Comments : 71

Hi my dear long lost friends. I have so missed being on my blog and being in blogland in general. I feel so out of the loop, like a kid who’s been out sick for a long time making her debut back at school. As most of you know, we lost my mother in law a week ago this past Sunday. No matter how prepared you think you are, you never really can brace yourself for the finality of losing someone you love. Finally having a chance to read over your many comments on my last post, made me well up with tears of gratitude.

I still cannot believe she is gone….she is and will be forever sorely missed. It was a whirlwind of arrangements to be made, including a private burial, a service and then this past Sunday we hosted a memorial day including a beautiful “service” where all the grand kids spoke including a few great grand kids and it ended with a beautiful slideshow of her life….it moved the entire room (all 200 people to tears). Then we had a wonderful sit down lunch for about 300 to celebrate her life….all wonderful 87 years of it:)

The turnout was overwhelming and such a fitting and elegant tribute to the matriarch of my husbands family. It was an emotional day as it always is when you say that final goodbye. She was no doubt surrounded by much love that day, and as they say it takes a village and we all did our share to arrange for a perfect ending to a beautiful life.

So Monday morning as I thought life might slowly get back to normal, my son was involved in a very serious car accident. First off,? he is OK THANK GOD. He is lucky to be alive and everyone who saw this happen from the EMT to the police to the car salvage yard owner? and emergency room doctors said they still cannot believe he survived. My husbands mom was looking over him that day, this much we know for sure:) Him basically walking away with minimal injuries is nothing short of a? miracle.

He was waiting? at a red light with 3 other cars when a laundry truck came plowing into them. It was bad. We got the phone call every parent dreads and hopes to never get. No life threatening injuries but he is really banged up and will require oral surgery and? some physical therapy. Still feeling a bit in shock over all of it but so incredibly grateful he is OK.

Suffice to say I have shed more tears this last week than I have in a lifetime and have the puffy eyes to prove it:) I miss being in the land where all is pretty and good and need a serious dose of it! Today thought a fitting “come back” post would be the sharing of some of the magnificent flowers/baskets sent to us by friends as my mother in laws favorite thing in life was flowers. We were so touched. You would not? believe the flowers sent to the memorial service, it was incredible and yet another tribute to how much people loved her.

This is dedicated to my mother in law, the only other person in my life that loved flowers as much as I did (especially white ones)….

?unnam98ied

?Added one of my beautiful pots to this gorgeous arrangement

unnamvc34ed

Some of the beautiful flowers and gifts….

u2wqnnamed u112nnamed

At a time when cooking was out of the question with so much to do, getting in these wonderful baskets filled with so many of our favorite things was a serious treat!

unnam5tgged unna432med

unnamemn6td

FullSizeRender-1 unnakmjmed

FullSizeRender

This basket contained four dozen of some of the best cookies and pastries I have ever eaten! (Florie’s Finales)

2232nunnamed

Isn’t this a beauty? It was about 24″ tall and at least as wide…spectacular!

unname9oiid

And the latest batch that arrived a few days ago, you know how I love orchids…

IMG_8311-1

un214named

And these were from each of the tables at the luncheon-

ubvv54nnamed

We had two of my enormous ginger jars filled with huge sprays towered at almost 4 feet tall! I took one home:)
uaaa3nnamed unnamebv5d

unna4333zmed

And placed the 5 day old and still going strong arrangement in my living room, how I wish I could save this forever~!

unnam4rfded

unna34311med

We had someone take most of the flowers that were sent to the memorial luncheon to the burial site but as there were so many we had the rest sent to my mother in laws home where they flanked the side door door……

unnamed-1

And by her front door….

IMG_8294

10136-CalligraphicDesignElementsSet1_2-1024x215-300x63112

So that my friends is what this past week was all about. It seemed fitting to make this my first post back. As I am busy catching up and helping my son get back to feeling himself,? I am going to do my best to get back to my regular schedule. Thankfully I have some posts saved and completed in my draft box all ready to go so you will be hearing from me sooner than later.

To the many of you who left such beautiful comments, sent me special gifts and heartfelt emails…thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was so touched, you cannot even imagine,? by the outpouring of kindness and sympathy. It made a very difficult time bearable knowing that I was surrounded by the warmth and love of friends.

It has been a very rough two weeks..I know it has to get better and I am taking it one day at a time. I look forward to hopefully settling down with a cup of coffee and trying to play catch up on all I have missed in blogland not to mention the countless emails, phone calls and thank you cards I have to take care of!

Thanks for “hanging in there” with me.? Cheers to life, cherished memories with those we love and good health. Until next time…..

get-attachment.aspx_21-1024x3811-1024x381-1024x381-1024x381-1024x381-1024x3811-1024x3811-1024x381

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We were so, so excited to see your name in our inbox this morning. We’ve missed your beautiful posts and hearing about your life. Our thoughts have been with you this past 10 days and I cannot tell you how happy we are that your son is ok – truly his new angel on his shoulder. Get back in the swing slowly and we’ll all be here. Happy Thursday, sweet friend.

You have been missed, welcome back. I can’t imagine how emotional this week has been, and then to have that dreaded call come in. I gasped when I read about your son, only to breath a sigh of relief knowing he is going to be ok. Yes , you must believe she was watching over him. She will always be with you.
Take care.

It was such a nice surprise to see your posting in my emails this morning-def missed. So sorry for the sadness and sorrow in your lives this past week. Take care!

Thank you Lord for keeping Tina’s son protected and we pray that he heals quickly Lord Jesus. Amen.

Tina, my prayers are with you and your family. I can’t even imagine what you have been through, but I am thanking God for keeping your son protected.

…and about your mother in law. I’m sure you were her precious gift. Her love will always be with your family, because love never dies.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18

All my love to your and your family,
Desiree

Prayers coming your way Tina. Yes things will get better and hug your sweet son. Nothing like his Mom’s love to get him on his road to recovery. And mostly , take care of yourself.

I am so sorry about your loss and totally believe your mother in law was watching over your son. God only gives you as much as you can handle at the moment. the flowers are magnificent and they all look like you arranged them in your favorite cache pots..blue and white! What a tribute to you!
Losing a mother or mother in law doesn’t get any more painful. Give yourself time to heal.
Nancy Lynch

Oh Tina… what an emotional 10 days you have had. Thank the dear Lord that your son is ok. What a scare – I get sweaty palms just thinking about it. Hope you take the next few days and relax. So sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have a wonderful lady like you as her daughter in law.

Tina
I wish to extend my sympathy to you and your loved ones for the loss of your loved one. You are blessed to have had a kind loving mother in law and her to have had you. An abundance of blessings that your son is healing and safe. How quickly our lives can change. You have been missed and you sharing your personal gifts with us, but I am glad you have made time to rest. Take care, Kathleen

My heart goes out to you and your family during these difficult and stressful days. Take care of yourself and your family, you have all been through very trying events. You are all in my prayers.

I am so sorry to hear about your Mother – in – Law, I was travelling and missed that post. What a beautiful floral tribute to her.
I am so very relieved for you that your son was not badly injured and will be fine, but it sounds like he might have had some facial trauma. I hope he recovers swiftly. A parent’s absolute nightmare. I am sure that we all feel that we would swap places and put ourselves in the danger and keep them safe.
Thinking of you at this trying time. Hugs.

After the last few weeks, I wanted to point out something that, hopefully, will make you smile…look at the floral arrangements…your influence is certainly evident. All of them could have been styled by you! All of your faithful readers wish you peace, happiness and a quick recovery for your son.

Dear Tina, WELCOME BACK!

Truly sorry about the loss of your mother in law. As I read the post, I was shocked to learn about your son”s horrible accident. But I was lifted to know he is “okay”. Thank you for sharing your life’s moments with us. I love the way you used the flowers as blog photos. I will pray for your son’s quick and total recovery. Condolences to your husband even though he doesn’t me. Big hug from Wisconsin!

So happy to see your beautiful greeting in my inbox this morning. It’s so hard to go thought the loss of a dear loved. I’m so sorry your son was in such a serious accident but I’m so happy to know he was blessed and walked away! What a blessing…….
With this post I think your life is returning to it’s normal routine and isn’t that the best! Take care Tina…………

So happy to see your post this morning. My thoughts and prayers have been with you during this time. So happy to hear that your son is safe and sound with you. Your mother in law is surly looking after your family. Hold your memories close to your heart, she will always be there.

Karen

I have missed your blog. So sorry for the sadness that has invaded your life. I pray you will not weep for what you lost, but rejoice in what you had. Cherish those memories. Glad your son is okay. God bless.

Tina I am at the Monterey airport waiting to board and get home to minneapolis….I am praying for you and your son…I will be back to properly write but we have missed you so….I had a wonderful holiday in carmel be the sea….Much love to you. Anita

Welcome back Tina. You’ve been missed. Take care of your precious family, but take special care of your self.
Oceans of Love.

Tina what a difficult and emotional time, and you know that I do understand, after the loss of my husband. Words help; however can only do so much, grief is so personal.. I am just so thankful that your son is okay after that horrendous experience. I can see how much your Mother-in-law was loved!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Hi Tina,

I WISH FOR YOU ONLY PEACE. I HOPE AND PRAY YOUR SON IS OK.. AS WELL AS YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. ONE DAY AT A TIME….

What a beautiful tribute, to apparently, a beautiful woman! And very thankful your son is ok. A near- death accident puts things in our lives in proper perspective real fast. As they should. I hope and pray his recovery is quick and successful. Love to your whole family…

Tina, I love your blog and I am so sorry for your recent loss of your mother-in-law. My deepest sympathies. Also, I am happy that your son is on the mend and hopefully experiencing a speedy recovery!! You are all so lucky that he will be ok…. Truly a miracle.

I have a request from you…..when you have the time I would love to know what paint color you used on your kitchen cabinets and what is the make and model of your kitchen range? I had a La Canache but I was disappointed in the lack of range of the gas surface …..you could not get the gas low enough for a constant simmer!! Just way too much flame so everything would boil. Thank you in advance for sharing your kitchen info with me! :)). Wishing you a deserved relaxing happy summer…Best, Janet

Tina,

I am so sorry to hear about your son’s car accident. What a relief that he is going to be okay.
Your Mother-in-Law must have been a special lady. I hope that you all find comfort in her memories and from all of the love and support you have received. Hope that you have a very calm and peaceful weekend.

I have never seen so many lovely flowers! You have given me a love for beautiful flowers! So glad your son is ok!

Mercy Tina! What a difficult month for you.

I can speak for myself that losing a loved one is soothed by knowing the person is with you, much like her protection of your son. Talk to her and share. You will be awed by the ways you notice your mother-in-law responding.

God bless your son. As much as you love your family, this event compounds the feeling of love and gratitude beyond what you have previously felt.

Wonderful to have your post in my email box. But, be sure to take time for yourself while you regain your strength and emotions.

With deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear mother -in-law. It is a very sad time for your family. Wishing your son a speedy recovery. His angel was protecting him. So sorry for all your troubles. Wishing you and your family the very best. Prayers.

Tina,

I hated to hear that after losing your dear mother in law you came very close to losing your beloved son. Praise God! Looking forward to your life getting back in order and seeing your blog in my inbox. Give your son a big hug from us in Texas!

Sincerely,
Jana Rinehart

Sympathy and prayers for you and your family – especially praying for your son.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of the flowers in blue and white!

I was delighted to see your post this am . You have been missed – isn’t it strange that technology can connect perfect strangers ?
You have had more than your share of stressful days …
Let your son know he has an angel ( his Grandmother) and a fan club wishing him recovery and strength .
Warmest regards to you and your entire family .

I forgot to thank you for sharing the pictures of the gorgeous flowers .
White flowers are my favorites .
You lifted my spirits !

Sending prayers for healing of hearts and physical healing. With love from Wisconsin, Mary Claire

Hi dear Tina,

Welcome back. You have been missed.
I am so sorry to read about your dear son’s accident. How terrifying that must have been. Thank goodness he is on the road to recovery. He was very lucky and definitely had his Grandmother looking after him from above.
Blessings to your family during this difficult time.

Thankfully, your son will be OK, the most important thing. You didn’t mention the other passengers so I am hoping they were all well. Tragedy can either bring out the best of us, or sometimes the worst of us. From the look of all the tribute flowers and gifts it certainly looks like the best of the best surfaced. Happy to see you back posting, Tina. I will be gone for a few weeks with my family, but i’ll be able to post most of the time. I’m sending you all my angels and when you hear the hovering of their angel wings you will know they are there to look after you. much love, darling….

Dear Tina, The flower arrangements are the most beautiful I have ever seen…what a lovely tribute to your mother-in-law. I gasped when I read about your son and I’m glad that he’s going to be okay. His grandmother was definitely watching over him.
I’m sending prayers and healing thoughts to you, your son, and your family.

Your post brought tears to my eyes this morning. I celebrate a life well lived and thank God that your son is safe. What a beautiful gift to your family after your loss. My prayers are with your family. Thanks for your inspiration to add beauty to my life.

Welcome back Tina,
Again, so sorry for your loss.I am also so thankful that your son is going to be okay.This has been a hard two weeks! The flowers are absolutely overwhelming and gorgeous! Take your time, enjoy your family and we look forward to your posts throughout the summer.
Take care,Karen

I am so sorry your son has injuries. Thank God it’s not worse, but still! My daughter was in a crash like that and I will always remember how scared I was until I got to the crash site and saw her. I pray and hope that your son heals quickly and that you will have a time of calm and peace after all of this.
The flowers for your mom in law are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing the pics with us.
May you have a good rest of the week, and have time to enjoy summertime.

So sorry about your last 10 days.
Life can through a wrench in things sometimes but it sounds like the worst has past. Just happy you are back.

Tina, so nice to hear from you this morning. Wow, I don’t know what to say.. your son’s car accident is over the top and what a miracle that he has walked away basically okay. I think that would have pushed me over the edge……. Sounds like the service and your luncheon was a success. It’s so important to go through all these “steps” and the grieving process.. giving everyone a chance to speak. When my dad passed away over a year ago (you might remember that) .. I couldn’t speak at the memorial, it was just too difficult. I just fall apart with these things and probably would have been sobbing at your event even though I didn’t know your MIL. Still, a year or so later, I can’t believe my dad is gone. That’s what happens with the passing of a loved one and I think we feel that way because they are still near us in spirit .. okay I’m blabbing so I’ll stop here:) take care 🙂

Very sorry for your loss but very happy your son will be okay.
Loved all the flowers, somehow they always make us feel better don’t they?

Barbara

Tina, I am in California and follow your blog with much delight.

Please accept my condolences on your mother in law and extend them to your husband. You are so fortunate to have had the luxury of a fabulous woman in your life, and she…you! So many relationships are fractured and the love you have for her just jumped off the screen. I am sure your head is flooded with many fond memories and those will remain with you for your lifetime.

As for your son, the most dreaded phone call of all. I am so thankful for you and your family that “grandma was watching” and protected him. I pray he will make a full recovery.

In these tumultuous times in life, isn’t it comforting to know that so many people really truly care?

Be well, my dear, and be sure to take care of yourself.

With fondness,

Leslie

Hope your son has a speedy recovery and wish you well ,as this week has been so difficult for you. I also believe in angels, and there was truly one looking after your son. I hope you know how much we appreciate you and the time you take to place these beautiful blogs. You do so much to make our day’s brighter , I only wish we could return the favor in some small way for you . Sending our prayers and good thoughts your way this week..

Much has been said about mother-in-laws. I, too, was blessed with a very good one. She was generous to me, spoke her mind. was fun loving and I miss her very much. Go to your garden and have talks with her, it will help keep you close and help you mend your broken heart.

Kids…Thank God your son wasn’t seriously hurt. It was a learning lesson to him though, how fast something like that can happen. Have a good rest of the week. May it be uneventful. That chaise lounge is begging for you to grab a magazine, iced tea and take a nap very soon.

Welcome back Tina, you have been missed… I have never seen such beautiful flowers, amazing. So glad to hear your son is on the mend, big hugs to all from Canada….

Welcome back Tina, I’m sorry for your loss, but thankfull to hear your son will be okay. I lost my mother in law a few years ago I always think about her, I miss her a lot. I’m glad your back, you have been missed. Thank you for sharing all your beautiful pictures. I hope your son is feeling better. Till next time regards Esther from Sydney.

So many prayers, Sweet Lady! I cannot imaging having to bury a loved one and then have one of my children involved in a serious accident. It sure seems that when we pray for patience, we get a trial or two to test that resolve. We are certainly praying for you in Oklahoma City, and I wish I were closer (as I am sure most of your followers do) to help.

Love and Prayers in Christ,

Lori

So happy to find your sweet “voice” in my inbox this a.m. You have certainly been on my mind. Wishing you and your family much peace and wonderful memories as you heal from your loss.

Oh Tina, my heart goes out to you. You have experienced life’s toughest moments these last 10 days. I am sending you a hug full or prayers and comfort,
Kathysue

Tina, thanks for the update, i know there are so many people who have had your family in their thoughts and prayers . .im glad you felt loved and supported, you certainly have been missed. Thank heavens your son is ok. Wishing you love and light..and rest

Dear Tina,

Sit back, have a cup of tea or coffee and relax…we can all wait. While we look forward to your blog, you, dear, need to take care of yourself, your husband and your 3 boys. They are the most important details in your life. Everyone understands…

You have suffered 2 horrific events in a short amount of time. Walk around your garden, admire your flowers, your sweet Teddy and the peace that resonates throughout your home. Time heals most wounds, your memories of your beloved mother-in-law will stay with you forever…you can bet she is smiling down and showering her love…take care…

Tina:

I am sorry for your loss. I am also sorry for your son’s accident. Thank God he is going to be okay! I truly believe your mother-in-law was watching over him and will continue to watch over you and your family.

Speaking of watching over, I could not help but notice something in the picture where you say some of the flowers were sent to your mother-in-laws home where they flanked the side door. Take a look at the middle of that picture. I see a very faint image of what appears to be someone standing there!! You can even make out two black shoes. Since this picture was taken at your mother-in-laws home and you said she loved flowers, I truly believe she was in the picture!! I am not saying this to upset you, I personally would find comfort in knowing she is still around and to me, this proves it.

Wishing you peace in this difficult time.

oh tina. this is a lot to bear. clearly you are the most gracious host and caretaker, stepping up to feed all those folks. what a frightening experience for your son, and i am so delighted to hear he will be okay and that you are left with a firm sense that he was divinely protected. i love that you can feel that in your bones and share it to inspire us. thank you for sharing the personal and for finding beauty in the midst of grief. i see it there too. peace to you and your baby boy.

I don’t read any other blog regularly but yours and when I checked my email and saw your post, I was very thrilled to see you back.
So sorry that you’ve been through so much recently. Best to you.

Dear Tina, So wonderful to hear from you. My condolence to you, your Husband and family.I also adored my late mother in law, and am sure you will find some comfort in your beautiful memories, as I have done. Wishing your Son a speedy recovery. I hope you take some time to smell the roses.
Hugs, from Melbourne

Tina, first I am so glad that your son was not seriously injured. Surely both you and your husband are relieved about that.

Obviously you hold a special place in your heart for your mother-in-law . I am so very sorry for your loss. You will cherish many special memories.

Welcome back!

Dear Tina, Such a sad and difficult time for you. I know you only through your beautiful blog and one email we shared but have thought of you and your family during this sad time. I am so glad to hear your son was not seriously hurt I hope he heals quickly. Take care. Victoria from Adelaide, Australia

Tina, life is a challenge. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this troubling time. I’m glad you are back. You have been missed by so many.

For the past few years I have followed your wonderful blog and even though we have never met or seen each other, I feel like I have a friend out there in you.I can tell you have an enviable tight knit family right down to your precious Teddy.
Sending you prayers for your son’s recovery and yours as well.
Debbie

Tina, I’m so happy to see you back here. Know how much you love your time in Blogland, so hopefully being able to ease back is the first small step in moving forward in life. I can’t believe that your son was in a terrible accident and truly believe that his grandmother was watching over him. Thank goodness he wasn’t critically hurt. The lesson, whether it is a long life beautifully lived of a frightening incident that has the power to change everything you know, is that every day is precious. You’ve been on very much on my mind. Continuing to send thoughts of strength and warmth to you and your family. XOXO

Welcome back, Tina. My son was involved in a very serious accident four years ago, so I understand what you mean about ‘the phone call every parent dreads.’ He spent the next year having surgeries and going through rehab. It changed my perspective on everything and what is important in life. I’m so glad your son is okay. Sending prayers for his continued recovery.

We have missed you too. I’m so sorry about your mother in law. However the news about your son stopped me in my tracks. I cannot say how relieved I am to hear he is ok. I can’t even find the words to express it. Relief doesn’t seem quite adequate. This is been such a difficult week for you and your family. Here’s to a change of luck for everyone.

Hello there Tina!

I am home now, having been in the air yesterday from Carmel to Phoenix then to Minneapolis. I just wanted to come by to tell you I am SO GRATEFUL that your son is OK, and praying that he recover. I am thankful to GOD that you were spared more stress than you need to go through; you are well-loved dearest Tina, and I am so glad to be back into blogging. I hope you relax this weekend, be with your beloved son, rest. You have given so much.

Back later, Anita

Oh my gosh, you poor thing! How scary about your boy and such a relief that he will mend. A tribute to your mother in law?all those lovely flower arrangements now immortalized on your beautiful blog. Take care, Tina.

Dear Tina,
Everything has already been said but just wanted to add my best wishes to the list.
Lots of love to you all.
Lisa

“The best thing to hold on to in life is each other”

Tina,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother in law’s passing. I am also incredibly sorry to hear of your son’s accident. Thank God he is ok. I am praying for him. I wish him a speedy recovery. I am also praying for you – I have three boys, and I know how it is to be a mom and worry about your children all of the time. I am thinking about you, and hope that you will get a God breeze to help give you strength during this difficult time.

Never seen so many beautiful flowers in one place before. Your Motherin law must have been an amazing lady & much loved. So sorry to hear about your son’s accident.It must have shook you up something terrible.Sending you a great big hug from England.

Tina, to say that your last two weeks have been emotional would be a vast understatement! I am so sorry to hear about your son! Thank the Lord he is ok! I am sure that with your love and medical attention he will be well soon.

These flowers are fabulous!! What a wonderful tribute to your mother-in-law.

I will be here along with everyone else waiting for your return…take it slow. You need a nice break.

Take care my friend, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth

So thankful that your son is O.K. Yes, every parent’s worst nightmare!! Praying for a speedy and complete recovery. I am very sad to hear about your mother-in-law. Life is a gift and we should savor every moment.

My deepest sympathies are with you in the loss of your mother-in-law. It sounds like she was quite a lady! And joyous prayers that your son escaped such a terrible accident with relatively minor injuries! What a relief!

Tina, I am so sorry to hear about all you have been through. I, too, have three sons, and it chills me to the bone just THINKING about that kind of phone call! So glad your guy is doing so well!
Since your dear mother in law has gone to Heaven, I feel sure she has already made the acquaintance of my incredible grandmother, who was only 103 and went to Heaven the same day! What a beautiful thing they must be seeing! Blessings to you and yours for peace and comfort and continued healing. Rest well.??
Laura Roe

Join the World of the Enchanted Home!

Subscribe

Instagram

Designed and Developed by BNV Digital Marketing