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.
Leah
Sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s grace, comfort and peace for you and yours. You were not a Debbie Downer, just being real. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Donnie
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister and my prayers are with you and your family. You are not being a downer. Life happens and we are sharing our lives in the blogging world. Take care.
High Street Cottage
Oh Pam, I’m so sorry to hear this news.Know I’ll be thinking of you, and hoping you’ll get through this, even when we try to prepare ourselves it’s still such a shock and so difficult to get through. It’s good you’ll be spending time with your Family at this time, you need each other and I think it’s important. I do know how you feel about sharing, I debate this often enough. In the end you do what your heart will allow, and never worry about what others will think. We’re all human and face the same tragedies in life. Sending love across the States your way, tami
[email protected]
So sorry about your sister. You’re not being a downer, you’re just sharing your heart. Your family is in our prayers.
Sherry
[email protected] Banks
You are definitely no Debbie Downer! This is your reality and you are being genuine. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sounds like Ruth gave you great inspiration and was an amazing sister. You and your family will be in my prayers. May God wrap His arms around you and comfort you through this season of grief.
Tammy
Happier Than a Pig in Mud
So sorry to hear about your sister Pam! You’re in my thoughts, take care.
Crystal Jeffers
Pam,
I have to agree with others when they say that you are not a debbie downer. It is natural and healthy to feel sad at the loss of a sister. It is also healthy to have an outlet and to remember the good things about your sister, and about your time together.
May your love for her shine in spite of her leaving this world. I am sorry you are sad, and hurting.
Tys
Deepest sympathies! I’m glad your sister help bring you into the blog world! Take the time you need, hugs!
michelle
Oh Pam I so very sorry. I will be thinking and praying for you and your family. I can’t even imagine and please take as much time as you need and take care of you as well. You are not a Debbie Downer at all. What a wonderful reason to start a blog and I know that she will continue to see all that you do.
MamaMonki
I am so sorry for you loss. I’ll say a prayer for you and your family.
Cat Nap Inn Primitives
oh Pam I am sorry for your loss..but it sounds like you brought your sister great joy in blogging and being able to be a part of what she loved..love the photos too..please take care.:)
Olive Cooper
Pam, big hugs and my love and prayers to you and your family. olive
Pamela
OH Pam I am so so sorry for the loss of your sister. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain you are going through. You had every right to share your pain…I guess one small tiny step in healing.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Blessings,
Pamela xoxo
Tete
Pam, my prayers are with you and your family…there are just no words that will make the pain go away, it will take time to lesson the blow.
There is no place better than to lay it all out there than here, where so many people care about each other and will join in prayers to help you through the next few days, weeks and months.
We’re human- we laugh, we love, we cry and we mourn. It’s life and it comes to all of us…and it’s those times when we so need each other.
We’ll be here waiting and praying until you are able to blog again. I know it won’t be easy, but your sister will still be watching. And what you so lovingly started for her, will help you heal.
Hugs- Tete
La
Pam, I’m so sorry for your loss. You aren’t being Debbie Downer…you are being human.
We share our lives in this land of blogs. We share the victories, the mishaps, the joy and the sadness.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am here if you need to talk. La
[email protected] The Vintage Nest
I am so sorry to hear about your sister. It sounds like you brought her great joy with your blog. We are glad you shared your heartache with us and are there for you. xo
Country Dreaming
I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
My prayers are with you and your family.
We–your blogging friends will be here when you get back.
Take Care.
Melinda
[email protected] Sentimental Life
I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
A Vintage Vine
I came over here to see what you had been up to…and I saw this post! I’m very sorry for your loss and I send out my prayers for you and your family….Blogging HUGS!
Queenie
I am so sorry for your loss Pam…words just do not seem to be enough right now, but you and your family will be in my prayers. I just know in my heart that God will comfort you…and he will comfort you like nothing else can. I think it is so sweet that you started your beautiful blog as a way to share with your dear sister…I can imagine she was so proud to be able to visit with you here. God Bless you friend…I’ll be checking on you soon.
Big hugs,
Queenie
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