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!