Hi Everyone. Happy Friday.
I am SO glad it is Friday this week.
Modern Medley is a set of DSPs in the new 2013-2014 catalog. It's Basic Black and Very Vanilla. I wasn't sure how I was going to like it because the colors are not ones that I generally use together and, they are such strong patterns, that you really need to embrace these two colors! I knew that I needed to do exactly that and used the Merry Monday sketch as my starting point, as it lends itself ideally to the use of DSPs.
As a reminder, here's the link to my original card using this sketch.
Here's my new version of the sketch:
I looked at this particular piece of DSP and knew immediately the sentiment that I would use. All I needed to do was open up MDS, type in the sentiment, size it and print it out. Easy peasy! Appropriate don't you think?
On a personal note:
Such an emotional week. Not only would my parents have celebrated their birthday's in the last few days. Dad would have been 93 and Mon 92. Both my parents died almost 30 years ago and for some reason I really missed them more this June than I have for a very long time. They died within 3 months of each other and at an age where I felt I had not really gotten to know them as individuals, I still knew them as parents. I know that sounds odd… but I hope you understand!
It may also have been compounded by the events at work over the last few weeks. My parents instilled in me a tremendous work ethic, an understanding of what it means to "do the right thing" and my mother was the one who taught me true compassion. Wednesday began the culmination of what we had been anticipating and waiting for these past two months. Another round of "resource actions". I have now survived 6 in just over 7 years. Thousands of my colleagues have not been as lucky. This month I will be saying goodbye to some colleagues that I have become very close to. People who are exceptionally good at their jobs; some who are sole breadwinners with sick husbands who cannot work; others with spouses who were "resourced" on a prior round and have been unable to find work; others who are 10 years away from true retirement, but are deemed to be "retirees" because they have reached the age of 55… too young to bridge to retirement, often too old to get a comparable job…. many with children still in senior school. So many of us have been involved in such actions, or close to those that have. People with a great work ethic, with true commitment….. gone. It's never easy. It's always emotional. It's often very sad.
This week the teachings of my parents have seen me consoling, listening, empathizing, nurturing and trying to help in anyway I can. My hearts, my thoughts and my prayers go out to all of them.
It's times like this when I realize that my mother was also right…actually she was right about many things, but this particular thing even more so. Growing up I wanted to be a psychiatrist. I really didn't want to be anything else (oh, other than a soprano – but there was no reason I couldn't do both simultaneously….. if I'd had a good enough voice, of course!!!) So, psychiatry was my calling and my destiny. So, I thought. My mother (being the good nurse that she was), didn't think this was a good calling for me. She told me that I was too empathetic and would not be able to stay emotionally disconnected from patients. "Bah, humbug," I said. However, she was right, and I changed course and speed at the age of 17.
This weekend, I shall reflect on my good fortune and pray for my colleagues. I will also celebrate the lives of two amazing people. Mom and Dad, I miss you both and thank you for all those traits that you instilled in to my very core.
Warm hugs and prayers to those of you who need a little lift tonight. I know so many of you do.
Jaydee
7 Responses
So sad to die so young. Mother gone 12 years, Father 9 years but still decide I will call Mom today and tell her the latest, then recognize she is not there to call. It will continue I am sure as they were great parents.
My heart goes out to your fellow workers. The days of staying with a company till retirement are sadly over. My generation had the last of the good times and are so fortunate. I will keep them all in my prayers.
May you have a better week.
Not much wonder you had an emotional week. So difficult to be on either side of that situation. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I am so in tune with you. My parents died within 6 weeks of each other 6 1/2 years ago. I miss them so much. I want to call my mother every day about some question I have. I lost my wonderful in-laws as well, so we have no one of their generation. It’s hard to comprehend that now I am the matriarch! Oh, boy…
We know so many people in their 50’s who lost their jobs and now have no pension plan or employment future. It’s too sad for this great country.
Thank you very much for sharing these situations. Know that you are not alone, feeling grateful for what you have and what others do not. I too will keep you and your fellow workers in my prayers. Nancy B
Warm hugs and prayers to you who need a little lift. You are always so compassionate. Your good deeds will come back to you. Blessings.
Your post brought tears to my eyes. I lost my mom 17 years ago and I’m fortunate to still have my dad in good health at age 89. I’ve never stopped missing my mom, but it’s amazing how the grief can unexpectedly hit and seem fresh. Adding the loss of so many beloved colleagues in the same week as missing your parents…no wonder this has been a difficult time for you. Thoughts and prayers for you and your colleagues.
Trying to get caught up in my emails. I’m just a bit behind in that department.
Wonderful looking card and such a great sentiment to go with.
Jaydee I want you to know that you have all our love and support. That is what friends are for, is giving a shoulder for one to lean on in time of need.
Thoughts and prayers be with you.
ColleenB.
Oh, Jaydee, my prayers for your colleagues. This is terrible news and so hard. You’re almost left with “survivor’s guilt”, not that you want to lose your position, but why them? :sigh: I’m so sorry. And, the sorrow over your loss. I get it. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been, some days are just harder than others. I’ve been blessed to get to know my mom as a “human” and not just as “Mom” and it’s been delightful. I absolutely understood what you were saying.
It’s been 17 years (goodness gracious, has it really?!?) since I lost my father, and I never did get to “know” him.
I’m sorry I’m only getting to this post on Monday morning. It’s been a long and incredibly busy week/weekend and I finally feel like I’m getting my feet under me once more. Whew.
Many hugs, my friend. And prayers as well.