If you were to ask me why I started blogging the number one answer would be because of my sister, Ruth.
She was a serious antique collector and was instrumental in my love of antiques and all things vintage.
She had been seriously ill for the last few years and pretty much staying at home all the time.
And my starting the blog was a way for me to share with her and the world what I was buying, what I was collecting and what I was doing to my house. And she loved it.
She also loved to visit the blogs on my sidebar and see what those people were up to. She absolutely loved That Old House and Between Naps On The Porch to name a few.
My sister died early last week after a rapid decline in her illness. Her memorial service is today.
I will be taking a few days off to spend some time with family and try to get some normalcy back in my life which feels very off kilter right now.
You know, I struggled with whether to share this with the blogging world or not. We all have our own issues and it's hard to know how much to put out there.
I felt that if I didn't say anything, then I was hiding something from you. And if I said something, then I was being a Debbie Downer. So anyhow, I decided to be authentic and let my Debbie Downer side shine through.
I'll see you in a few days.
BTW, the photos are of a small part of my sister's oil lamp collection. Believe me, she has more. She was also a huge collector of cheese boxes and chairs.
Elizabeth
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister.I just discovered your blog, I wish I had found it sooner,I will be back again.God Bless you,Elizabeth
artteachergirl
My heart breaks for you and your family, Pam. I'm so sorry you lost your sister, so very sorry. Hold His Hand through this, and take care. Vicki
Cass @ That Old House
Dear Pam,
I thought I was going to have a day without tears today -- and then I wandered over to your blog and read this post.
My heart aches for you; I can't imagine the pain of losing a beloved sister. How wonderful that you started your blog as a way of helping your Ruth feel less house-bound and isolated; I hope that through this instrument of family communication you will also find unexpected comfort from the far-flung "virtual" family of other bloggers.
When my Dad passed away on Feb. 2nd, I "put it on the blog," and after the rush of those first few days had passed and I could settle down and read the comments -- it was a real comfort to hear the kindness and caring that came through to me from people I shall never meet in person, but can still connect with.
You can't imagine how I felt when I read that your sister enjoyed reading my blog, That Old House. What a surprise -- I guess that while I know how I have been touched by so many other people's words, I never really thought about how my own might find their way to someone else. I am very proud to know that Ruth enjoyed my posts.
How sad that we are both grieving. I know time heals, but I also know that our hearts will always have that little ache, tucked in the corner . . . and now I need to go get a tissue, and stop writing because if I don't stop I would ramble on and on until you turned off your computer to shut me up.
My most sincere sympathy, Pam -- the cost of loving is very high.
All best wishes to you -- Cass @ That Old House
saltbox treasures
Hi Pam, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I don't always get around to visit all the blogs I want; and yours was on my must visit today list. I pray that God will help you during this time and be with your family. When you are back to blogging, come and visit. I would love to hear from you.
Take care and know that people are praying for you.
~ Julie
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here
Pam, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
xo,
Sherry
LizlovesVintage
Sorry to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family. Her collection will always shine.
xxx Liz
Karie's Chic Creations
I am so sorry for your loss. May peace and comfort be with you and your family. Karie
sweet european dreams
Hi Pam. I'm just now reading this, and I do wish I would have seen it earlier. I cannot imagine what a trying week this has been for you. I'm hoping that in the midst of this, you'll take time to rest, and also to find joy in fond memories of you and your sister. -diane
B'ham
Deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of loss. Sisters are such special people. Best friends that God gives us.
Take care of yourself.
Karen
Gillian Layne
My sincere condolences, Pam. I am so glad that you shared this with us, so that we might offer our understanding and support. Take all the time you need and know that we in blogdom sisterhood are here in sunshine and rain.
Blessings,
Gillian
very merry vintage style
So sorry for your loss, Pam. What a wonderful way to connect with your sister and look how you had brought joy to so many others with your blog as well. I hope you have lots of wonderful memories to carry you through these difficult days--
hugs--
Mary
artteachergirl
Checking in on you...I know this is a difficult time for you and your family. Take care. Vicki
Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes
I'm very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine your pain or what it would be like to lose one of my sisters. I will keep your sister Ruth and your families in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack
I'm sorry I didn't see this post, Pam! Very sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family! xoxoxo
ChRiS
i missed this post for some reason...i am so sorry for your loss my prayers be with you and loved ones
⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜
Aww...Pam I am so very very sorry. I missed this post, and I feel bad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Pat
This is so late, but I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your mom. I enjoy all your posts, but I have been MIA for a little while. I bet she was so proud of your blog! Again, I really enjoy your blog, especially the little comments on each one.
Pat