My Voice Returns, Slowly

Life has dealt me some wild cards lately, and it has clammed me up pretty tight.  I'm still not feeling terribly articulate or interested in the blog. I have not read any blogs, and have answered very few emails, for several days now. But right now I have something to say.

A few weeks ago I told you about a stupendously wonderful yarn shop that I had stumbled upon, and that I felt like a schmuck for not having discovered it sooner.  The reason is it is right in my town on Main Street, and it was run by two long-time friends of mine.  I promised to get back there and take photos and tell you the full story and to introduce you to its proprietors. 

I didn't make it in time. 

More on the story here and here, and you can search around that website for more obits and stories. The article entitled, "Shocked," could have been written by me -- or rather, I could have been one of the interviewees and I would have said exactly the same words.

When I was there, Gwen told me that she had knit nights on Thursdays, and hoped I'd be coming regularly.  I told her I couldn't wait, but that Thursdays were my longest days for work, and I had a class at the university that took me too late to make it, but as soon as classes were over, she could count on me being there.  She was as excited as a little girl.  My last class at the university was two weeks ago, and last Thursday I had another one of those all-night jobs, so I could not make it.  Thursday of this week never came.

Gwen was a gifted fiber artist, and one of the most humble and beautiful people I've ever met.  She and her husband were electricians, and they wired our home when we built it 20 years ago.  Her taste in everything -- be it quilts, rugs, antiques -- was exquisite.  A story told at the memorial today was that her first entry in a quilt show won 2nd prize.  It is on display at the Shelburne Museum.  I also know that she did quilt restoration for them. 

There is much more to the story, but it's not something I will write in this forum.  Suffice it to say, I hurt.  I just got back from the memorial service, and it was lovely.

If you feel moved to send donations in Gwen's memory, please see the requests in the paper articles and the memorial pamphlet above.  I never got the chance to show her the power of bloggy love while she was alive.  Maybe we can do it posthumously. 

Comments

[Julie]

Oh, my Norma, I am so very sorry to hear of this terrible tragedy. In 1960, my ex's father killed his wife very brutally (his wife being my ex's mother) and left 5 kids without a mother, and the toll it took, and still takes, is immeasurable. I can only imagine the pain and loss you are feeling. My heart is with you today and in the next few weeks and months as you recover from this shock. I was worried that something had happened when you locked us out. I am glad you're OK.

[Marcia Cooke]

Oh, Norma....I don't know what to say! And I thought I had a bad week! It's just surreal when something like this happens so close to home. Hugs.

[Rachel H]

I'm so very, very sorry love.

[Kathy]

Oh, Norma. I'm so sorry. What a horrible thing to happen to someone so loved. Wishing you strength and peace.

[Sue]

Norma, I can almost feel your pain. Don't have any regrets or recriminations about not getting to Gwen's meetings as these will only make you feel worse over time and I'm sure Gwen would not want that for you. Remember your friend with positiveness and love.

[Kris]

I'm so sorry - I can't even comprehend how this sort of thing happens, so I can't even imagine how you feel right now. My thoughts are with you.

[jean E.]

I am so very sorry.

[claudia]

That is incredibly sad.

[Lynn]

I am so sorry.

[Paula]

Oh, Norma. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a terrible way to lose two friends.

[Amanda]

How terribly sad. My heart goes out to all those in mourning.

[marianne]

Oh Norma, I am so very sorry, every day I clicked to find 'blog break' I felt a bit of dread, and hoping everything was alright, you know? Honey, I am so so very sorry, sending you all kinds of love, it's so hard, so crazy.

[scout]

Let's see if I can write this with tears streaming down my face. I know saying "sorry" doesn't make it hurt any less. But I am Norma. Such a tragic loss and horrible loss for your community. I'm hugging you from far away.
xoxo

[Sarah]

I am so very sorry for your loss.

[JoVE]

That sort of thing happens way too often. I am so sorry that it has happened to someone you knew and cared for. Take care of yourself.

Oh, and for people from far away, I think you can make donations to any registered 501(c)3 through Network for Good. They take a very small admin fee for processing credit cards but the value of the secure server, credit card processing, and sending out tax receipts is usually worth it to the organization you give to. I noticed that the suggested charities are both local to you, and that might help if folks take you up on the bloggy love...

[Annie]

Horrifying. I'm so sorry for your loss and your community's loss.

[Lisa in Oregon]

Oh god. I am so very, very sorry Norma. The loss of a friend is always difficult..but in such horribly violent circumstances..God. I am just so sorry. Thank you for telling us...because it is good to remember violence CAN happen to anyone. Bless you, Norma..hang in there.

[Faith]

I'm so sorry.

[Carrie]

My condolences on the loss of both of your friends, Norma.

[tayloe]

Norma-I'm very sorry -this is horrible- all of you will be in my thoughts

[Kathy]

Oh, Norma, I am SO sorry. It's horrible. I am thinking of you and your community.

[Lee Ann]

When I saw the blog break sign, I wasn't sure if I should e-mail you or not...thought you might want to be left to yourself for a while. I did look around and read the articles...and all I can say is that I love you dearly, and I'm so sorry for the hurt you and the whole community around Gwen must be feeling right now.

I've been thinking about you every day, wondering if you're okay. I'm holding you in my heart, sweetpea.

[Emma.]

Such a tragic way to end a life. So sad for everyone in your community.
I can think of nothing to ease your pain. I can only send my love and sympathies. Take care of yourself.

xxx

[Lucia]

OMG, Norma, I am so sorry. Sending hugs.

[jessica~]

I'm so sorry Norma, for you and for the families...

[Lana]

Norma, I'm so sorry to hear of this senseless tragedy!

[Laura]

Norma I'm so choked up. I can only imagine how you and the entire community must feel. You. Never. Know. Someone. Else's. Life. NEVER. Unless you are them.

Prayers for comfort and peace to all of you and their families. xoxox

[Kristen]

No words. Just { }.

[Alotta]

Dear Norma, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in your community.

[Manise]

I'm so, so sorry Norma. What a terrible thing to happen and such a loss for you all. Sending you much love and hugs.

[Ann in Vermont]

Norma
I just put 2 and 2 together.I have met Gwen. I did not realize it was her when I saw it in the paper. I am so sorry this has touched you so. A big hug and take a breath.
Love ya
Ann

[Karen]

I'm so sorry.

[KT]

Oh Norma. I pieced together the reason for your blogging break from various things I had read. You and your friends have been in my thoughts all week. Really all I can do is say that you have been in my heart and I wish I could make it better. Thank you for letting us know that you are, well that you ARE. We love you Norma, so so sorry for Gwen and for Carroll. All of my love.

[Carole]

There's not much to say except I'm sorry. Once again you have written beautifully.

[--Deb]

Oh no....

[no-blog-rachel]

Oh Norma, I don't know what to say other than I'm so sorry. You and Gwen's family are in my thoughts.

[Shanti]

I'm so sorry. I'll be keeping you and her family in my thoughts.

[Ruth]

Oh how awful, Norma! I'm so terribly sorry. You and Gwen's family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sue]

Norma, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are for you and their families.

[Margot]

So, so sorry sweetie. Your post makes me feel a little as though I know her and a lot like I wish I had. Peace.

[Cara]

I'm so sorry Norma. Incredibly heartbreaking for everyone involved. I wish you all a healing peace.

[Gwen]

Oh, I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you.

[Julie]

Norma, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'll be keeping you and your entire community in my thoughts. Take care of yourself.

[beebs]

Oh dear. Norma, I am so very sorry for the huge loss to you, her family and your community. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[regina]

Oh Norma, i'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your friends' loved ones.

[sandy]

You know how I feel, so I just leave some smooches.
xoxoxo

[Ann]

Sending a hug your way.

[Lynn in Tucson]

My heart goes out to you and her family.

Blessed be.

[Debi]

What a tragedy! I'm so sad for your loss Norma ((((Norma))))

[Beth]

Norma, what a beautiful tribute to your friend.

I'm sorry for the pain you and Gwen's family are feeling right now. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with this loss.