I used to think that when a loved one aged and started to accumulate health problems, that the blow of their death would be a little easier to handle…perhaps because you know it’s coming, or because you’re thankful you got to spend so many great years with them, or because its difficult to see their quality of life diminish. I thought all of these factors would make it easier. I was wrong.
On Monday morning, I had to say goodbye to someone with whom I was incredibly close- a presence in my life since the moment I was born, through every milestone, every achievement, every loss, every struggle, every joy….my grandmother, “Lammy.” She was 96 years young, and still feisty as hot sauce and as sweet as honey, all wrapped up in a bundle of unparalleled generosity and kindness. I knew this was coming…she lived a FULL, wonderful life, and although she has been struggling over the past few years with some physical realities that come with living into your 90s, none of that seems to matter to my heart. There’s a huge, gapping hole, and while I know that time will ease this sting, nothing will ever be able to fill it.
This week’s block is dedicated to Lammy. And when I remembered that it’s called “Happy Days”, I knew this was meant to be. All of my days with her were happy days….her smile, her hugs and kisses, the way she brushed her teeth, the sassy wigs she wore after she lost her hair, her flawless handwriting, her drawer of 2,000 nail polishes and every manicure tool known to man, in triplicate….all magic. She was magic, and I am already missing her more than I can even express. This week as I stitch up my block, I’ll be making it with her in my heart. What special someone is your happy day magic? As you stitch this week, think of that person and how they made life sparkle.
This was my original inspiration for this block….the iconic 1970s tv show, Happy Days, and mid-century television sets with rounded corners….old classics, good memories, happy times…
CORRECTION NOTE: You’ll be using Templates E4 and F4 for this block, not Q1 and Q2.
This is our second block so far this year using pieced curves, and I hope you enjoy making them. If you haven’t tried these before, don’t be intimidated- although they’re just a little bit more tedious than straight seamed units, they’re still quite straightforward. Follow the illustration on page 151, or for a more detailed visual, you can watch me demonstrate this technique in a past BOM class HERE (click on Lesson 11).
Thanks for stopping by today to see this week’s new block, and thank you for allowing me to express some of the grief I’m going through. As we all know, quilting or not, life happens. I don’t have a desire to hide that reality amidst pretty blocks, and pretend there aren’t other things going on in my life, and in all of yours. For me, sewing is so many things…it’s a way for me to connect with others, it’s a way to relax and slow down, it’s a way for me to express myself…all things I need this week, and always.
Until next week, friends…
XO
Amy
Beautiful tribute to your grandma. Sorry for your loss. Hugs!
I’m so sorry for your loss! My grandmother lived to be 101 and was such a happy heart also! She was a quilter as well and sold her quilt tops for $25 and gave that money to missionaries. May you find peace in your memories,
I’m so sorry for your loss Amy, and I love your Lammy’s block.
So sorry for your sad loss. May the memories you have of all the happy days spent with her lighten your grief, and know that she too was blessed to have been able to see you create your own wonderful family
So sorry for your loss Amy, she sounds like a wonderful Grandmother! I mean really anyone with 2000 nail polishes 💗all the things we tell ourselves really can’t make up for the pain and loss we feel when that special person passes because it’s about the heart…not the intellectual. Hugs!!
Oh Amy, I am so sorry for your loss. Am holding you and your family in prayer. May all your precious memories help you through this difficult time.
Thinking of your family as you deal with the loss of Lammy. Love your block! Xoxo
So sorry Amy to hear of your loss of your grandmother. And how wonderful you have many memories. I also agree with you that no matter what full life we know they had, no matter we know the day will come when we say goodbye, the pain of the loss is no less. Hugs to you and your family during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss!
Condolences to you and your family. The block is a lovely way to honour your Lammy. I lost my darling Granny at the age of 93 and, like yours, I had known her for over three decades and she was a major presence in my life. She taught me to love crafting and was always a patient teacher and supporter of my projects. I miss her constantly but have so many lovely memories of her that pop into my head at random times and make me smile. I feel privileged to have known her and I am sure you will feel the same about yours. Treasure your memories, they will be of great comfort to you.
you’re right, time does help, but it’s a giant hole in your life, and time just teaches us to walk around it and not fall in.
I’m so sorry for your loss 😢 Xo
Sending hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Dear Amy,
so sad, that your beloved grandma passed away. Those, who are in our hearts, won’t be forgotten. Thinking of you and your family, Take care, Martina
Dear Amy
So very sorry to hear your sad news – it hurts – truly it does, but she is never truly gone, she lives on in all your wonderful memories and in your heart and I know in dark times you will think of lovely, precious moments you shared and it will give you comfort. She clearly was and will remain an amazing lady and what a fantastic age. Thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time xxx
So sorry that you had to say good-bye to your special friend and grandma. So glad to hear that when you think of her – you always remember happy days. This will live on in your heart for always. My mother had a stroke at a very young age and suffered over 25 years, but whenever someone asked how she was doing – she’d always reply – I have nothing to complain about yet. This always brought tears to my eyes – she truly was a beacon. Also my dad, who stood up to the mark and faithfully took care of her till he passed away from cancer. These were my soldiers in my life and I thank God for giving them to me :)! Your block is special with the star in the centre. Precious memories!
Amy, thank you for sharing your grandmother’s life with us. It was rich and full and everlasting. My sympathies to you and yours. Her life continues with you .
My prays are with you and your family on the loss of your sweet grandma. How lucky you are to have all those lovely memories. She will live on forever in your heart and through your creativity.
A wonderful Grandmother like that will not only live in your heart forever but also the love she shared with you will be passed down to your children. What a lucky family to have had her all these years! Sorry for your sad heart!
Amy, I am sorry for your loss, and the empty space you are feeling. Thank you for sharing so beautifully the feelings that are there when we lose someone, even when they have lived a long and full life, even when we know logically that it is going to happen. I hope you find comfort and feel her love.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It’s tough to lose someone that mean so much to us. She sounds like she was a wonderful woman.
My Grammy was fond of saying that heartbreak is caused by happy thoughts pulling your heart in one direction while sad thoughts pull it in the opposite direction. It is never more true than when someone you love dies. May your happiest thoughts sustain you and your family. Sorry for your loss. Loved making her block.
So sorry for the loss of your Grandmother. You have wonderful memories of her and they will live through your wonderful quilts.
I am so sorry for your loss!
Oh, Amy, I am so very sorry. As I care for my 95 year old father, I appreciate you sharing your heart as I see myself walking that same path soon. My prayers are with you and your family. Lammy was obviously a very special woman.
I love all the photos you posted! She looks like a real sweetie who enjoyed her life and her family. This is so hard. Love to all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss! I am sure that you brought as much love to your grandmother as she brought to you! Your heart will forever remain heavy from your loss, but your memories will lighten your loss and put a smile on your face. May she remain forever with you! What a lovely tribute you wrote!
Amy, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Even when we know its coming it’s still very difficult. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Thinking of you!
I’m so sorry Amy! Nothing helps the sting but the love remains when the sting lessens. I lost my Nana and my Mom within 10 months of each other. I thought the pain would never cease. It doesn’t, it just becomes a life remembered and cherished. I mss them everyday.
Dear Amy,
Condolences on the loss of your “Lammy”. It sounds like you and she had a wonderful life together. Sometimes there is nothing that will fill the whole left in your heart. I lost my grandmother over forty years ago and I still think of her so often. She was such a huge presence in my life as your grandmother was in yours. Keep up your warm, positive attitude . I took a class with you on Craftsy and have been following you since. I love to read what you and your family are doing.
So sorry for your loss.
It is never easy to let go of a loved one but you are blessed indeed to have her in your life so many years. I never knew either of my grandmothers, one passed before I was born and the other when I was a wee baby. My condolences.
So sorry for your loss. I loss a very special aunt that was 93 this week. Very healthy not on any meds. She fell and went down hill from there. Thank you for sharing.