Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Time For Change....

Good Evening & Happy Tuesday Friends!
I'm going to take a moment to explain why I haven't been posting as much to my blog:

I lost my baby brother 1 year ago & his death completely devastated me.  I didn't think I would ever get to a point in my life where I could smile & actually be happy again without breaking into tears but I'm happy to say that the day has finally come!  I will never get over his death & my heart will always ache for him....however; I'm now at peace with everything that occured June of 2010. 

My husband & I took the financial brunt of having to deal with my brother's death and I'm here to tell you that it wasn't pretty & it completely wiped us out.  It's funny how the insurance company can do whatever they want regardless to what's written in *stone* & people around you turn their backs very quickly when things aren't going as planned......a year ago I was a very depressed, extremely  bitter & angry person because of all this crap but today I'm just at ease!  I've found my happy place & it's really peaceful and serene....I've surrounded myself with positive, upbeat people and cut ties with those that choose to stir up all kinds of trouble.  What a relief that was!!!!  It wasn't easy getting to *my* place & I most certainly couldn't be rushed into this.....it takes time to get your head & heart together after all the mess we've had to deal with!

After falling in such a dark hole where we couldn't even see the bottom; I'm elated to say that we're moving this Friday!!!  I have just about my whole entire home packed up.....I'm leaving the food for tomorrow but my work here is done!  We're loading up the truck on Thursday & we're leaving this town for good very early Friday morning!  Maybe I shouldn't say for good since I will have to take a road trip once a quarter to do classes here for my most loyal, faithful & new friends alike!!!  Kathy R., Misti & Adriana will be truly missed!  These 3 ladies have seen us through our darkest days with hugs, groceries, shoulders to cry on......teaching me how to jump start my car when the battery died!  I couldn't ask for better friends & I wish I could pack them up and take them with me!  I do believe they know how much they mean to me & just in case they don't; I'll show them just how much I appreciate them with lots of Stampin' Up! gifts when I return LOL!!!!  You guys are awesome & I LOVE you very much!!!!!

My children are very excited to start their new schools on Halloween & to get into their new home this weekend!  I'm so happy that I've been completely honest with them about everything that's happened to us & I'm ever so grateful for their giving spirit.....my kiddos have been my lil' rocks through this whole process and they've taken good care of their Mama....I am truly BLESSED!  We're looking forward & not backward and I see a very bright future ahead for us! 

Thank you all for sticking with me through an extremely rough year & the words of encouragement mean so much coming from you all!  I lose my internet on Thursday & won't get it back until Saturday so please bear with me while we hit the road and get all set up in our new home.  I'm excited to be in a different town & meet new stamping friends.....after a nice long nap of course LOL!  I appreciate your visit & I'll be back as quickly as I possibly can! 
Until Next Time,
Hugs & Love,

33 comments:

  1. Oh Jackie, bless your heart. WHat a big step to share such a profound and life altering loss. my heart goes out to you on the loss of your baby brother. I'm so sorry to hear that it has caused you so much pain and anguish - I understand that pain so well and it just stays with you, consumes you ... but you are right ... though the ashes we arise and you will too, my friend! I'm so glad you were able to find solace this past weeks and with your husband stand united - be strong, be well and be blessed! xoxo

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  2. Girl Congrats to you what an inspiration you are!!! I know that must have been quite a long road to get down and I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I am happy that you were able to get to a better place and starting all new. Good Luck and safe travels, we will see you soon.

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  3. I am elated that you have found peace at last my friend..I wish you the best of everything in your new home and zip code. You deserve the best everything! :)

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  4. Dear Jaquel,
    Thank you for your soul-baring letter to us, your readers/fan club. I can't imagine what you've been through; but I am so glad, and give God praise that you have come through it and are at that happy place and able to move and start somewhere else. I pray that God continually works at healing your heart with all aspects of your brother's death, although He will not ever erase all the pain...just help you to bear it with His grace.
    Blessings, my friend.
    Chris in Calgary, AB Canada

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  5. Oh Jackie...your post brought tears. BIG HUGS to you and your family. I'm so glad you found "your place"! That is such a joy, I know. Bless your heart for sharing your life. God Bless! :)

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  6. Only God and time heals our hearts. It is nice, and helps so much having good friends and sometimes not everyone has that good luck. I wish you the best in all this changes that you are about to make. I have been married for 16 years and moved 10 times. I enjoy the changes every time. Everything will be for the best. Enjoy and talk to you soon next week!!!!

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  7. Jackie I'm so glad you have reached your happy place and are able to begin enjoying life again. We wish you the best of luck in your new home and community.. Looking forward to hearing all about it.. Woo hoo for the internet... we won't lose touch!! Keep your blog updated so we know what is happening!! Will be watching Saturday for a Hello from your new home!

    HUGS

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  8. I'm so happy to read that you've been doing better, Jackie! I've missed your posts. I wish you all the best in the move and will be here patiently waiting for you to post some pretties!

    Big fat hugs!
    Brandi

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  9. Such an inspiration you are to all of us! Thank you so very much for having the courage to share your story with us. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing you and your amazing creations again soon!

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  10. I lost my younger brother several years ago so I feel your pain. Sending loads of hugs your way. It's so great that you are healing and helping others by sharing your story. And thank God for wonderful friends. Best wishes on your move. Wish we lived closer so that I can take one of your card classes. Hugs!!! :)

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  11. Sending fond thoughts and wishing you the very best in your new home! Have a safe trip!

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  12. This is great news Jackie! So happy for you! We will celebrate at convention this summer! :)

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  13. I'm so sorry that this past year has been a challenge--but like you say, "It's time for a change!!!!" And know that God is with you and never leaves you!!! I am excited to see pics from your new home and your new adventures:) HUGS!!!

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  14. i know exactly where you're coming from! the GOOD LORD works in mysterious ways and i'm a firm believer of GOD DOES NOT GIVE YOU MORE THAN HE KNOWS YOU CAN HANDLE. and you handled it perfectly.

    i am sooooooooooooooo looking forward to meeting you. you know to call me if you need help.

    hugs :)

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  15. Jackie, I'm so sorry about your brother. My oldest brother passed away unexpectedly in 2003. Losing a sibling is like losing part of yourself, and for you to be responsible for the financial part of this as well is awful. I'm glad that you are starting to find peace and wish you nothing but happiness in your new home.

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  16. Jackie--good luck with your move and I am saddened to read what has happened to you in the last year.

    Good Luck on your New Start and I hope the kids love their new home and new school--Yay to start on Halloween!

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  17. Congratulations on the new start! Good luck with everything!

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  18. Jackie, wow, where do I start? My heart goes out to you and your family for having lost a loved one. I only know you from blog land, but, I am so sorry that you had the burden of the finances along with the loss of your brother.
    The move sounds wonderful and a good place to refresh the soul. If you don't do it already, set up a date night for you and your wonderful husband. Challenge yourself by doing it with "Free" of charge dates. Great way to explore your new hometown! Find a park, sit at the library, take a walk in the new town. Etc. There are so many ways to reconnect. Then, do the same with your children. LIFE IS WONDERFUL and you are so blessed. Take care.
    Joan

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  19. You bring tears to my eyes - I'm so happy for you! You know we come from similar paths and so I truly understand what this means and I am sooooo happy for you. It's an amazing thing to get to that happy place and be able to smile, laugh and have fun again. You are one of the most awesome, sweet, honest, true, generous, vivacious, exciting (and more!) people I've ever come across. I feel blessed that the forces brought us together. I cannot wait until convention to give you a GIANT hug. :) -Lenore

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  20. Jackie so many hugs to you and your family. You have been through so much and I am delighted to know you are feeling so much better. As you say, we all deal with grief in our own time, but you little brother would want to see you happy. Good luck with your move and I look forward to hearing all about your new home - and of course seeing the SU! projects you create there :)

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  21. Wow. Wishing you nothing but the best as you move and start this new chapter of your life. Good luck with the move and I hope it all goes as smoothy as possible for you.

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  22. You have been through so much... I am happy to know that you are feeling better and better...
    Wish everything is smooth with your moving and will see you soon. :D

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  23. Jackie my dear sweet long distance friend. I knew that you had lost your brother last year and that it has been rough for you since then, however, I had no idea you were going through all the devastating circumstances and burdens you have carried. We all have burdens to bear and in many cases can only help others by keeping them in prayer as I have kept you not even knowing wheat you have gone through. Even though we have never met you are my friend and sister. The tears have burned my eyes as I have read your story and will continue to pray that the Lord will sustain you and your family in your move and new beginning. Your courage is an inspiration to me, I am sure you have touched others as well.
    Take care my dear friend and may God go with you! Until you are ready to 'blog' again, my thoughts, prayers, hugs and love are with you.

    Barb

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  24. So sorry about your brother, but glad to hear you are doing better. I lost my brother too... it is a VERY difficult thing to go through. Big hugs to you. :0)

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  25. Jackie, I wish you continued peace on your journey of life. Congrats on your new home! I'm excited for you!

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  26. Ooooh, Jackie...first of all I want to give you a great big {{{{{{{{{{{hug}}}}}}}}}}}} and tell you how much I admire you for keeping your head held high and knowing what is truly important in life....God, family, friends, and your peace of mind!!!! Good for you for putting the terrible year behind you and going forward with your life to such a happy place....only someone as special and strong as you could have been so successful!!! Be safe on the road, now, and many blessings to you and your family!!!!

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  27. wow hun, I can't imagine what you've gone through in losing a loved one. I do know about change and letting go of the things that want to bind us down and letting go of the people who also want to continue in a life of negative. Your words touched my heart. Thank you for sharing with us. Have fun with your new move and we'll be waiting for your online return.

    Hugs to you my friend.

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  28. Giant hugs for you, my friend! I'm so glad to hear that you have found some peace and are at a good place in your life. I hope your new home brings you more serenity and of course more love.

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  29. Jackie, I had no idea that you were carrying all of this with you. I am so sorry things have been so difficult and so happy that you are turning a happier corner in your life. Know that you are in my prayers and I wish you all the best especially during your big move!

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  30. Oh my dear Jackie, thanks for sharing your story and pouring your heart out like that. I bet it felt good to just get it all out. I'm glad that you have finally found your way to the peace over the loss of your brother. Moving on and moving forward sounds like a good plan. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers as you embark upon this journey. Blessings,

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  31. Big hug! So happy that you are moving forward! Have safe travels and I will be thinking lots about you! :)

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  32. Good luck!! So sorry to hear about your brother. I think that would devastate me too, if something happened to my little bro. Glad you've found the happy place you deserve.

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  33. Hi hun, stoppin' by to touch base. I hope the move is/went smooth! Hugs

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Hugs & Love,
Jackie