Thursday 12 November 2009

Sad Story

This card is for a lady in America (Sarah) who lost her three year old son (Henry) suddenly and very recently, after he contracted a virus. Such a tragedy. I don't know this lady or her family, but when I heard about this, I wanted to express my condolences, but how do you? What can you say? So I didn't. I just left it and felt useless, like you do when you see tragic stories on the news.

Then through Kath's blog, I saw that a friend of Sarah's (Kim) has had the brilliant idea of organising the crafters in blogland to shower her with cards. What a lovely way of mobilising the wonderful spirit of camaraderie that exists in this global online village to offer one of our number some comfort and show her that we care.

As an incentive, Kim put together some stash for a blog candy draw, but this has been added to by so many suppliers of craft materials who have donated items to increase the prize.

For details, follow this link HERE.

To enter, you will need to send your card to arrive in America by 25th November. The address is:

Kim Gruetzmacher
PO Box 223
Suring
WI 54174
USA

Then follow the instructions on Kim's blog.
__________________________________________________

I am not entering the blog candy draw, but have made a card for Sarah and her family. It was inspired by the lovely poem 'Do Not Stand By My Grave And Weep', which is attributed to Mary Elizabeth Frye.

There are a variety of versions around, but this is my favourite:

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
(You'll get a better view of the card if you click on the image to enlarge it.)
I have used Cuttlebug 'Snowflakes' embossing folder, glitter card, Glamour Dust spotted onto some of the raised bumps, Kaleidopunch snowflakes, Nestabilities Labels #8, Cezanne font from ITC Fonts, Gem

8 comments:

Leanne said...

Chris - this is a beautiful card, and a wonderful poem that you have chosen.

What an absolutely awful time Sarah must be having, it has actually made me cry. Going to give my kiddies an extra squeeze tonight and be thankful that I have them.

Thank you for sharing this.

Leanne
xx

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card for such a sad occassion.....

Lesley Edmonds said...

Hi Chris, thank so much for bringing this to our attention.

What a sad story. As you say there is nothing one can say.....however, how special to be able to send a simple card to express our unity....your card is beautiful.

Lesley x

Unknown said...

Sad story you made a beautiful card.
bye bye,Lean.

brenda said...

Hi Chris

I read about this as well, so very sad.

The card you have made is beautiful as is the wonderful sentiment - it touches a spot with me as one of my sons read this poem at Dad's funeral earlier this year. It has such meaning.

B x

Kim said...

Chris~ Thank you so much for mentioning my blog candy for a cause on your blog! I greatly appreciate it! Your card is gorgeous! Thanks again for helping add some love and sunshine that I will be taking to Sarah!
Big Hugs~ Kim

Dawn said...

Beautiful card and love the verse - very poignant..

Suzi B said...

Lovely card Chris ... I need to make a condolence card & this will give me inspiration. I never thought of using this verse ... (which we used for my Mum a few years ago.)

Love the Flog idea... great! whish I'd thought of it! :)
Sue B xx