My brother passed away last night. He had been ill for quite some time. But that doesn’t lessen the shock or the sense of sorrow I am feeling.
He was my older brother…older by 14 years. By the time I was old enough to truly remember him, he had joined the Navy, and was stationed in Florida. But once he was discharged, he moved back to the Midwest. I remember spending weekends and vacations with him and his wife when I was still quite young, creating memories to cherish.
One memory stands out above all others. One winter, I was staying with them on the Missouri farm my parents owned. Snow fell during the night, blanketing the pasture at the edge of the timber. We were walking out to check on the cattle to make certain everything was fine. Suddenly, from out of a thicket, stepped a doe. For a moment, her eyes locked on us. She stood like a statue, amidst a field of diamonds, her breath leaving wispy trails in the cold, crisp air. Then, just as quickly as she appeared, she was gone. A moment of beauty was shared with a big brother…never to be forgotten.
He never really knew the creative side of me. He never visited my blog, and I doubt he really understood the cards I sent him were designed by me. How I wish now that I had created this card earlier. We could have shared the beauty of the Day of the Doe, and I could have told him that my world truly was brighter and more beautiful because of the role he played in it…
Until next time…
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. What wonderful memories you shared with him. it’s never easy losing any loved one and so close to the holidays, may your memories give you comfort.
Belated condolences Ann. How wonderful to have special memories of your brother. And may the memories bring you peace and comfort.
Sorry for your loss. Know that others are thinking of you during this difficult time.
What wonderful memories you have of your brother. The card is gorgeous and an amazing tribute to him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Such a lovely card.
My thoughts, prayers be with you and your family during this difficult time
May the Lord give you comfort
Ann – I am so sorry to read about your brother’s passing. No matter the age difference in siblings, there is a bond no one or any event can ever take away. I immediately ached when I read your first sentence in your blog but your beautiful card quickly helped soften that feeling. I send peace and blessings as you walk through this sad time.
Karen
Dearest Ann,
So sorry for loss. Praying the Master Comforter wraps His arms around you and holds you close today and the many difficult days ahead. The Day of the Doe…what a precious memory. May the Joy of that moment stay close to your heart. Your card is a gorgeous tribute…the ‘speckles’ on the fawn are priceless.
That fairy rose you saw today…I’m guessing that was a blessing meant just for you!
Oh Ann, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs and prayers. Your card is lovely!
Oh Ann, I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. I love your card!
What a beautiful memory you shared, Ann. So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, my friend,
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace and comfort.
my condolences during this time & time later. A beautiful story & I’m sure you’ll remember many as days go by. May you find peace in these emails from friends far & near. Thank you for sharing this news w/your blogging friends. We really care & have you in our thoughts & prayers.
Sending our sympathies and so glad your memories are a blessing to you.
My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. May you continue to find comfort and peace in memories of your brother.
He is at peace now, my thoughts are with you and your loved ones. Raye from Townsville Australia. Avid follower of you and your talent. I’m sure your brother loved your cards but he was a male and they don’t like to share their feelings. You will probably find out in time from others that he did love them.
Ann, you have created a beautiful card in memory of that special morning with your brother. I believe that when those we love pass on they take a part of us with them, but they also leave very special thoughts that no one else can take away. Find peace in your “special” memories they will live on forever in your heart.
Ann- Thank you for sharing your beautiful memory and card. My younger brother passed away a year ago after a long illness so I know the feeling of loss. My sympathy and prayers for you and your family.
Carolyn
Ann, I am so very sorry to hear about your brother. My condolences to you and your family. Your card is exceptional and a nice tribute to that special memory. I love the beautiful scene you created. The depth and sparkle make it look so real. Hugs to you my friend.
A beautiful card which captures a beautiful memory. I’m so very sorry for the loss of your big brother.
So very sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful memory you have…cling to that.
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother. Siblings bring us back to those earliest memories that are so precious to us as we age. I am willing to bet that he knew about your fabulous creativity and was very proud of you. Brothers know more than we think…
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your older brother. The card is beautiful & expresses some of the great memories you had with him. May these memories help with the healing of his loss. Will keep you in our prayers.
I’m sending Luv-N-Hugs to you Ann from across the miles! My deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your older brother. Your written words of memories you shared with him is so beautiful! And of course your card, what a beautiful tribute to the memory you have now shared with us all! God Bless Ann!
So sorry for your loss. Sympathy to you and your family.
Heartfelt condolences Ann, hard to lose a loved one.
Ann, Praying for your comfort in the loss of your dear brother. With my deepest sympathy,
Marge
Oh Ann, I am so sorry! Losing a brother is so heartbreaking. Your gorgeous card is a wonderful tribute to that memory. I hope you find comfort in knowing he is at peace. Spend some time loving on your beautiful boxers today. They will brighten your day with their love and understanding. Praying for you!
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family. Beautiful card.
Ann,
Hearfelt sympathy to you. The loss of a sibling is so hard. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful memory along with your beautiful card. I hope you will fell lifted up by all those who send loving thoughts to you. And God will hold you close in His loving card during this difficult time.
Dear Ann, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, it’s always hard to lose a loved one even if we know it is coming. What a beautiful card to honor that sweet memory of your time with him. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss Ann. I pray that you feel God’s comfort and peace at this time. Your card is beautiful, I know your brother would have loved it.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you, Ann. Your card is a beautiful tribute to the Day of the Doe. The pearls on the back of the fawn are genius.
So sorry for your loss, Ann, of your brother. It is always hard to lose a loved one. Thank you for sharing your beautiful doe card on your blog. It is so lovely. Love the addition of the pearls on the doe. I would never have thought of doing that.
Shirley
Praying for your peace and comfort, Ann. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss; thank you for sharing that lovely memory of your brother. Love and hugs to you.
Ann, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I believe he is looking down from heaven and knows how much you cherish the memory of God’s nature that you shared. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers in this time of grieving and as the Holiday Season approaches. Remember the happy, treasured memories and be glad in them.
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother!! May the Lord give you comfort during your grief.
I lost a younger sister during the summer, we weren’t close and even not being close it very hard, just sharing our childhoods. I will include you in my prayers. Praying for peace for you in knowing you will meet him in heaven.
So sorry for your loss, Ann. Sending sympathy and prayers.
Hearfelt sorry, Ann.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. What a beautiful card to honor his memory.
So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time! Beautiful card!
Ann, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Vicki Boss
Ann, I’m so sorry for your loss! May God comfort you!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Ann; may cherished memories, like Day of the Doe, soon replace the sadness in your heart.
Ann, thank you for sharing this. I am so sorry for your loss. May your dear brother Rest In Peace
Sincerest condolences, Ann. I bet he’s looking down & smiling at the memories he helped you to make his card. God bless you and your family, my friend.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother! So sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. And what a wonderful tribute to your brother.
My sincerest condolences on the death of your brother, Ann. Your lovely story convinced me he was as thoughtful and caring as you are. I am sure you will miss him tremendously, yet you have the Day of the Doe to remember forever, as well as other wonderful memories.
My Dear Ann, I am so very sorry for your loss! Thank you for sharing that most treasured memory of such a wondrous moment with us with this sweet peaceful card. Hold close all of the special memories you are blessed to have with your brother and his family; think of them often during the coming weeks. Prayers of peace and comfort to you and your family! Huge hugs!
So sorry for the loss of your brother. May God wrap his arms around you and keep you in his care. Cherish your wonderful memories.
That is so nice you have such find memories of him.and his family…..something to remember forever.
I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost my older brother several years ago. It is a difficult transition for sure. May God give you His great comfort in this time of loss!
Oh Ann, I am deeply saddened for you! Losing your brother is so difficult. What a lovely memory you shared and created in this beautiful card! I am sending you lots of prayers for comfort. Lots of hugs and love, My Friend! XXX
oh anne so sorry for your loss ….memories are made to be treasured ….
I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother. I can only imagine your sorrow. I only have one brother, and I dearly love him. Prayers for you and your family.
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. My older brother is 13 years older than me and he too went in the service when I was five. So I understand the distance as a child but the closeness in later years. Thankful for memories.
Ann, I send my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear brother. May God send His special blessings to you and your family at this sad time. It is always difficult to lose a sibling. I lost my brother nine years ago and I will always miss him.
Diane Gil
Ann, so sorry for your great loss, I know how it hurts due to losing one brother & sister. The card is beautiful and sure he would have loved. Prayers & hugs.
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your brother. What a lovely memory you have of you, him, and the doe. This is a very special card you created. I can see that you poured your heart into it. God bless.
Beautiful card for a beautiful memory. So sorry to hear about your brother….thinking of you…..xox
Ann – I’m so very sorry for your loss. This card is a wonderful tribute to the memories you have of him. God bless you during this difficult time.
What a lovely memory of your brother to hold and to share. I’m very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers.
Ann, so sorry to hear about your brother. When a loved one becomes a memory those memories become a treasure. Kris
Oh Ann, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am sure your brother is looking down on you from heaven and is so very proud of you and your talents.
Loss of a brother is hard and I fully understand how you feel. I cry with you, and I will keep you in my prayers.
thoughts and prayers are with you, i bet he knows now after you published the card. an angel watching over you
So sorry for your loss. Beautiful card. Cherish the memories.
So deeply saddened for your loss. May You feel God’s peace within you.