For Tom...

Today is Friday and while tomorrow is the 4th of July, I have not been having a good week in my mind. All in all, it's been a VERY good week, but I know tomorrow must come. And tomorrow does not bring good memories for me. Last year on the 4th of July, I lost my dear dear beloved friend, Bette. Bette and I had worked together for many years while I lived in Dallas, TX. For over 20 years we stayed in contact with each other through phone calls, cards, letters and an occasional e-mail as well. Bette was there for me when I had probably the darkest time of my life. She was pretty much a second mom to me. She blessed both my children with a huge cross-stitched sampler that she had mounted and framed then mailed way up to Iowa for me. She did this even though she said her hands could hardly handle doing it much anymore. Twelve years later, my son (the emotional one... he gets that from me) still has it displayed on his bedroom wall because he knew how much it meant to me and how much I loved Bette. Of course, if mom loves them.. he does too. Even at 12, he's not afraid of what his friends might think and proudly tells them, "My mom's friend in Dallas made it for me." He's a good boy. Shortly after I left Dallas, Bette found out she had breast cancer. Bette went thru more chemo treatments than anyone I know. I believe she said 17 years of it! My husband and I traveled to Dallas the summer before Bette passed on. We spent an entire evening with her, her husband, Tom, and a few other friends we all worked with when I lived there. I don't believe a restaurant ever accommodated a table for so long BEFORE we even ordered. We laughed, we joked, we shared pictures and even took a few. Bette was as jovial and sweet at ever. Before we realized it, we shared our last glass of wine together and embraced one last time. I love Bette and still have days when I think.. "It's been to long, I should call Bette and see how she is." It's not good when I realize... I can't. But, as always, Bette thought of me in the sweetest of ways... she gave me the friendship of her husband, Tom. Tom and I shared many many e-mails after Bette left and I treasure his friendship as much I do Bette's. I made this card while thinking of Tom and hoping that he has found a small amount of "Peace" since last 4th of July. Tom tended to many things, as I'm sure many of us have when in this situation, but one thing Tom did, which touched me so deeply, was when he sent me a recording of Bette's Memorial. Along with a few pictures of the family and a special prayer that Bette wanted all her friends to have. I treasure these items for in the end, it was Bette's wishes completely down to the Memorial program. I can't say I hope that tomorrow never comes, for I don't truly wish that... but I do hope that not only Tom, but that Bette has found her "peace" as well and that she is smiling down and covering us with her angel wings to keep us protected until we see her again. As Bette would say... "I miss you dear heart and I love you." My card was done with Gina K's "Many Wishes". Have a happy day.