on : 40 days & letting go

In the Orthodox faith, there are memorial services for those who have passed. 9 days, 40 days, 1 year, on their day of death, or their birthdays...so this weekend marked the 40 days for Ken's passing.

In many cultures mourners would be hired to help the remaining grieve, because it is not considered a good thing to continue to hold on to the one who has passed. We must let them go and move on. Now, anyone who has lost a loved one knows that you cannot 'get over' their death in 40 days. But, it is important to not drag them down to remain here on earth. They are on to another journey beyond what we have here on earth. Usually & hopefully, a good 1 1/2 -3 years takes away the initial great difficulties, and leads to an acceptance of some kind, making life easier to handle without the loved one.

Time heals all wounds, but never forgets. Memory Eternal KG!

My Very Good Friend Jenny...Victorian Vignettes & C/Vignettes Etc.

We have had devastating news today. Just one month and one day since our little Kippy passed away we received the horrible text and phone call.

My good friend Jenny , the mother of my son's best friend, passed away suddenly today. Serge received an emergency text message from Owen that his Mom had a seizure and was rushed to the hospital. We prayed right away. I drove to the post office 2 minutes away. Serge called me with the terrible news, that she had died.

Some of you may 'know' Jenny through her very new blog, Victorian Vignettes & C. And as I went to her site just before this post, I see that she just changed it to Vignettes Etc...(Musings from a sometime crafter about antiques, vintage finds, and road trips).

She had just broken her foot last week, by tripping over a mannequin that had been lying down on the floor at an antique shop in Rehobath,De..She just saw her doctor on Wed., and now this.

I have known Owen's family for 8 years now. The boys met in 1st grade. The first time Serge was going to Owen's to play with him, I left the car running to meet and talk to the parents. Serge inadvertently locked the car, while it was running. I had to call AAA, and felt awful to burden Owen's parents. But, they were as gracious as anyone could be, and we became instant friends... Even Ken as well, when they met.

We moved to our new home 4 years ago and Serge was so upset to leave his friends, and especially Owen. But, we got the boys together monthly or bi-monthly, and they have remained best friends even though we live an hour and 15 min's. apart. We usually meet halfway, and sometimes have delicious NY style pizza at my fam's favorite pizza place in MD, at J&P Pizza.

Last year, Jenny and I shared a booth at Boonsborough days, our first B's Days. In 37 years it never had rain. But, last year on Sat., it poured. The show is wonderful with over 10,000 people in attendance, and yard sales for miles around. It attracts people from more than 4 states. We still did well, and Jenny and I got separate booths this year in anticipation of a great show. She was so very excited about the show, and Emma, her daughter as well.

Jenny and Emma were just at our home recently, (Emma's idea), to work on artwork for the show. It was such a great day.Jenny shared some of her beautiful vintage red flocked posies from a hat that she had found. I was tickled 'red':)

Jenny made beautiful collaged shadow boxes, cloches,and other items, and sold antiques. Jenny worked full time for the Archives, and was a wonderful, historical writer, with published works. She leaves behind her loving husband , Steve, and their 2 beautiful children, ages 14, and 11. I feel honored to have known her, and to have called her my good friend. I loved her very much, and she will be missed always by many.

I am sorry that I have no pictures right now, w/my computer not being fully installed at this point. My family is devastated... A lovely and beautiful woman, kind and generous, a true gentle spirit, my friend Jenny.

As an additional note, a friend from my youth, the brother of my college friend from Kenya, who I would visit when taking tour groups on safari there also just passed away, from lung cancer just 2 weeks ago in Canada. He was also young, leaving behind 3 children, the youngest 13, and also, a dear and gentle soul, my friend Jawade(Javed). We started to email earlier this year, catching up for a short time on life, after many years.

Memory Eternal Jawade! Memory Eternal Jenny, dear friend! May the angels guard you in heaven as you look down upon your families and keep watch over them. This is so hard,and the tears will not stop. Please say a prayer for these wonderful souls and their families.

This is such a tough year.