Tuesday, February 27, 2007

My Life Funk

Please feel free to skip this posting.

My life funk has me feeling like the ugly grey sky in Chicagoland.

Thursday, Feb 15th I got "the" call saying my cousin Gail passed away in her sleep. Passing away in your sleep is a blessing but Gail was only 55 years old. Gail, her husband Howard, and sons Mitchell, Matt, Dan and Cousin Jay are my only living extended family here in Illinois. I have just a few other extended family members in Texas and Arizona. I have my sister and her family who live here in Illinois and we are very close. My brother and his family live in Louisiana and we see each other every couple of years and talk on the phone.

Seven months ago Gail and Howard helped so much when my Mom passed away. We have been getting together for the holidays, BBQ and just going out for dinner. We all have become a close knit family. Gail was loved not only by her family but by a large number of friends. Over 500 (maybe closer to 1000) people attended her funeral. I can not begin to tell you how much I will miss Gail. My heart aches every second for my Mom, Gail and all that have passed away.

My family is now less than 30 people and at 50 years of age I am the oldest living female and my cousin Steve (Gail's brother) at 59 is the oldest living male. Steve, My Brother, My Sister and Myself are the oldest generation and our children are the next and only generation left. We all have boys. My brother has the only girl. All the kids are under the age of 30 and are in college and the youngest two are in high school. I have to wonder what the future holds for the living and the generations to come.

You will see photos of my family when I do each branch in my 12 X 12 X 12 "Family Tree" Journal Quilts. See links in my sidebar

As I ride the emotional roller coaster I hope you will wave at me from the sidelines. If you are in a Life Funk hop on and lets talk.

Have a Great Day!

Debbi
dubiquilts@dubiquilts.com (email)

9 comments:

Angie said...

Oh no, Debbi! I'm just sooo saddened to hear about your cousin!!! And she's way too young!! My heart just breaks for you, girlfriend, you've had such a hard time the last year. I'm here if you need a shoulder. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Sweet P said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin. I'll be here waving at you and if you need an ear from far away, just drop me a line.

Helen said...

It is a very vulnerable feeling to be the 'oldest' and to not have a generation 'above' you. My sympathies are with you.

Clare said...

Oh Debbi, you've had a rough time of it over the last year. Sending you big cyber hugs and if you need to vent you know where I am.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Debbi! I will be praying for you today!

Rebekah Smith said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I know this is a painful time for you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sara said...

My thoughts are with you...I can't imagine feeling as you do right now...and I hope you will keep in touch...just e-mail me if you need to rant, yell, cuss, whatever - I'm there to listen....

meggie said...

Just sending love & hugs to keep your soul warm.

Susan said...

Debbie, I was saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences.