It’s been years since I’ve lived full time with children. In fact, my life’s been kind of sedate for the past 20 or so years. Ed and I were basically a quiet couple, going out rarely and then mostly for hikes in our beloved and recently adopted New Mexico wilderness or for church activities with friends and family in Albuquerque. Of course the occasional, delicious New Mexico style restaurant meal belongs on this list as well.
Our weekly schedule was answering customer questions, filling orders, improving our website and for me, designing new jewelry. Then of course there was Friday movie night at our son’s cabin, (although this was rarely a quiet event.)
Of course we had our share of festive family gatherings. More often than many people, as a matter of fact since my son, his wife and the 3 grand kids have shared our 20 acres as very close neighbors for 4 years.
But still Ed and I were mostly homebodies. And days sometimes passed before we saw anyone, even our family next door!
But that is changing as I write.
David and his wife Diana are in full remodel mode. With my enthusiastic agreement, my large adobe and wooden house is being made into a family dwelling for the 6 of us. I wasn’t keen on living by myself, and David (my sweet and very caring son) couldn’t bear to think of me banging around in this giant house like a lost ping pong ball.
So life is changing. For me, it doesn’t work well to hold onto a past that is, well, past.
My son has completely stepped into Ed’s “The Magic Zoo boots,”and I keep myself as busy as I possibly can. Yes, it’s hard. I know every one of you who has lost someone they adore can identify with this.
But filling my home with the sounds of children playing, the smells of a baking blueberry pie (Diana is a marvelous cook) and the hammering of new walls going up to create additional bedrooms fills me with hope.
The year is new and I plan to experience as much fun and give myself as many treats as I can. This of course includes not just delicious blueberry pies but new jewelry creations, new blog articles, precious moments shared with my grandchildren and hopefully emails and phone calls with you!
We’ve all experienced a tough 2020. I know I’m not the only one. So…tell me about your New Year’s plans, and how you will treat yourself in 2021! (I know you deserve it)
Your Animal Loving Artist,
Merry
Very sorry to hear that Ed had died. May you gain strength through God, your family, and your work. I have received your emails for many years and have always enjoyed your stories. I haven’t made a purchase in many years either but still enjoy seeing your work and smiling at your writing. Through healing, enjoy your purpose in life. May God bless you.
Thank you for your beautiful thoughts, Ileene. My best to you as well. – Merry
Merry,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You definitely have a wonderful, caring family. .
I’m glad you’re going to continue to create your beautiful jewelry creations.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Nancy for the very kind thoughts. And yes, my art is helping through this challenging time. – Merry
So sorry to hear about your loss, but relieved that you are able to heal together with your family.
We must look forward to better times this coming year – and that includes planning new projects and making new friends. Stay safe and healthy.
Thank you, Karen. Yes, we are in the midst of a lot of healing. And I hope this New Year is better for ALL of us! – Merry
You are all such a great and beautiful family! I love this article and adore the photo. I’m so happy to hear about all the plans and activities for the future that you and everyone is creating! That’s so important. You are an inspiration always!
Love,
Laura
So nice to hear from you, Laura! Old friends are so important, especially now. I hope you can all come by for a visit before too long. Love you and your family! – Merry
Gosh, Merry, I had no idea that Ed had passed away – I must have missed something you sent. I am so very sorry! I’m also grateful you get to stay in a place you’ve come to love – and that your children are making things so that you all can live together.
And, yes! Children keep life moving in wonderful directions! The best of all lives was with Ed . . . but the next best is what you are making of it now.
You’ve got my sincerest sympathies and my very best wishes for a future of love and happiness with your family. My heart is yours! Loveya! Nan
Hi Nan, Thank you so much for your kind thoughts! It has been a tough 6 weeks, but it does get a bit easier each day. Ed and I were very much soul mates. But life does have to go on, and I’m finding reservoirs of joy in living with my son and his family. Thank you so much for your continuing support as a very, very special customer and friend. Love, Merry
Merry, it was wonderful meeting you on the phone last year! I will surely keep you on my mind with ordering your wonderful jewelry! God bless you and your family in these challenging times of our lives…
Sincerely,
Toinette and Dave Broschay
Thank you so much, Toinette and Dave! I so appreciate you as a customer, and hope to talk to you again some day! Merry
Family is wonderful, and I am glad you have yours so close. New chapters, new adventures, but always carrying the love and memory of the one not with us. I am glad you are in the loving embrace also of the Land of Enchantment (my home state). The nature there does wonders. All the best to you and yours!
Ah, Jana it is so good you are a New Mexican and appreciate the healing power of this Land of Enchantment. It does really help. Especially since we live in the midst of a natural environment here in the mountains. Thank you so much for your kind words! – Merry
I am so happy for you and your family! I know it has been hard but your focus on creating a future is truly inspiring. My love to all of you!
Diane, I know you really understand this journey, being such a good friend to both Ed and myself. My love and best wishes to you and Paul. Love, Merry
I’m sorry for you loss. It’s wonderful that you are now surrounded by family. There’s nothing like children in the house to create a healing atmosphere and bring laughter back into life.
Love your work and always keep you in mind when considering a jewelry purchase.
Thank you, Carol for your kind thoughts. And that is so very true about having children in the house! – Merry
I am happy to see that you are surrounded by love and support. We love you too, Merry.
Yes, life is good, considering the loss we’ve all experienced. Love you too, Nancy.
Family is everything.
That is so very true, Thelma! – Merry
What an inspiration you are, Merry!
My plans for 2021 are to progress spiritually and really create on that side of life, get healthy and help others to do the same! AND have a tea party with you!
Thank you, Jonni! I love your plans for the New Year. And I can’t wait for that tea party! – Merry
God Bless. Jean
Thank you, Dr. Feldman. – Merry
Hi Merry
So glad that your son and his family are helping you get through this difficult period. Family is everything!
That is so true, Cheryl. – Merry