(43-175) With Sympathy...

Everyone has their own personal way of dealing with their grief, loss, depression, stress; etc. We all have our own means of coping. For some, it is best to be surrounded by loved ones, while for others isolation is more soothing. Because people vary so much, it can be difficult to know how to be there for a friend when they're hurting; but I hoped that I knew what my dear friend, Rachel K needed.

A few months ago, Rachel had suffered the loss of her beloved friend; Barry; and then on December 26, she had to say goodbye to her four legged son, Bart. I may not get this exactly right; but I believe that Bart was a 16 1/2 year old, wire haired, Dachshund; and I can honestly say that I have never met anyone who was more devoted to their dog; than Rachel. Rachel adored Bart; and she treated him with the utmost love and respect. During the last month of his life, Rachel cooked special meals for Bart and tried to do everything and anything to restore his health. She even took him to a holistic vet in addition to seeing her traditional vet.

When Rachel called to tell me that they had to put Bart to rest; she was sobbing uncontrollably, and I felt helpless. There are NEVER any words that anyone can say to someone who has experienced such a loss; and so all I could say was "I'm so sorry;" and I was / am. I'm so sorry that she has to hurt; I'm so sorry that she has to be without her friends. I'm so sorry that she won't get to hold them or be comforted by them again, and I'm so sorry that this is unfortunately the way that life is.

I hadn't heard from Rachel since she called to tell me about losing Bart; but because I know that she needs to keep to herself when she's upset; I tried not to crowd her. I left her a message on a weekly basis; just so she would know that I was thinking of her; and I sent her a text as well. I wanted her to know that when she was ready, I'd be here for her; and in the meantime, I'd wait and send my love.

Rachel was very much on my mind today; and perhaps that's why she called me. Rachel told me that she was working on healing, slowly; and we discussed how unfair death was. I told Rachel that I felt terrible for not being able to do more for her; but I knew from personal experience that there was absolutely nothing that I could say. I apologized for not being able to do anything to provide her with some relief, and again told her how sorry I was for her loss. We chatted a bit longer, and discussed how awful death is. I said that hopefully, as time goes on; she'll be able to remember the wonderful times that she'd had with Barry and Bart and those feelings of gratitude  would replace the agonizing pain that she was experiencing now.  I know that right now, that seems impossible; but I speak from experience when I say it can be done. It will always hurt to miss our loved ones; but I do believe that Tennyson is right, "Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all."

Rachel is a woman who treasures her family of friends, and all that are fortunate enough to call her friend; are truly blessed. I am so sorry for Rachel's recent losses; and for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. All I can offer is my love , my words and my sympathy; and hope that in some way, there is comfort in that.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

What A Wonderful World

Remember when I said that "The Bumpy Ride" was NOT becoming a scrapbooking blog? Well, it's not. I just thought that I would share my latest layout, completed with the September "Comfort" kit from Scrapbooking From the Inside Out ." I truly went WAY out of my comfort zone for this layout, and did things that I NEVER do; and you know what... I loved it. Now, I am NOT fishing for compliments, but I will say that I think this is one of the best lay outs that I have ever done. Not only because of the design, but because of the message. It is GREAT to remind yourself of what you have to look forward to; ESPECIALLY when things aren't feeling so hopeful.

The journalling says:

I see trees of green... and I think to myself What a Wonderful World. I'm comforted by the endless possibilities of what has yet to come: Becoming a professional writer, watching my children fulfill their destinies, growing OLD with my husband (my Love) and living in a world that is safe and peaceful; where EVERYONE is free to be who they are. I take a deep breath and I hold these dreams close and tight; and I think to myself - What A Wonderful World!

In this campaign season, it is often hard to believe that we have a future to look forward to. Luis and I watch CNN all the time and we actually get panic stricken when McCain and Palin seem to be doing better than we can afford them to be doing. Luis has been a HUGE Obama supporter from day one; and at this point I invite anyone who has any question about Obama and what he stands for or what he intends to do for this country to "Ask Luis;" he is SO informed that it's actually a little scary. He told me the other day that he thought he might be watching TOO much CNN because he was getting physically ill when McCain and Palin would speak. I myself was a Hillary supporter but when she didn't get the nomination, there was no doubt that Obama would be my candidate; as I do believe that he represents all of my families best interests.
We are so hopeful for the changes that are SO necessary in order for us and our friends to continue pursuing our American dreams. We truly want to believe that the WONDERFUL WORLD that I have described in my layout is possible; and I believe it can be if you VOTE OBAMA / BIDEN!!

Now, IF by chance you are a McCain / Palin supporter; we can still be friends, but I don't want to know about it - so PLEASE no comments talking smack about Obama and Biden; and definitely no Pro- McCain / Palin BS either. Sorry folks but that's how I roll.
Till Next Time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Serenity

The other day I posted about the September kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside out; and I shared the photo that I planned to use in my first (hopefully not only;) COMFORT lay out. So tonight I went over to Michelle (I'm not sure if she's really ever going to become legally) K's house and we scrapbooked; after having Luis' wonderful Carne Asada, world famous guacamole, and a Starbucks run. Anyway, whenever I do a lay out I tend to be overly critical of myself (BIG surprise there I bet;) and it's not often that I love EVERYTHING about it; but this time, the simplicity of it all speaks volumes to me - as sometimes truly less is more. Now, because I'm all about the Greater Good (ya, ya, I know you know, but I have to point it out or I wouldn't be me and this wouldn't be "The Bumpy Ride." Don't you know by now that one of my very FAVORITE hobbies is beating the dead horse - LOL) Anyway, I want to say that for all of you folks who have thought that scrapbooking might be fun; but you don't think you are creative enough or artsy enough, just create from your heart (Inside - Out) and you can't go wrong. Just give it a try and I'm sure you'll be glad that you did. And if you do; of course I WANT to know about it.

In case you were wondering; the journalling on my lay out says:

My little spitfire, sleeping soundly in my arms; no arguing over what you're going to wear, doing your hair, or choosing your umteenth snack of the day; JUST; rest. Time to reflect, time to relax, time to be thankful for ALL that you are and ALL that you give to me. A sense of purpose, a sense of pride, a sense of fulfillment because YOU complete me. I know that I'm the one who's supposed to comfort you and make you feel secure, but you also do the same for me. Holding each other, breathing together - all is right with the world. There are no bills to pay or dishes to do; there is only time for love, for peace, for serenity; for "To love and be loved is the GREATEST gift of all."
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

"Comfort" - Sept Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out

For all of you scrapbookers, who read "The Bumpy Ride," I just wanted to share the brand new kit that has come out from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out - THE inspirational source, kit club, and online community for scrapbookers who want to explore their inner lives and deepest thoughts and dreams.. The theme for September is Comfort; and I myself cannot wait to get started. Michelle (...)K took this wonderful picture of Kelsie and I last night, while we were at our friend Lori's house. Our families went over to Lori's along with our friend Jessica's family and we had apps, dessert and played karaoke Revolution. A great time was had by all, and since I'm ALL ABOUT THE GREATER GOOD, which is why I'm posting the pic of this kit; I should give you the recipe for the ice cream cake that I made. That's right I said I MADE an ice cream cake. So here it is:

Layer a pan with ice cream sandwiches, it will be 8 whole ice cream sandwiches, and then 2 more cut in half. Then put hot fudge on top of the ice cream sandwiches (Yes, I'm STILL going to the gym;) then put cool whip on top of the hot fudge, then the recipe calls for crushed up Snickers, but I put Crunch since Nicky is allergic to peanuts, and I'm sure that you can put any candy of your choice. Then you repeat, layer of ice cream sandwiches, layer of hot fudge, layer of Cool Whip, Candy and freeze for at least a few hours. EVERYONE loved this dessert and my kids are already requesting it for their birthdays. It's a far cry from Diet Coke chocolate cake - but hey, we all gotta live a little. Here's the pic of Kelsie and I that I plan to use on my first "Comfort" layout.Till Next Time..

Queen of EVERYTHING