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.
Lynn@ 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
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
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
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
Olive Cooper
Pam, big hugs and my love and prayers to you and your family. olive
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.:)
MamaMonki
I am so sorry for you loss. I'll say a prayer for you and your family.
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.
Tys
Deepest sympathies! I'm glad your sister help bring you into the blog world! Take the time you need, hugs!
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.
Happier Than a Pig in Mud
So sorry to hear about your sister Pam! You're in my thoughts, take care.
Tammy@Beatrice 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
Sherry@Back2Vintage
So sorry about your sister. You're not being a downer, you're just sharing your heart. Your family is in our prayers.
Sherry
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
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.
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.