Dear Friends,
Upon writing my tribute to Kelly, I was hoping to keep my own sadness at bay because I realize how deep this pain is for Kelly's family. As each day passes grief finds me in a new way.
It feels strange in
dealing with this situation here in these online spaces, yet when Kelly's sister Erin shared such sweet words of comfort in the comments I broke down in tears. I felt a need to open this post to this community offering comfort and love to each other.
I hope the comments and writing here will bring some sense of comfort and connection. I realize there are many who are reading who are dealing with a similar journey of their own or with a loved one. I know that any comfort in sentiments found here would honor Kelly's giving compassionate spirit.
Kelly and I experienced a too short yet intimate journey together through the Wellness Tree. This was a very vulnerable time in her life, every word we spoke with each other was very open and real there was no room for anything but. I feel as if I got to know her and her situation on a deep level as our spirits spoke to one another in a very fast way, "Cutting to the chase" if you will... I feel as if I have known Kelly and her family for a very long time, I know that Kelly will always be held in my heart and I am grateful for all that she has taught me.
In Erin's words (Kelly's sister)...
"Nicole
This is Kelly's sister Erin writing
Thank you for the beautiful tribute
and for letting more of the world know what
an amazing person my sister was and for everyone's
deeply felt condolences.
We called each other
"sissy" and she was the best sissy ever...so accepting
of other people for their differences, so giving even
she didn't have a lot monetarily, so creative
making beautiful collages and crafts out of nothing
so smart...often acknowledged by her students at
college as being one of their favorite instructors, a nurturing
loving mother, wife and friend. I still can't believe she
is no longer here but then I try to find comfort in
knowing that she is "here" as long as she still influences
others to be like her. My mom said Kelly had lots of friends and she made
sure her family knew them well so that we will at least all have other
now that she is gone. And we will be there for Matt and Ari too.
Thank you again Nicole and everyone here
Best
Erin"
Thank you dear Erin.
.: I realize I shared many words in my Tribute to Kelly, so once again I wish to share that I am thankful for those of you who have emailed saying you will be creating for (soon to be two years old)Ari and/or Kelly's husband Matt!
For those who have yet to contact me, now is a good time to email me. Contacting me through your comment is fine as well. I will respond immediately providing you with an address that your handmade gift of your choosing will be mailed to :.
Thank you for sharing these words Nicole! I would like to make something for Ari and Matt as well...
XX Nina
Posted by: Nina (Nö's Familie) | 05/17/2010 at 01:21 AM
Thank you dear Nina!
I have emailed you with my address.
xoxo
Posted by: Garden Mama | 05/17/2010 at 01:28 AM
Thank you reminding me of the needed prayers Nicole and for letting us all share in this time.
After I read your post yesterday morning, I cried. Then I spent the day experiencing joy in all the daily ups and downs of living. I came to the conclusion that we are here on this earth to help others and to love others - it is that simple.
Kelly's journey was a gift to all of us and this is the gift she gave me.
I continue to pray for her family and friends.
Love, Tonya
Posted by: Plain and Joyful Living | 05/17/2010 at 06:29 AM
I have not written here in the past few days because I just simply don't know what to write that I think will make a difference in the pain Kelly's family is feeling. However, I feel I must jump in and say how sad I'm feeling for their loss. It must just seem like a bad dream. I am thinking of them, especially Kelly's son Ari, who will not get the opportunity to have his mom growing up. Thinking of Ari and all the family. Sending healing thoughts and love, Kyndale
Posted by: kyndale | 05/17/2010 at 09:31 AM
Thank you for sharing these wise words Tonya.
I am finding this lesson in life these recent days of taking joy in life even through sadness and I also believe this is a gift that Kelly shared with us.
Posted by: Garden Mama | 05/17/2010 at 10:59 AM
I have enjoyed the piece of Kelly that she shared with the world. It saddens me that the world will now miss that, but even more so that her young family and friends will miss her. My thoughts are with her family. If you would email me, I would appreciate somewhere to send my thoughts. Thank you.
Posted by: Kristina | 05/17/2010 at 12:30 PM
WOW This blog is a gift to all of us.
I am packing up my home and moving away. I made 2 wool filled pillows and the covers are hemp cotton. 100% organic. I did not sell them and I wanted them to go somewhere important. This is the home I wish them both to go. Please let me know the address so I can ship them. Many blessings.
Tracey
Posted by: Tracey | 06/02/2010 at 09:53 PM