I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Monday, June 2, 2008

one less in the nest

Life has taken me away, and now I'm back..... with one less in my nest. Our daughter graduated this past Friday.So many years of watching this little bird get her wings and now the cage door is opened and away she flies. She is now on her senior trip and right after she gets back , she will be reporting to duty to the Navy. It has been a decision that I have struggled with. I'm not so eager to let her fly so far away. What ever will I do without her?
The graduation ceremony was beautiful. At the end, each child's parents were recognized. The child's name was called, the parents stood up, the child brought their diploma to hand to the father, and a long stemmed rose to hand to the mother. A hug, a quick picture, and then they were off again to Seniors night lock in. We did this same thing last year for our son. Now we have only one left in the nest. He has a few years left to go, but is already trying to stretch his wings.{:
I stitched one more cocktail coaster with this cut out rose in inspiration of this occasion. The rose is done in closed buttonhole stitch and then cut out, the leaves are done the same. Three eyelets were done and the daisies were done in the lazy daisy stitch. The small leaves were done using the feather stitch. I have two more blank coasters that I need to place a design on. Then I will have a set for sale one day on Etsy. I have missed being on to blog. I can't wait to come and visit your blogs and catch up on what you are all doing!

11 comments:

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello Sweet Kathleen!

I am so glad I stopped by to see you! Oh, if only we could keep them tiny! I am sure you are very proud of your darling daughter but it is always bitter-sweet when they leave home. I have done it 4 times and it never got easier. The coaster you made for the occassion turned out so pretty.

I was watching "Hope Floats" just yesterday. I have watched it many times but something just touched me this time around...Hope (Sandra Bullock) says:

"Beginnings are scary,
the endings are sad,
but
the middle is the best!"

I truly believe at our age we are in the middle!

Thinking of you!

Hugs,
Maryjane

LindaSue said...

Congratulations on raising children who finish high school and have positive goals! Beautiful work on the coaster and from what we see from out here in the blogosphere - good work on the children also! Bless you - each stage of life has it's own satisfactions. Thanks for sharing your momentous occasions and the daily life we know is so precious.

Pam said...

Congratulations on the graduation.
I read your post with a tear in my eye because I truly do understand your feelings at this point.
I love what Maryjane wrote...."the middle is the best." It took me awhile to be able to see that, but it really is true.
Hugs,
Pam

Sugarplum Cottage said...

My heart goes out to you, I did this last year. Jessica was the last one at home and chose to go to a college that was 11 hours away. Although this past year has been rough, I have adjusted well. I've spent all this time... working and praying.

I'm sure she knows how proud you are and will keep that thought with her, as she flies out into this world.

Hugs, RoseMarie

papel1 said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. First congratulations on your daughters graduation. It sounds like you are proud of all your children. Your embroidered cocktail napkin is lovely. You ask where I get all my paper items, well some were from my Dads collections, others have been purchased over the years at antique stores, auction sites, and yard sales. Take care. Judy

Katie said...

It seems like yesterday but it was 29 years ago that my DD2 graduated and went off to the Army. She met anothe soldier, married while in the army and they were stationed in Germany. They got so see lots of places in Europe. DD2 got her BS collage degree during the four years she served and also had enough matching money to finish her masters degree after her discharge. It was a good experience for her and I hope your daughter will have the same.

Bee Haven Bev said...

It's funny, we raise them knowing every day that eventually they will leave us...but the time comes too quickly and they are off on their own adventure. Every once in a while, though, they come home for sanctuary....

You will adjust and find new adventures for yourself, Kathleen!!

Paula said...

Oh Kathleen..
I cried when I read this... I can't even imagine... I don't even have children, but I know you must feel so sad..
She is doing a brave and wonderful thing, but I will still be praying for her and for you.
By the way, I did see the coaster through my tears, and it is gorgeous. LOL

Linda said...

What a lovely young woman you have raised...how proud of her you must be.

The graduation ceremony sounds lovely and very touching.... especially presenting you with a rose...I know tears would be flowing for sure. Hugs, Linda

KaKi said...

Oh, Kathleen, my heart goes out to you. I will be there in 2 years. I am dreading it already. The navy??? Oh my. I would have trouble with that as well. I know they have to leave, but can't they stay near? I am praying for you. Thanks for checking in on me. I am back.

Farmhouse Blessings said...

Hi Kathleen!
I am just returning to visit everyone as well. Thank you for your sweet wishes and prayers for Colton. He is much better and I've posted a happy photo of him if you get a chance to stop by.

I understand your heart as your precious ones spread their wings. Our oldest graduated this weekend as well. It is such a bittersweet gift, mothering. But even though I am married and have my own family, I share a special bond with my mom that time or distance cannot weaken. I pray it will be the same with your children as well.

As always, your stitcheries are lovely. I have taken photos of mine (finally) and have sorted through my patterns and chosen another to begin. It has been some time since I've stitched. My eyes have changed quite a bit, but I bought some new funky glasses with rhinestones all around them and I'm ready to go! LOL

Blessings,
Lea