PagesPat's Ponderings

Monday, October 7, 2019

Be Brave on the Path of Positivity

 Thinking about my experience of caring for my husband throughout his run with ALS, I realize how many emotions and challenges I went through -  fear, strength, humility, patience, hope, faith, loss. But in the end, I discovered a reserve of Courage that helped me stay beside him until his passing away. Being a caretaker for a dying loved one is extremely heart-breaking and difficult. Because this post is for the Path of Positivity, you can click on my personal blog, "Living with ALS", for a closer look at the everyday saints who take care of their spouses, siblings, parents, children, until the very end.
You may not know that the Sunflower is the national symbol for ALS Awareness: 

"The Sunflower," (Shirley Hoffman Schmezle) explained
“stands tall and strong, ever hopeful and ever reaching higher.
Sunflowers grow in clusters and support each other
as they grow, just as family, friends and
community offer support to those who live with ALS"
  https://livingwithlougerhrigsdisease.blogspot.com/2019/06/courage-under-fire.html

My card today is for all those courageous caretakers who choose to love those with ALS until the very end, forced to watch them slowly leave their lives. I used a free digi image from Beccy's Place, one of the guest sponsors at the Path of Positivity challenge blog this month along with Scribbles Designs.
After coloring it with Copics, I framed it with a paper doily, then used a piece of leftover patterned paper that lets the colors of my image pop. I embellished simply with a sticker sentiment, a dir-cut butterfly and 2 tiny flower jewels. Inside the card, it reads: Be gentle with yourself. You're doing the best you can.
This month's optional Twist is Courage. The challenge runs until the end of the month. Crafters don't have to use the Twist, but I hope I have inspired you to create something that will help others' find their own courage. Here are the prize details:

  • A $10.00AU gift certificate to Beccy's Place for the person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
  • ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.
  • One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.
Happy crafting!

1 comment:

ike said...

That sounds like such a horrible illness. I so admire your strength to cope with that. Your card is beautiful. I love sunflowers - they always make me smile x