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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

In Remembrance...

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Hazelnut

Today is a bittersweet post.... one year ago today a young man walked into Chardon High School and killed 3 of his fellow students. several others were injured, but so many more in our small community were forever impacted. Ryan was a senior at the time.

(entire student body of Chardon High School, taken on March 16, 2012.
our son Ryan, is on the 50 yd line at the uppermost 'V' of the heart)

I could tell you story after story of the heroes that day. I could tell you so many other stories of how lives were touched by the love that was poured out upon our students and village. One that stands out so strongly for me is the mother of one of the young men killed who immediately offered forgiveness to the man who pulled the trigger. How many of us would do the same if ever in her shoes? I certainly can't say that I would.

I have a sign that still stands in my front yard that reads, 'we will never forget.' It has been up far longer than what would be considered 'acceptable' to keep it posted. red ribbons still hang around the trees in our yard, somehow still crisp and vibrant, even through the multitudes of rain and snow.


But the card I made goes to one young man who has been a friend of our family for many many years. he played t-ball and then baseball with  my sons. our families have had cookouts together, gone to church together, watched Super Bowl games together, even learned how to ride 4-wheel motor bikes together. He is a senior this year. On that day last year, he was sitting in the cafeteria when the shooter entered. both of his friends on either side of him were shot and killed. I'm shaking as I type this..... I can not even fathom what he went through that day and all of the days since. David keeps in touch with his parents since I can not so easily.

As this anniversary approached, I knew immediately who I NEEDED to make a card for, and all of my sons did not hesitate to sign when they were home this weekend..... our hearts break for what this young man has been through and still goes through. he needs to know that he is not alone. tragedy may strike, but he has not been forgotten. he is loved, just as you are loved - truly, deeply.

card details:
image by A Day for Daisies, papers by Basic Grey Aspen Frost, dies by My Favorite Things and Spellbinders, buttons are vintage. stars are painted with shimmerz, clouds are outlined with stardust stickles. glimmer mist was sprayed on main image, but I was using a new bottle that jammed & blobbed all over.... sorry.

Challenges:
ADFD - use a die cut
Paper Shelter - animal
WAW - anything goes with encouraging sentiment
Anything Goes - make it manly
City Crafter - wings of an angel (things with wings)
Craft Room - something for a man
Party Time Tuesdays - anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - thinking of you
Digi Darla - masculine
Pink Elephant - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
All That Stickles - stardust stickles

25 comments:

Pam said...

Beautiful card Jen, I am sure he will greatly appreiate the fact that so many care. I can not imagine what they day was like for you and all the other parents as you waited for word and all you wanted was to see your childs face. May God bless all that were touched by this terrible tragedy!
{{{{HUGS}}}}

Margaret said...

Love all the embellishments you have added to this lovely card. Thanks for joining us at Tuesday Throwdown for this challenge.
Margaret, DT

Karen Letchworth said...

One of the things I really love about your art, Jennifer, is the way you use soft elements and rough elements together. It creates such a wonderful blend of textures and gives a really great feel to your art. SO pretty.
Thanks so much for sharing this with us, and for being such a blessing to us!
Karen
Word Art Wednesday

ThePurplePlace said...

What a wonderful story!! Thanks for sharing and I also want to tell you how much I LOVE seeing you back to creating all the time.

It's been a joy and I hope that means you are feeling pretty well too. I have had a very sucky 2013, between my Mom and my own health stuff, but I sure am HAPPY for you and hope with with all my heart that this will be a good year for you and they'll find a wonderful cure!!

Big hugs,
Lis

PS: Thanks for the share on Doodle Garden...OMG...what cute images...I will be adding some to my digi stash! Adorable!!

craft-roomjulia said...

Thanks so much for joining us at Craft Room Challenge and good luck with the draw. Julia xxxx
Your story is so tragic, I can't imagine how everyone coped with something so awful. xxxxx

Anonymous said...

I couldn't even imagine wsa a horrible tragedy that was. Bless you and all those families..

I love you card! It's so sift and comforting :-) Thanks so much for sharing this week at CCCB :-)

Nannieflash said...

Gorgeous card love your owl and your layout. Thanks for joining us at TPS, good luck with the challenge. hugs Shirleyxxx

Penny said...

Goodness, it was so sweet of you to think of this young man! I am certain he will appreciate the thought. And your card is so darling, Jennifer! I love that cute little owl, the pretty papers, your clouds & other die cuts, and the very cool bundle of embellies in the corner! :^)
Big hugs to you, Penny

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Editor said...

What a lovely tribute...and a beautiful card.

I'm always thinking of you,
Cath

Annette said...

Your story brings tears to my eyes, but in this huge tragedy there is some bright moments and your card is one of theme! Such a beautiful gesture to let him know his not alone!
Thank you for sharing the story and your beautiful card with us at Anything Goes!
Hugs Annette

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

That's adorable. Thanks for joining us at CCCB!

Renee B. said...

What a tragic story Jennifer...can't imagine what goes through that young mans mind on a daily basis. The loss of any life is tragic but a young life is the worst. Dear friends of ours just lost their beautiful daughter to a drug overdose. She had been suffering from depression for a long time & life just became too much for her to go on. So, hug your boys every chance you get & tell them how much you love them!
Hugs, Renee

Heather said...

A fabulous card, a great design and lovely soft subtle colours. Your image is adorable and wonderful details.

Thanks so much for joining Simon Says Stamp challenge,
hugs
Heather xx

Ros Crawford said...

What a moving post this is ... It kind of detracted me from your card ... and the reason I was at your blog ... My prayers are with you and your card is beautiful ... Many thanks for playing at CCCB!

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

Your post gave me goosebumps and I am filling up as I type. Thanks for sharing your thoughtful card with us at The Paper Shelter, sending big hugs Susan x

Shea said...

This is a loving, thoughtful and beautiful card, sure to be appreciated by the young man for whom you've made it. Thanks for playing and sharing this lovely piece with us at Digi Darla's this week. Hugs!

Joanie said...

You touched me deeply with your story and my heart goes out to this young man. Your card is so apt and I thank you for sharing it with us at Anything Goes.

Broni said...

It sounds like that young mans is certainly very deserving of your beautiful and heartfelt card! Thanks for joining us for the ADFD die cut challenge!

Kati said...

Terrible story that makes everybody stop and think for a while....
But you have made very sweet card for very special person.

Mandy said...

Love your card it's so cute and gorgeous, and I love how you've added some twigs, everything is just perfect :)
Jennifer you lovely post brought tears to me eyes, and I think sending this gorgeous card is so sweet & thoughtful of you & will be appreciated so much.
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp
hugs Mandy xx

Emily Lauritzen said...

This is such a sweet card Jenn What a hard thing to experience at such a young age. It breaks my heart to see this sort of thing happening so often...but your heartfelt love and support to those families is surely appreciated.
Thanks for joining us at Tuesday Throwdown!
<3 Emily L.-DT

Unknown said...

Awwww. I just adore your card. It so cute. I am so glad you joined us over at CCCB!

Lisa Minckler said...

Congrats on being a top pick at Tuesday Throwdown. I saw your card there and about flipped right out of my chair...it's GORGEOUS! I love those shabby chic textures and that image is precious!! :)
hugs,
Lisa x

Unknown said...

Very sweet, very cool card. Blobbing works great for me! :)

Heidi Weaver said...

I don't know you and have only begun touching the tip of the iceberg that is your creativity. So far that tip has been incredible and I feel lucky that we have the internet and can share in the talents of others so easily.

This card prompted me to write a short note. I feel privileged to read your thoughts and feelings on this and so many other topics. Thank you for sharing.

Ignore the people who try to push your spirits down. They are not worth the moments it takes to read their swill. You are surrounded by love and have a wonderful talent to which you can turn and, for a short while during the creative process, put aside the cares of your world.

I pray for you and hope you will realize how much your journey is touching others. Blessing to you.