This is the question that I am asking myself as I look at this beautiful notebook that my twin sister Janine recieved from her Australian pen-pal Carolyn some years ago. It was safely packed away to be used just at the right time.
About 1 year after her death I came across it as I went through some of our things. Again I have seen it as I approach the 3rd anniversary of her death next month. I am contemplating some choices - inspirational quotations, Bible verses, special memories of the things she said etc. It is not a big notebook but I want it to be a special book. The cover has on two of our favourite things - birds and flowers.
If you came across this notebook left behind by a departed loved one, what would you do with it?!
65 comments:
I think that your ideas are beautiful ones. Inspirational quotes/bible verses and other things your find beautiful/worthwhile would be a lovely tribute to your sister as well as something wonderful for yourself. :)
I would use it for notes of the things you two loved together to be left to your kids someday. For instance if you loved the same flowers, books, etc. Maybe include photos of those things.
Cher Sunray Gardens
I would put inside everything that reminds me of happy times.. And then whenever I am sad I would look in it..
I think I would want to fill it with memories of special times that I shared with them.Keep us posted and let us know what you decide.
Hi Wendy,
Thank you very much for your response. A great idea.
Judy
Hello Marina,
Thanks for sharing what you would do. I really appreciate it.
Judy
Hi Sunray Gardens,
Thanks for your response. Janine did not have any children and I also do not have any but there are other loved ones I could probably pass it on to some day. Take care.
Judy
Hi Stephanie,
It did cross my mind that maybe I could have various sections where I cover the ideas that I have been thinking about. Many thanks for your response.
Judy
I like the ideas that have been left by other posters. Something that has to do with memories of your sister or inspirational quotes/bible versus. The journal is beautiful, love the birds!
You should use it to commemorate her life. Write about your favorite memories and paste pictures in it - use it as a scrap book of everything her!
wm
Thank you very much Working Mommy. I appreciate your comments. Take care.
Hi Frugal in WV,
Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate the suggestions I have been receiving.
Judy
Write notes to her in heaven.
Hi Michelle,
You have come up with a wonderful idea! Thank you so much.
Judy.
The book is lovely. I like the idea of putting in beautiful words of comfort like Bible verses, quotes by your sister, song lyrics. Make the book a place you go for inspiration and comfort.
Hi Annie,
You could not have said it better! I want it to be a place where I find inspiration and comfort. Thank you so much.
Judy
Hi - Hopping by from Friday's hop - I'm your newest stalker -would love a follow back!
Love to you
Kelly
I've Become My Mother
It is beautiful! I know you said it is not a big notebook and all the ideas mentioned are great ones. I would write to her so to speak. Memories, clippings of things she loved, of you two together. All happy thoughts and a place you can go and be with her on those days you really miss her, as I know you do. I think she will be honored no matter what you do. Hugs!
Judy, it is so sweet you have so many ways to cherish your sister's memories. I think your ideas are beautiful. Quotes that remind you of your sister, bible verses, even pictures, if possible to add that go along with quotes. Using it as a journal. I love all your ideas.
Hope you're doing well!
Thoughts and prayers xoxo
Maria
Maybe whenever you thought of a memory of her, you could write it down. And put in the Bible verses and quotes that remind you of her too?
What is the url of your button? Then I will tell you the exact code you should use to put it on your sidebar. =)
Treasure it and fill it up with treasured memories. I'm sure she will be so happy where ever she is. Happy weekend.
Thanks May! A happy weekend to you also!
Thanks a lot for your comments Camilleta! I will get the button details and inform you. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for your kind comments Maria! I appreciate them so much. A good weekend to you.
Judy
Hello Sheri,
You have summed up so well what I need this book for. Thanks so much and have a great weekend.
Judy
Thanks for becoming a new Follower Kelly L. I will definitely head over to your Blog and become a Follower also. Have a good weekend.
I think whatever your sister was doing with it you should go on with the same! She probably would've wanted you too. I bet you'll even feel closer to her if that's possible because I know she's already in your heart. Hugs my new friend. I'd follow you, but I cannot find where. May you find peace within your heart & your sister's smile of love in the mirror. Have a wonderful weekend.
I would use it for the memories of all the special times spent with that person. I know it would help me feel better writing down all those special times shared.
Thanks Terri, It is really important that it helps to lift my spirit. Special memories would do that. Have a great weekend.
Thank you very much Xmas Dolly! You have brightened my day by visiting my Blog and sharing your comments. You can join my Blog by Google Friend Connect at the top section of my right sidebar where you see my Followers. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
I thought for a while before making this comment--Bible verses would be a great idea! And perhaps write the stories (like the events that transpired during the day, etc) that you would like to tell your sister, just like a journal, only it is addressed to her. :-)
Hello Irene,
I really appreciate your suggestions. Thank you so much and have a good weekend.
Judy
I would write all the funny things she said, so that whenever I opened the book, instead of grieving, some of her funny and witty statements would make me smile. It would be a book that I can always go to when I'm depressed and will find something that will put smiles on my face.
Just make your decision Judy, you are very brave.
Hello there Nekky,
Thank you so much for your comments. You certainly know what I am hoping to do with this book. I want when I open it to feel so much better and not sad. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
Judy
I think I'd fill it with favorite memories, although I'd probably through in a few bible verses and inspirational quotes too. A page for each sweet memory that pops into your head, starting from as far back as you can remember until her passing. Hugs xo
I'm also with inspirational quotes/bible verses ...every time you open this notebook it will inspire you and remind you of inspiring moments with your twin:)
Hi Genejosh,
Thanks for your comments.Inspirational quotes and Bible verses will definitely be included. My faith has helped me so much. God Bless.
Judy
Hi Katherine,
I have been thinking a lot about this throughout this afternoon and I really appreciate your comments. Thank you very much. Hugs to you and have a wonderful weekend.
Judy
Hi, I'm blog hoppin thru. Following via GFC.
http://celebinspiredclothes.com
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting on the Japanese wall hanging. I am so touched by your blog and am very sorry for your loss.
I agree with others have said, and would write notes to my loved one every day, documenting my growth and the special moments in life that remind me of him/her.
Jamie
day-and-age-design.com
Thank you so much Jamie! I appreciate you comments. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Lili,
Thanks for becoming a Follower and have a good weekend.
Judy
New follower from the hop! Looking forward to reading more of your blog! :-)
http://sewsweetbabyblog.blogspot.com/
What a treasure! I all your ideas and would have a really hard time choosing...maybe you could do all of them in a scrap-book style?
Carla
Hi Carla,
Thanks for your comments. You have suggested a great idea. Take care and have a good weekend.
Judy
Hi Mama,
Thanks for becoming a Follower of my Blog. I will be hopping over to your Blog. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
Judy
Alot of good suggestions here...I think I would make it into some kind of memorial diary...enter something weekly or monthly as to something you saw that reminded you of her...a special moment you had shared in the past during that month...pressing flowers she and you loved between the pages would also be an idea I might try..Please link up to my Wacky Weekend Blog Hop! http://www.pargasjunkyard.wordpress.com
Thank you very much for your great suggestion coronaryn! I will definitely check the Wacky Weekend Blog Hop. Take care.
Judy
Happy to follow you! Love your ideas for the notebook.
Thank you Lisa! Enjoy your weekend!
keep it!
i absolutely agree with sunray gardens.
btw, thnks for dropping by!
about your question: the difference between blogroll and the blogs you see when you open their profile, is that blogroll can be found in your page while the blogs you followed cannot be seen. Those are the blogs you see when you open the profile of the blogger. you do not have a blogroll. you do follow many blogs. i see it when i open your profile. the blogs listed there are the blogs you followed. following a blog does not mean that the owner of that blog also follows u. you follow a blog because u like his blog and be updated his posts.
blogroll is a list of blogs which you have links exchange with. u can install it on your page. add gadget then select blog list or blogroll.
try it. open your dashboard, click design, add a gadget, select basics, then click blog list and save.
add my blog and will check it later if you did it. and will add yours. good luck!
Hi Faye,
Thanks for your comments and also for answering the question I asked on your Blog. I hope I get it right! Take care and have a great weekend.
Judy
judy, just follow this simple instructions, you can make it.
http://www.blogginghobby.net/2010/07/how-to-make-blog-badge.html
I can't imagine how sad is to loose a loved one especially someone so close to you. I'm sure she would've loved to see you write wonderful quotes or Bible verses in her memory.
Wishing you the best,
Barbara
Español para Niños (Spanish for Kids)
Hi Judy!! Guess what?!?!? You won the earrings!! Email me your address @ erinhankins1@yahoo.com and I will mail them to you! They are really pretty. Congrats to you!!
Hi Barbara,
Thank you very much and have a good weekend.
Judy
Thank you very much for the information Faye! I will have a go at it.
Hello there Erin! I am so happy! This news that I have won the earrings has brightened my weekend so much. I will send you my address! Thank you so much for this opportunity! My first win! Wow!
hi! you did it! you already have a blogroll.
i have just added this blog to my 3 blogs. here are the URL of the two blogs:
http://meinthedutchsociety.blogspot.com/
http://www.mylifeinholland.com/
thnks and have a nice day!
if you have a problem in making your badge just let me know, maybe i can help you.
Hi Faye,
Thanks I will let you know as soon as I try. My internet service has been acting up and I am also getting a message that I have insecure content on my Blog. I have never seen this before. Can you tell me how to correct this? Thanks in advance.
Judy
What a beautiful journal. All of your ideas are wonderful and I'm sure your heart will lead you to the right choice.
Thanks a lot Jess! Have a good weekend!
The birds are beautiful, aren't they Judy?
I would fill it up with our memories together, or fill it up with some of the things she liked the most, like poetry or include some of her favorite songs and pictures or drawings of things she liked like birds.
Thank you very much for your wonderful suggestions The Belly Dancer. I certainly appreciate them. The birds are really beautiful. Take care.
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