Thursday, September 16, 2010

Who Knew.....

In a million, zillion years, I would never, EVER have thought that my best friend would pass away. It will be a year this November since Jennifer's death. Unexpected. Tragic. A complete shock. She wasn't battling a disease, she died suddenly of meningitis......what doctors took as an earache at 37 years old. We grew up together and she was truly the one person in my life who always had the ability to make me feel like a rock star. She never judged, and she loved me unconditionally. She loved both my children and was Kyle's Godmother. We stood up in each other's weddings, shared the ups, as well as life's many downs. She was the constant in my life, even when things got turned upside down.

I have tucked my emotions away in a little "box" these past few months, but they are out in the open at the moment, raw. This Saturday, Jen's sister is holding a fundraiser to honor her memory. We will raise money for charities that Jen felt strongly about and remember her loving spirit. It has been difficult to say the least, to bring everything to the surface again. After Saturday, those emotions will get tucked back into their little "box" again. But in the meantime, I found these pics of Jen with my Cortney and Kyle in 2000. I decided to scrap them and remember...... I used a song from P!nk called Who Knew. It is one of those songs that brings tears to my eyes......


Noel's "Office Party" kit was used for this LO. (sold out)

I hope I did her memory justice............

31 comments:

Crystal said...

Stunning PAGE WOWWEEE!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Such a touching tribute to your friend!! I loveeeeeeeeeee it!!!! Great job Michele!:):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Martha Lucia Gomez said...

Michele, this was my first time in your blog and I know how you feel, because I had the same situation. Your friend always will be your friend because she is life in your heard. This page is simply adorable and it's the perfect form to share your love. God blessings, and congratulations for your wonderful blog.
Martha Lucia Gomez
http://stampartpapel.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

What a beautiful layout and sweet tribute to your friend.. Hugs!

Louise (KardKrazy) said...

Hugs to you, Michelle:) Know this is an extremely difficult time. I can tell just from this gorgeous tribute to you how special your relationship was.

Michelle Whitlow said...

oh my goodness Michele, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I lost my only brother just 4 months ago so I can relate to your loss. Such a sweet layout :)

Margie Higuchi said...

Michele, this is such a super tribute to your dear friend. Now this is what scrapbooking is all about, right! Those pictures are precious memories and will get you through Saturday :0) Hugs to you, sweet lady! xo

Melissa said...

Wow. Amazing tribute. So sorry for your loss.

~amy~ said...

Such a wonderful tribute...gorgeous layout.

Jocelyn said...

What a tribute to your sweet friend....I am so sorry for your loss....

I adore the LO...all the details and your ability to share with us!!!

I still have such a feeling of sadness...I lost my BF 10 years ago to breast cancer...and I still look up and talk to her!!! I miss her and I know your loss!!!

What great way to remember here.....she is smiling down on you...I know she is!!!

Hugs, sweet friend!!!

mary stuart said...

It is so hard, Michele. Such a loss.
Beautiful lay-out!

Jessica said...

I know exactly how you feel. My best friend, who stood beside me always, she was the wind beneath my wings for a long time. Then a couple of years back I got a call and her husband said, 'she's gone'. I never even knew she was in the hospital! A couple of weeks ago I finally scrapped a some pix of us. The emotions are still raw, and have been all along. But there's no time limit for grief, so I just muddle along. I wish I could be there to give you a hug. Just know that you are in my prayers. I hope y'all raise lots of money for her charities!It's a wonderful way to remember her.

Anonymous said...

Your scrapbook page does do justice to your friend's memory. It's poignant. Your story brought tears to my eyes. Losing a loved one is so hard and pain is so hard to describe.

Mrs. Nancy G said...

Beautiful tribute page. I am sure there are lots more in your life that will continue to be a remembrance and tribute to your best friend. My heart goes out to you and to her loved ones that live on.
Sincerely,
~nance

Kelly Massman said...

What a sad story and you ABSOLUTELY did her justice in your gorgeous layout!

Allison Rankin said...

What a pretty page as a way to remember your friend. I would be absolutely beside myself if something similar happened. I hope the fundraiser only brings happy memories.

Debby said...

Such a beautiful way to honor her memory. I lost a best friend also from something so sudden......an irregular heartbeat. I miss her still so much. We just never know. Such a nice idea to have a fundraiser to honor her charities.

Carrie said...

Very pretty scrapbook page. I wish my friends would do that for me. hehehe!!!

Katy said...

That's the SWEETEST tribute to your friend and the role she played in your children's lives!

Mel said...

You totally did your dear friend's layout justice, wow, what a terrible tragedy, I pray the feelings you experienced when making this gorgeous layout helped to take away or just release some of the pain my friend. Melxx

Hearts Turned said...

You did absolutely beautiful justice to her memory, Michele...beautiful in every way.

I'm so sorry you lost your dear friend, but so glad you have a friend that touched your life in so many ways...

Julie

Kathy Martin said...

Fantastic page! Lovin' all your details! :)

Monique said...

Beautiful LO.. What a wonderful tribute to your friend :)

Little C's Creations said...

Aloha Michele,

This is such a beautiful page that you have dedicated to your best friend. Your story touched my heart. It is so sad to hear that people are hit by this fatal illness, and so shocking that it can take away one's life so quickly. I pray that the Lord continues to heal your broken heart, and love that He is healing it by allowing you to share this with us. May you continue to cherish the memories you and Jen have shared all those years.

Big Hugs n' Blessings,
Jen

Amy Johnson said...

Wow! What a stunning page and such a touching tribute to your friend.

CreativeMish said...

What a beautiful memorial! Love that Pink song! Oh and I got my blog candy treasures yesterday. Thanks so much!

Beate said...

Oh man....I am sorry about your friend. Your blog post and beautiful page brought tears to my eyes! Your page looks wonderful! All the details look amazing and the pictures of your friend are beautiful!
Big cyber hugs

Annika said...

I am truly sorry about your loss and having to re-open wound. Although it can sometimes be therapeutic. Your layout is a beautiful and fitting tribute to your friend
Hugs
Annika

anne said...

Absolutely beautiful. What a tribute to your friend and your friendship together!!! Thank you for sharing such a personal memory.

anne

anne said...

Absolutely beautiful. What a tribute to your friend and your friendship together!!! Thank you for sharing such a personal memory.

anne

Christi said...

I just found your blog from Paper smooches and was "stalking" all your wonderful work and I had to comment here for it brought me to tears. This is one of the most beautiful layouts I have ever witnessed. I am sorry for your loss of your best friend and I am sure 7 years later from this time , it isn't any easier. May God bless you and know she is looking down on you and waiting to be reunited in a blink of an eye. Thank you for sharing such a personal time in your life with your readers.

a new follower. Christi -Scrapping for Tranquility