just know it is going to touch him.
ReplyDeleteThank you Connie! I was so touched by your comment about my dad's birthday card~ It is hard to watch them get 'old' isn't it. Dad took such good care of my mom for the last 6+ years; and now, as you say, 'it took a lot out of him.' Yes, it is nice he is still playing music~ Hugs to you friend, Karen
DeleteWhat a very thoughtful gift, brimming with creativity and love. Isn´t it odd seeing ones parents as young adults? I do hope he spends an enjoyable birthday
ReplyDeleteHello Sheryl!! What a wonderful delight to have you visit : ) Thank you for the sweet comment on my dad's birthday card~ Yes, the pics when they were young has always fascinated me! My mom was a beautiful woman <3 ; )
DeleteHugs and blessings to you, Karen
Your card is amazing Karen! Your Dad will appreciate this for sure! Made with so much love!!! Goreous!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Susi
Hey there Susi!! Thank you so so much for taking time to peek in today! I really enjoyed making this birthday card for my dad; and yes, made with lots of love : ) Hugs, Karen
DeleteWhat a lovely card for your dad. And I love the picture of the two of them. How hard it must be after being together for so long to now be apart. But then there's eternity. I always love your layers and charming stitching. What a sweet gathering and assemblage that stirs one to reminisce. Have a lovely rest of your week, Dear Friend. And I'll say a little prayer for your dad. How wonderful that he has a loving daughter like you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs.
Tamara X
Thanks so much Tamara! Appreciate your visit and kind comment about my dad's birthday card~ Yes, he struggles very much with loneliness for her; but I'm proud of him for continuing with his music and trying to keep going~ Lots of loving hugs to you, Karen
DeleteSo beautiful~ happy birthday to your dad.
ReplyDeleteHi Connie! Thanks so much for your visit to my blog! Appreciate your support : ) Hope you have a nice week-end ahead~ Hugs, Karen
DeleteWhat a gorgeous gift bag for your Dad, Karen. I love the photo of your Mum and Dad working together, they look so happy. Thank you for sharing those wonderful memories. It is so good that your Dad is keeping up with his interests. It must be so hard for him being on his own after so many years together. I will keep him in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour gift bag is absolutely beautiful and I'm sure that the gifts you place inside will give your Dad a great deal of pleasure! Have a wonderful week my dear friend. hugs xx
Hello Marg and thank you so much for peeking in my blog! and for your thoughtful comment too~ I do enjoy using family photo's when possible; adds a lot of 'heart' to my projects : )Hope all is well and happy week end! Hugs, Karen
DeleteYour card is wonderful and life is soooo hard at these times, my heart goes out to you both
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Janice! for stopping in my blog and for your kindness~~ I'm so glad you like the card I made for my dad; and yes, (life at these times can be sooo hard, and) he really does miss my mom very much - and all of us do. I want to come pay a visit to your blog and the 'button' blog too : ) Hugs, Karen [@ Roosterhead Designs]
DeleteOh, what a wonderful photo capturing just one moment from a lifetime of devoted love and friendship. The old saying may say loving and losing is better than not loving at all, but I can't imagine it feels that way as you struggle to carry on without the love of your life, or indeed without your mother. Your card is a wonderful celebration of all that shared happiness - beautiful collage work and those delightful cut-out hearts full of flowers.
ReplyDeleteAlison x
Dear Alison, THANK YOU for the visit! I appreciate your sweet and heart-felt comment too~ I know you must be pretty busy right now.
DeleteYes, dad struggles deeply with the absence of mom; and we all miss her so very much. She more of a quiet sort of person, really - but friendly too. We learned so much from just watching her and the way she lived.
I'm thrilled you enjoyed the paper bag card : ) It was a joy to make. Hope all is well for you in NY; I'm quite jealous really! ; ) and hope to get back someday. Hugs, Karen
Dear friend, I cannot express in words how much I enjoy visiting your blog. Your writing, your art, your soul...It inspires me so much and uplifts my heart in so many ways! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of your parents love and journey. What a darling view into their love and your childhood. Your papa must miss his sweetheart very much....I simply cannot imagine. So wonderful that he is keeping busy and staying strong. And your project? Wow, wow, wow! I love it all, from the fabulous photograph, to the eclectic mix of textures and colors. It's so full of heart and love. Just beautiful, sweet friend! Sending many hugs xoxo
ReplyDeleteHello Ivana,
DeleteThanks so so much! for your visit to my blog and thanks for the beautiful comment you left~
Yes, my dad misses his 'sweetheart' very much; as we all do. I'm glad you liked the card I made him - I do enjoy using family photo's whenever possible. They tell our story <3 Hugs to you! Karen
Thanks so much for sharing your Dad's birthday with us Karen! I do hope it was a beautiful day for him and even though the love of his life was not beside him,i am sure she was with him in spirit,watching over him completely! And of course his children and grands perhaps were there to share in his love.
ReplyDeleteYour card turned out beautifully! I do love the mix of papers and ephemera you used! You marry pieces so well!
hugs,Jackie xx
Oh, PS Jackie, my dad does have some of my siblings near by; and a handful of grand and great-grandkids too~ So he is blessed that way. : ) <3 Thanks for your comments! Karen
ReplyDelete