Monday, May 3, 2010

Letting Go...Finding old friends and being ok with life....

I have been gone for a few days and yet...as I look at my side bar and see all of your new updates...I feel as if I have missed soo much...but I am trying to come back...I truly am...Thank you everyone for your lovely comments and emails...they have meant the world to me.

On Sunday April 26th, I got a call from a dear friend, letting me know that one of our dearest friends... Joanne, had just passed...I don't do well with death, I never have, when loss hits me, it knocks me to my knees and knocks the wind out of my sails....when we lost my dad last year in March, I was so lucky that I had soo many of you wonderful ladies, that gave me such support both emotionally and mentally, I will forever be grateful for that...So this time, I felt I just needed a few days to wrap my mind around this new loss and the fact that I would never see or hear from my sweet friend again....I still haven't taken her off of my email contacts or my cell...they some how give me comfort when I see her name....I believe it or not still have my dads name & number on my cell, same with others I have loved and lost...this somehow comforts me...I guess letting go...is different for everyone, but I thank you all for understanding and your support when I have needed it...whether I knew I needed it or not...sometimes just listening....means the world...Thank you so much Dawn, Lisa and my amor Chris...My own mr wonderful...Love you guys :)


My Ita (grandma) used to say that when someone you loved passed...God always sent someone else to help fill that void, so that the hurt wouldn't be so heartbreaking...when we lost her, weeks later my beautiful niece Natalia was born, when we lost my dad, a few months later my baby grand nephew was born, he would have been my dads first great-grandchild.....When I found out about my dear friend Joanne, my heart was hurting and I could feel the saddness seeping in and I started to panic....I knew what that meant and I didn't want that old now familiar feeling of loss and saddness that can overtake my life to come back...not now...not so soon after just picking myself up from my dads loss, I was truly afraid of how long and how strong "This" would last this time...I prayed and I talked to my constant source of love and strength...my Ita for help and guidance, like I did when she was here and at my old age I would still sit on the floor with my head on her lap and tell her my problems and fears...she always listened with not only her mind but her heart...I believe in my heart...that even now in heaven, she still does this for me....I asked her to help me, so that this fall wouldn't be so long and hard because I was afraid of how my family would be affected....I told her to please help me because I was feeling so sad and my heart was feeling lonely...my friend Deb, talked me into joining Face Book which I swore I never would, this blog takes about all my computer knowledge that I have and that isn't much lol and I typed in a friends name that had meant soo much to me when I was a young girl in high school, I had tried through the years to find her, on Classmates.com, our high school Alumni website, you name it, I tried it...no one that I knew, knew what had happened to her and you know what?? I went on Face book typed in her name and Voila.....There she was! She looked just the same, still beautiful, like a little porcelain doll and still had that beautiful smile that said, I am your friend...here I am...we reconnected, have talked everyday since I found her on the phone and I can honestly tell you the first time after we talked on the phone, when I hung up I cried...because I had missed her so much through the years and when we talked....it was like it had been just days before the last time we talked....not over 20 years....Today she sent me a text to my phone and said...she had prayed and asked her mama who is now in heaven to please bring someone into her life, that loved her and would be her friend and truly care for her, then I sent her a message when I found her...my eyes started to water...because I had forgotten in my excitement in finding her...that just a few days before...I had asked the same thing from my Ita...

Sometimes....letting people in, even when you think you are just fine...makes all the difference in the world doesn't it...I used to say that I didn't want to let new people into my life because losing them was too painful and not worth it...My Ita said..."How sad you think...I think it is even sadder not letting people into your heart and sharing love with them, because think of all the wonderful times, laughter and memories you will have missed out on, if you don't let those people into your life and heart...isn't that worse....losing them and always wondering what could have been....maybe you could have made a difference in their life...don't be selfish....love people and let them love you"....Did I ever tell you at 93 my Ita was the wisest person I had the privilege to have loved :)

I thank you all for your patience, concern, and most of all for your beautiful friendships and I promise I will be back earlier tomorrow with a new post, some lovely giveaways and news to share..

And Ana....Welcome back into my life amor....you & your friendship were truly missed!

Until next time dear friends,


80 comments:

Missy @ Chateau Chic Boutique said...

Oh, Rose, I am so sorry for the sadness of the loss of your friend. I know how difficult it is to lose someone. Let the Lord fill your heart. He alone can bring you comfort and peace and He will provide happiness in your heart. Whether it be through a dear friend, a new friend or anything He chooses (or simply His Word, the promises he sent us in the Bible). He knows you and loves you. HE KNOWS just exactly what YOU NEED. I pray that you will find rest, comfort and strength in His loving arms. I wish I could just give you a big, long hug and sit and pray with you dear.
Psalm 71:20-21
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

Blessings,
Missy

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Rose,

So sorry to hear about your friends passing. It is so hard when the ones we love, leave us. Sending my love and hugs to you dear friend and may you find some comfort, knowing that many of your blog friends care and love you.
Glad that you connected with your friend, that is wonderful and I am so happy for you.
You have been missed and it is lovely to have you back again.

Hugs and I hope that you have a lovely week
Hugs
Carolyn

Dorthe said...

Hi dear Rose.
So sad to read about your loss, I know how terribly that is,
lost my sister two years ago, and a dear friend ,too the same year.
I hope you will soon find piece in mind, and comport, to go on living with this new loss, dear.
Blessings and hugs, Dorthe

Free Pretty Things For You said...

My Sweet Rose,

my whole heart goes out to you my dear.. you are so caring and Love so Deep that when sad moments come.. your poor precious heart cant take it.. But your beautiful ita was a Very Very wise person! thank you for listening to her and letting us all into your heart! We are all SO blessed to have you in our lives!!
Love you my dear!!
Keren

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

Oh Rose, I'm sorry to hear the news about your friend ... it must be terribly difficult, I hope your heart mends in due time .... my thoughts are with you. How special to have such a relationship with your grandmother, who is still guiding you ... you are wise to listen to her! And how wonderful to rekindle a special friendship ... be well.

xo
Jill

Silke Powers said...

Dear Rose, this post just brought back so many similar memories of loss and love for me. I found your story of how your Ita helps you so inspiring. I still talk to my mother, who passed away 23 years ago, every day and always ask for her help and guidance whenever I need it. And I fully believe that she watches over me just like your Ita does for you! I am so glad for you that you found your dear friend again!! Love, Silke

Diva Kreszl said...

sweet Rose, I am so sorry for your loss dear one. I shall be holding you in my prayers. May you find comfort in our precious Lord and may he carry you through this difficult time.

LuLu Kellogg said...

Dear Rose~

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I send love and blessings to comfort you.

LuLu♥

Victoria said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend:( Your post was very touching and beautiful.

stefanie said...

oh, I am soooo sorry, your grandmother was sooooo wise, I have dealt with heartbreaking loss, and vowed the same, no more, I can't take it, I haven't been brave enough like you, to let people in yet, but reading this, maybe I will try....keep being strong.

Sandi said...

Rose,
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs~

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Dear Rose, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend! It's wonderful though that you were able to open your heart for a new old friend and got reconnected. Your Ita must have been an amazing woman and I can well understand that you miss her a lot.
Big hugs and besos,
Julia

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Dear Rose, when you share, it is always straight from your heart and that is such a blessing! God does not give us more than we can handle and always sends angels to guide us when the going seems rough. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, but how wonderful that you have reconnected with an old one who can fill your heart with renewed joy. You are so special! God bless and grant you peace today and every day. Many blessings, Tammy

The Tin Rabbit said...

Dearest Rose, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your friend~ losses like these are so hard to understand...saying a prayer for you~please know you're in my thoughts~love & a Hug! Ann

Hearts Turned said...

What a beautiful post, Rose...it's so hard to lose someone we love--but the Lord always blesses us, doesn't He? Grieving is good, though...we need to do it. The joy will return...it always does.

Your grandmother was a VERY wise woman, indeed!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Rose, you have a beautiful way with expressing your feelings. I'm truly sorry for your loss. You are both richer for having had one another and even though you now only have memories of her, they keep her alive in your heart.

Blessings,
Diane

paperbird said...

Rose I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet friend. i know you must be feeling so much sadness. The loss of a loved one is hard to come to grips with. I hope your heart will heal by knowing that your friendship will last beyond this earthly life. Sweet blessings to you.

Lori said...

Rose, i am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend...i am glad that your Ita was right that you would have someone else come to fill the void...how wonderful that you were able to find your friend...

tara said...

Rose, this was a wonderful post, so full of love and insight, I am glad you reconnected with your friend after all these years, it seems a void has been filled with love and compassion. I do hope you are ok from the loss you have encountered, but your Ita was right, to not love is a loss, so we let those in, so we can feel the love...big hugs my dear!

Unknown said...

Sweetie, I am sorry of your loss ... & your friend's joining Jesus ... RIP.

I, like you, do not handle loss well. May you know that we lift you & your friend's soul in prayer.

Have a great week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

My Grama's Soul said...

So sorry for the loss of your dear friend.....you post today was truly lovely.

Blessings,

Jo

Debra@CommonGround said...

Rose, God loves you and knows your heart. Thank you for sharing this with us, it blessed me so very much. I'm sending love and prayers your way for peace, joy, and happiness.
love,
Debra

June said...

My beautiful little Rose,
I am so sorry for the loss you have suffered lately. Those who love deeply have a hard time losing those they love, and I know few people who love and care as much as you do. Your Ita was an amazing women and such a wise counselor. I am so glad you have her strength. You may not realize that strength, but to all of us who know you...we see it so plain.
I remember saying I would never join FB too. I neglect it terribly, but it has been a blessing. I feel so much more connected to my relatives and other loved ones, such as you.
hugs to you dearest

Lynn Stevens said...

Rose I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of your dear friend. Its such a blessing that you were able to re-connect with another who meant so much.

I came by to Thank you for stopping by my blog and for posting my giveaway. Thank you so much and the best of luck!
Hugs Lynn

Anonymous said...

Hello love, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. Remember God's promise that we will all be reunited with our loved ones someday.
marcia

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Wow Rose...
As I was reading this post, I was hanging on to each word...just like it would have been a hug for you!
So sorry to hear about Joanne however, now she is with your Ita and best of all, now you have TWO sweets who will be looking out for you :)
I'm so happy to hear you found Ana again...ya'll are a blessing to each other at the perfect time when you needed each other both.
I hope your heart is feeling better a little more each day...hugs to you sweetie :)
xoxo~
Jodie

Lisa said...

Hey Sweet girl,
I love what your Ita said, very wise lady she was. I hated hearing the sadness in your voice for the past couple of weeks. It is very, very hard to lose a friend. It's like reality slaps us in the face. We go along living our lives, not thinking of death or illness. To hear a friend, a peer is sick or worse, just reminds us that we are here for such a short period of time. How we live our lives & how we affect others is what really matters. In the end, it's all we have. Joanne must have been a wonderful person for you to grieve like this. I'm so sorry you have to go through this sweetie, if I were there I'd hug your neck & make you laugh so you'd feel better. The special times & memories you shared will be with you always. Lisa

Romeo said...

Oh Rose :*( I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your friend.

What a heartfelt post - your honesty and feelings, and what you shared with your Grandmother....these things touched me deeply, and caused me to stop a moment and think of my own Grandmother and her wisdom. Thank you for bringing those thoughts to me this evening and for sharing your heart.

Find your comfort, take your time. Everyone here will wait patiently for you and welcome you with open arms when you return...just like your friend from high school, it doesn't matter how long, we are here for you. For now we will wait for your return.

"Her" and Romeo

Miss Gracie's House said...

Oh Rose, I am so sorry about the loss of your dear friend...praying that God will fill your heart with his love and mercy.
Rene

Unknown said...

Rose, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Then I read about finding your old friend again and thought what a coincidence! As you know, I lost my mother last Aug. and it's been a long journey,just like yours. A couple of months ago, an old friend that I haven't seen in YEARS called and said "lets start walking together." It's been amazing, the difference it's made both mentally and of course, physically.
Hope you start feeling better very soon. Yes, our blogging friends are a huge blessing!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I'm so sorry for your loss!

Rebecca said...

Hi Rose
I am so sorry for your loss, I haven't been online lately as I have been under the weather.
I am so happy you have reconnected with a lost friend. God is so special that way, he knows just what you need Rose, because He loves your sweet face :)
I hope you are better and your grandma was right you know...
I thank the Lord He brought you into my life...
Blessings
Rebecca

The French Bear said...

Oh dear, my poor Rose, you are always such a comfort to me when I need it.....I wish I could reach out and give you a big hug.......it is so hard when we lose someone we love....
I will say a prayer for you and whisper a poem in the wind for your Ita and Joanne and your Dad. The gentle breeze will carry it to Heaven so they may hear it and know that we all love our sweet Rose......
Finding an old friend is like finding a hug....
Take care my dear friend, your blog family loves you!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Rebecca said...

Happy Mother's Day to you dear Rose!
I hope you have a lovely day
Blessings
Rebecca

Free Pretty Things For You said...

wanted to wish you a blessed mothers day my dear!!
Miss you!!

Lovey said...

Oh my Rose,
Sweetness, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. Know that she is resting peacefully now. I know that loss is hard to deal with. We all cope differently and we need to depend on God, and all those loved ones that he puts in our lives to get us through the losses we may face in this life. Remember, this race is temporary. We live it to the best of our ability and move into our eternal when we've gone as far as we can in this race. I have found that my heart for you is enlarged daily...I'm there for you my friend. God will always give you more...more love, more friends, more everything....especially more of Him. Hang in there Sweetie. All is well and will be well even as you remember your friend...it will be alright.
I love you...be at peace...
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.
LOVEY

Rebecca said...

Hi Rose
Heading out to the nursery this morning with my daughter Kerri. It is our tradition on Mothers day to get some pretty flowers together. Then she is having a barbque at 3 this afternoon, so I will see 3 of my children and grandchildren. It is sunny and 60 today, so much better than yesterday!
I hope you have a lovely day! Happy Mothers day to you.
Blessings
Rebecca

Charlene said...

Rose, your Ita was indeed a wise & loving person to give you such advice. LISTEN to her & to your heart. You are not a loner!!!! You have way to much sunshine in you to stay in a dark closet! HUGS my sweet friend. Remember the poem of old friends & new... one is silver & the other gold. Have a blessed day. HUGS! Charlene

Sandra said...

Hello amiga. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. :( I don't handle these things well either. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day with lots of love.
Blessings,
Sandra

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Rose~I'm so sorry for your loss. As you know from visiting my blog...I've suffered recent loss too. I agree, it can bring your life to an abrupt halt.
Your abuela Ita had a beautiful outlook on life and especially relationships.
Friendships do bring us strength, they carry us when we can't continue on our own.
Face book linked me to a dear friend from childhood. She has been my soft place to fall.

I hope you find healing in the cherished memories you carry in your heart of your dear friend, Joann.

Thank you for strolling into my humble blog. I grew up in Orange County. Hubby and I lived in Glendale for one year. My hubby was from the Pacific Northwest. He whisked me off from the sunshine state to the rainy state at the first opportunity 27 years ago. My family lives in So-Cal. I miss them and the California beaches, along with the sunshine!
I'll be by again for a visit.

Su amiga,
Sara

DeeDee said...

Kepping you in my prayers...I just lost a good freind as well..and I like you keep thier emails phone numbers adn facebook pages...I leave comments to them there sometimes...sending gentle hugs you way.

Rebecca said...

Hey Rose....are you there?
Taking a blogging break?
I have been up to my eyeballs...
Hope all is well with you!
I will call you
Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
Many Blessings
Rebecca

Candylei said...

My thoughts go your way. I am so sorry to hear of your friends passing. Loved reading about your Ita and her wisdom! So caring and not so judgemental of your feelings just steered you in the tight direction. Lovely!
xo, Candylei

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Hello Rose~~ just came by to check on you...I hope your finding a path towards healing.

Su Amiga
Sara

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Rose, we've not met, but you and your family are in my prayers this morning.

May the Peace of the Lord envelope you and carry you close to Him.

XO,

Sheila

Lori said...

Rose, i just read at Dawn's about your daughter's car accident...i am praying for her...i hope she is more comfortable soon...and that her bones will heal quickly!!!

Unknown said...

We are lifting ALL of you in prayer during this time of strife. May your daughter & boy friend heal ...

Hugs, Marydon

Sandi said...

Just read about the car accident. You all will be in my thoughts today.

Take courage.

Sandi

Miss Gracie's House said...

praying for you and your sweet daughter...much love...rene'

E said...

T's & P's to you and your family.

I read about the accident at the Feathered Nest and wanted to let you know you'll be in my thoughts. My daughters were t-boned by a drunk several years ago so it really struck a chord.

Carol Mae said...

Dear Rose, So sorry to hear about your daughter's accident. We all pray she will come out of this fine. Gods speed to her and also you. With care, Carol Mae

Victorian1885 said...

Take care Rose..your Family is in my thoughts today..speedy recovery to all.

Wanda

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Dear Rose, I just came from Dawn's blog ~ sorry to hear about Your Daughter Ashley ~ I will Keep Her & your Family in My Prayers for a Complete Recovery....

Anonymous said...

So very sorry for the loss of your special friend. We too had a friend pass away - I am so sad but thank the Father that I new her and loved her and will see her again one day. To not feel the pain of loss would be a handicap in our lives in other areas I believe. He hurt so because we love so-

bee blessed
mary

Rose said...

So sorry about your friend. When I have lost someone, I think about what if that person had never exist so the pain and loss wouldn't be with us. If this happened we would never know the joy, love pain and memories shared with each other. That would be a loss. Prayers in your direction. Oh! my name is Rose, we need to hang out. Not alot of people name Roes http://somewondersoflife.blogspot.com/

Wildflowerhouse said...

Rose Ishall keep you and Ashley in my prayers. Iknow all too wellwhat you are going through. I was hit by a drunk driver when I was 17.
I had a long recovery and we all went through so much. So you are in my prayers truly.Take care.

Fete et Fleur said...

Dear Rose,

I have been thinking of you so much over the last few days. I didn't know what was going on until I visited Dawn this morning.

I have gathered my family and we are praying for your beautiful daughter.

Hugs to you,
Nancy

fannipauline said...

I do not know you dear Rose - but I am praying for you and your family and that our dear Lord will give you the love and strength you need to get thru these difficult days. May you know others care for and have you in their thoughts and prayers.
May God richly bless you and yours....Pauline

Anne Lorys said...

Rose, I am keeping you and your dear daughter in my prayers!
Much love,
Anne

Seawashed said...

Oh Dearest Rose~ I just read at Laughing With Angels that your daughter was in a terrible car accident. I don't know what happened but I want you to know I will begin lifting you all up in prayer. I am so sorry. It is so scary when our children get hurt. I love you and will try to call you this week to check in on you. ox~ Kerrie

Rebecca said...

Dear Rose
Lisa has been keeping me updated and I am praying for you and your family.
I will call tomorrow when things aren't so much for you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers
Love
Rebecca

chicroses said...

Just came over from Dawns..so sorry about your daughter...hopefully she will be on the mend...I dont know what it is like to break your pelvis...gosh they were lucky for their lives...also so sorry about your friend...so sad to loose people that you love...I just lost a good friend today..she was 92 and pillar of her community..she always told me she wasnt african american that she was american...I hope this finds you stronger..their is no words but sorry for you loss...take care of your daughter. Hugs Sally

chicroses said...

Just came over from Dawns..so sorry about your daughter...hopefully she will be on the mend...I dont know what it is like to break your pelvis...gosh they were lucky for their lives...also so sorry about your friend...so sad to loose people that you love...I just lost a good friend today..she was 92 and pillar of her community..she always told me she wasnt african american that she was american...I hope this finds you stronger..their is no words but sorry for you loss...take care of your daughter. Hugs Sally

Debra@CommonGround said...

Dear Rose, Just wanted you to know that your daughter and your family are in my prayers.
Much love,
Debra

Deb said...

Dear Rose
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers ♥

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

Rose, I too just read on Dawn's blog and that you needed some extra love, prayers and understanding at this very moment....it must seem impossible that having not all that long ago lost your sweet daddy and now you friend.
I too find it hard to deal with the loss of loved ones.
Grieve for her..and don't try to cut it short, it will catch up with you later otherwise.
I have lost so many friends and my friends have lost children, like myself..and losing someone is the very hardest thing in the world to endure. BUT with the love of friends and family...you will make it thru.
How BLESSED you were to have had a grandmother who so LOVINGINGLY and WISELY guided you in your life.

Love you lady, Rose

Vicki's Bit-o-earth said...

Rose, I just wanted to pop over from June's blog at "Laughing with Angels" and let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Losses and difficult times seem to come in clumps that take our breath away sometimes, but somehow we also seem to be given what we need to make it through. xxxVicki

Beach House Living said...

By way of Fair Maiden at Sea Cottage I'm visiting. Sending good thoughts of healing your way.

Anonymous said...

Arrived here from Fair Maiden at Sea Cottage and wanted you to know your daughter is in my thoughts and prayers,sending love to wrap around you both and keep you safe from harm.
Love Kristina Xxx

Privet and Holly said...

Just RAN over from Sea Cottage. You had just poured your heart out on your blog and now THIS. I am praying for you and your daughter and sending you loads of well-wishes. Take time to tend to all that is so important. Blog land will wait. xx P&H

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Dear Rose, I read about the accident on Dawn's blog and wanted to drop by to send well wishes, special thoughts and many prayers your way. Wishing all the best for you and your family. xoxox Tammy

Maison Beldecor said...

Dear Rose, arrived from June's Blog, first I want to say, I am so sorry for your los and I'll keep my fingers crossed that your daughter will be healthy very soon. Sending you loads of well-wishes
Warm Hugs
Bine

Kim-Fille de Fleur said...

Love and Prayers to you dear Rose, I missed you Saturday and wondered where you were....now I know and am so sad to hear the news. I am praying for a full and speedy recovery for dear Ashley and we all hope to hear from you soon.
Kim

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hello Rose,
Lovely June sent me this way this morning. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. I am keeping you, Rose and your daughter in my prayers for a speedy recovery and hope you find much comfort in knowing many, many people are keeping you in their prayers today and in the days to come.
xo~Tracie

Seawashed said...

you are in my thoughts and prayers. ox

The Rustic Victorian said...

I just learned about your daughter from The Feathered Nest. I will send prayers for her healing and for your heart healing too. LIfe is so fragil, but God is so good, and will not give us more than we can handel.
Love
Marcie

Kelly Berkey said...

You my dear are beautiful inside and out. Sorry about your loss, but what a beautiful story about finding another to fill your heart back up.
I too have felt the same way but know that letting love in is the best thing of all!
Love you lady,
Kelly

Nishant said...

Love and Prayers to you dear Rose,
PPC Advertising India

Kate said...

Dear Rose
Sending you all my love and blessings during this difficult time. I am truly sorry for your loss. Please know that you are dearly loved and in my heart & prayers everyday.

love you sweet friend
Kate

Unknown said...

Oh sweet Rose, I feel so bad for you! I am so very sorry to hear that you have lost a dear friend. May God comfort you and help you thru this difficult time. It is wonderful that you have again found a friendship that was lost!

Hugs and blessings ~

:) T