A Special Mother's Day

Sunday, May 10, 2009


Many of you dedicated your samplers to loved ones...but this story touched my heart. I've been thinking of Doris all day long. Doris writes:

Attached is a picture of my contest sampler. It is stitched on 40-count fabric from my stash that I coffee-dyed and baked (a new obsession of mine). The dark color is WDW Eggplant, medium is WDW Purple Haze, and light is DMC 452. You'll recognize my bird from Sarah Tobias.

When I read the directions for your contest, I knew immediately whose name would be on it. My youngest child, Rebekah, was born on April 29, 1991, so she would have been 18 this Wednesday. She died in 1996, a few months short of her fifth birthday. I think of her all the time, of course, and I've taken to working her initials into most of the samplers I've stitched since her death. Adding her to my samplers gives me a way to let the world know that Bekah was here. It's comforting in some small way, and comfort is a good thing. In this sampler I used the lightest color for her initials.

I've had a difficult time this year deciding what to do in honor of Bekah's birthday, so your little sampler came along at a perfect time. Thank you for giving me some much-needed stitch therapy.

Wishing you a special Mother's day Doris.

Hugs,
Alma

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16 comments

  1. LoraineMay 10, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    I love this story. I've been thinking about Doris since I read this story on her blog a couple of weeks ago. What a wonderful tribute to Rebekah.
    Happy Mother's Day! I hope it was a good one.

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  2. NancyMay 10, 2009 at 8:38 PM

    A beautiful version of your sampler, and this is such a touching story. Thank you for sharing this.

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  3. MargaretMay 10, 2009 at 9:04 PM

    What a wonderful way to commemorate a daughter's life. Thank you for sharing this story.

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  4. Kim BMay 10, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    What a moving story. I know you can't possibly share the stories for all the entries you received, but thank you for sharing this. We celebrate our mothers on this day and we are celebrated for being mothers on this day, but let us also celebrate those who have given us the gift of motherhood - our precious children both here on earth and those who have gone to God.

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  5. KsMaryLouMay 10, 2009 at 9:48 PM

    What a lovely tribute to Rebekah. Thank you for sharing this story with us.

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  6. dorisMay 10, 2009 at 10:10 PM

    Thank you again, Alma, for your kindness.

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  7. RobbyMay 11, 2009 at 2:46 AM

    What a beautiful tribute to Rebekah. I don't know how you are going to pick a winner...maybe you needed a poll. Doris your cross stitch is beautiful!!!
    xxxRobby

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  8. AnonymousMay 11, 2009 at 4:23 AM

    What a lovely stitch & the story is so touching!!!
    Happy Mother's Day!!!
    Karin :)
    in NY

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  9. AnonymousMay 11, 2009 at 4:23 AM

    It's a very touching story - thanks, Alma, for sharing this sampler with us and giving us all the opportunity to celebrate someone.

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  10. AnonymousMay 11, 2009 at 4:30 PM

    Love this version Alma and Doris.
    A great way to commemorate Bekah.

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  11. kjb139May 11, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    A beautiful sampler and a beautiful story....surely deserves recognition.

    Kathy B

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  12. AngelaMay 12, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    Alma,
    What a wonderful thing it was when you offered this simple little sampler, you found in France, to all of us to stitch. So many people have used this friendly contest to express in one way or another some deep meaning which they have kept in their hearts.
    Doris's story touched me too in the way I'm sure it will affect everyone who reads it. We are all joined together, not only by our common love of needlework, but also by the compassion we feel when we read an account such as this. My thoughts are with Doris and with her beautiful daughter Rebekah.
    Warm wishes Angela

    stories we all help to

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  13. DianaMay 14, 2009 at 8:36 PM

    That is wonderful as a memorial to her daughter

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  14. lena-louMay 17, 2009 at 3:10 AM

    This is such a moving story, how lovely the lady shared it because she found something just right to do to commemorate her daughter .

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  15. Patricia LessellMay 18, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    Doris, I can't say I love this story because Rebekah passed away so young and a parent should never outlive their children, I can't think of anything worse in the whole world but I am happy that you found this sampler to stitch as a tribute to Rebekah's 18th birthday. All my Love always my friend, Patti xxx

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  16. Rachel VMay 19, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    Thank you for sharing ~ Doris, your love and courage are as lovely as your mother's stitches. May you continue to find comfort and peace.

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