I have to share my heart today because it's a bit broken....
We just had a death in the family...this was a branch of the family that I had lost touch whilst in the
Navy...moving all over for 27 years. When I returned home to Taos during COVID, my Aunt lived across the back fence...a flip of the gate latch was all that was needed to sit outside and visit.
We talked about life....some about my life in the Navy and some about hers.....she would comment how much like my Dad I was...
"...you're so serious like
Bobby"....."
..."is that a Navy thing?"
She invited me to all her family gatherings....cousins, second cousins, third cousins I didn't even know I had. It was just....
"....just come over...we have plenty of food and beer".
I would always ask if I could bring
something....
"no, just you and Chris"
I would always make cards for whatever the occasion, I would call and ask
"...and who's birthday?....how old?...how many?"
I struggled to remember the names of her large family...grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even a great-great
grandchild on the way. This included birthday cards...graduation cards....baby cards. I just wanted to bring something I could offer--because they were certainly better cooks than I....posole, red & green chili, tamales, enchiladas, carne adovada. I was no competition in that kitchen. Sometimes I would pass a Paper Pumpkin Kit over the fence to her grandchildren when I could see they were getting restless ...
"Aries,
here, take this and see if you can put these together."
All in all, I don't know if it meant anything to anyone...but it meant something to me. And today I realize how much....I was able to create a connection with a branch of the family I didn't know, or didn't remember.
I know them better now. So night before last, I got several calls about my Aunt's
passing...I grieve with them. Because my Aunt opened her circle to allow me to know the faces and hearts of my extended family. I was able to share their moments of joy. The moments I had made a cards to celebrate life at it's best. I am forever grateful for the best welcome home gift I could of gotten...thank you Tia.
So I tell you....handmade cards are NOT old school or out of
fashion....they connect us to our humanity. It helped me connect to mine.
So, please CRAFT ON and make a card...send a smile....or send a note to let someone know they are in your heart during their darkest moments.
Lastly, Please say a prayer for
the Oakeley-Mondragon family of Taos, New Mexico as we grieve the passing of their matriarch.
To my card making community....thanks for letting me share...I know you would understand. You've been there. I'm just beginning to find my way....
