Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Remembering Belva


Heaven welcomed a wonderful stitcher yesterday late afternoon.

I had the honor of meeting Belva about 10-12 years ago. A mutual friend introduced us. I knew who Belva was, but had never met her really. She was an elderly lady in our church. My early memories of her were seeing her each & every Sunday, bringing the Sunday School attendance book to each classroom.

One day, our mutual friend called & asked if I would like to go over to Belva's house. She told me Belva was a cross stitcher & wanted me to meet her. I said sure! So, she had her preteen daughter with her & I had my preteen son with me.

We had a wonderful visit, getting to know Belva. She showed us all of her stitching. Oh my goodness. Let me back up here. Belva was 95 when she passed away yesterday. She stitched up until about a year ago. Maybe 9 months ago.

Anyway, she had LOTS for us to look at. One she had was Serengetti Stroll. My son loved that one. He asked me if I could do it for him. I asked Belva if she still had the pattern. Why of course she did & I could sure borrow it! So.....I brought it home & gathered supplies & away I went.

It hangs proudly in our home....in the hallway as you walk to my son's room.

Belva stitched this same pattern 2 times.

Yesterday afternoon, when I went up to the hospital to say my final goodbyes, I chatted with her daughters that were there. They asked how I knew Belva. They knew we went to the same church. I said a mutual friend knew that I stitched & she introduced us. They thought Belva had taught me to stitch. I told them no, she had loaned me the elephant pattern. They then said ok, we remember mom saying she had lent out her elephant pattern.

It was a sweet time visiting with her daughters & sister & learning a little more about my friend.

Belva, I will miss your sweet spirit daily. I love you & will see you again in heaven!

11 comments:

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

What a remarkable lady.

Would be great if we all could continue stitching until days or weeks before we pass.

May she find peace and her family and friends find comfort.

Sherre said...

Thinking of you, Shari, and praying these wonderful memories you have of Belva will sustain and comfort you in the days ahead.

Tommye said...

Stitching friends are forever. I'm so glad you two were friends and shared that passion. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Kathy said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in all the wonderful warm memories you have of this dear special lady.

Carolyn NC said...

What a beautiful, moving tribute to your friend. I am sorry for your loss, but I'm glad to hear of your sweet memories.

CindyMae said...

I am so sorry for your loss! I will be praying for you and for her family. She sounds like a wonderful woman! Love the patterns, that is great!

Maren said...

She sounds like a wonderful lady. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and her family.

Ivory Spring said...

What a sweet post, Shari! Belva is forever in the loving arms of the Lord.

Blessings.

WendyCarole said...

What a grea lady.

Love the elephants

Cindy F. said...

Your post is a beautiful tribute to your dear friend! I'm sure you meant as much to her as she did to you:)

My thoughts and prayers are with you and her family, friends:)

(((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

I remember your talking about Belva and how much you loved her. I'm sorry for your loss. May the memories of her comfort you.

Rita