I have been conflicted trying to decide if it is OK to write a blog post about this topic today. It is not quilting related, so if you want to skip out on personal details on my life, I completely understand; I will be back with some recent fabric therapy tomorrow. I also promise to keep it short.
Today marks the 1 year anniversary of the tragic SpaceShipTwo accident that killed my friend, Mike Alsbury. Please keep me, my community, and especially Mike’s wife and children (Miss A and Mr. L) in your hearts today.
It has been a struggle for me to dis-associate Halloween with my deep sadness, and it is my hope that the laughter and joy of children today will be a small balm and distraction from the heartache.
How sad is that Yvonne, yes, it comes back to you each time the day comes through but at least you know that is was over really quick and hopefully he did not know it was happening to him! All the best my friend and hope you feel a bit better soon, I completely understand! Kind regards Tineke xxxxx
It’s totally ok! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us! It’s a real sad and bad situation for you and your friends. So I’m feeling honored that you shared it with us.
Xoxo, Rike
Try to smile through the sadness while you remember not only the tragic day, but also the wonderful reasons he was your friend.
Some memories are sad but bring good memories back, prayers.
I’m holding you in my heart today. I hope you are able to remember and feel joy when you think of your friend today.
My favorite blogs are the ones whose writers share themselves, and not just their quilts. Thank you for sharing your authentic self.
I hope that in time you will be able to celebrate the life of your friend while still mourning his tragic loss, and that the holiday will be special because you will remember the great things that made him your friend. It is difficult to lose someone you love on a holiday, as it is never the same again–this I know personally.
Holding all of you in my heart today, Yvonne.
The sadness will lessen but this day will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing your feelings. Your followers have just taken some of the sadness from you. God Bless you, your family and Mike’s
The day of loss is always hard and sharing this with your quilting family is great. I hope the fun times you had with Mike will provide some balm to the sadness that is in your heart.
It is definitely ok to share here, and I am so sorry for your loss. Peace to you and those who knew and loved Mike.
Yvonne, I want to thank you for sharing this with us. It is always difficult remembering but I will keep you and your community in my thoughts and prayers. I do hope that the children will make it a tad bit easier.
Thinking of you today, Yvonne, and all who love Mike.
Sending everyone some love today. I’m sure you all are finding comfort in each other as well.
We are all more than just quilters, so some experiences in a blog are a good thing. I’d sensed there was a back story I’d missed when you were gathering blocks and making quilts for Miss A and Mr L. Hugs.
My heart is with all of you today. I hope Miss A and Mr L wrap up in their quilts and feel everyone’s love and support.
As Val from Purple Boots and Pigtails once told me, this is your blog. Appropriate content is what you deem appropriate, not anybody else. If you want to share something personal, by all means share. We’re here for you no matter what you post. Sending good thoughts your way! 🙂
Wishing you all peace and wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing your pain~we are here for you…
A said day for you and your friends family.
Puts all the triviality into perspective
Sending you lots of hugs. I am so sorry.
Hugs!!!
Anniversaries are especially tough. Hang in there.
This time of year too is hard, November is remembrance month and that transition to shorter days just makes anniversaries at this time of year really up front & central. Grief doesn’t end in a day or a week and its good to carry love with you even if it is expressed in missing that loved one on days like this. They matter, your memory of them matters, carry it with you always.
I am reading blog posts – I’m so behind. This is a lovely tribute to your friend. The anniversary will always be a hard reminder but I hope that with time, it will soften. I also hope that his wife and two children are finding some peace. I lost my first husband at age 33 and I had three young boys (3, 7 and 9 years old.) My heart aches for her – I know all too well how deep that grief goes.
As Cassandra said above, I love when a blogger honors us with a peek into their non-quilting life. I feel like I get to know you just a bit better when you share these important times with us.
These types of anniversaries, especially the first, is always so hard. Can’t believe it’s already been a year. Thinking of you and all those affected. 🙁
In some ways it seems so much more than a year and in other ways it’s flown by. I hope, as well as the inevitable sadness and as well as remembering happy memories, you can also feel proud of how you’ve dealt with the tragedy over the year, being a part of your community and supporting each other, and of course creating the amazing quilts with Miss A and Mr L.