As most of you know, I have been sending mail to cancer patients for many years now (please check out Chemo Angels if you'd like to read about this fabulous opportunity to bring a smile to a cancer patient). Back in 2007, my friend Chris found out that a friend of his from work had a daughter who had been diagnosed with cancer, and he asked me if I would be willing to add her to my list of kids to send "happy mail" to. Of course I said yes - she lived in Rhode Island, not far from me at all, and her name was Megan. Meg. She was 11 years old and had 2 older sisters who adored her. I began sending her mail, and she wrote back to me. Her mom, Teresa, wrote to me as well, and we developed a friendship. I remember looking forward to the day when Meg was all better - cured - and we'd be able to meet in person and celebrate.
As the months went on, Meg got sicker and sicker. Right before Christmas of 2007, Teresa asked if she could bring Meg to meet me. Of course I said yes, and I was so excited as I waited for them to show up at my house. When they arrived, they were piled high with gifts for me. A basket full of gifts that clearly showed they had paid attention to all of the little things I mentioned in my cards and letters... but the one item I have to tell you about is the kitty blanket. LOL Meg made it for me - she knew I loved kitties and she took the time, sick as she was, to make me one of those fleece blankets that you tie together... I can't even tell you how much this blanket means to me. Every time one of the ties comes undone and I tie it back up, I picture Meg's little hands tying it for me... I snuggle with this blanket while I watch TV, or when I'm sick, or when I just want to feel sorry for myself and cry. And I feel Meg's presence when I do. I'm so thankful for that.
So - five years ago today, June 5, 2008. When I found out that Meg had passed away, I went through such an array of emotions.... anger at something so damn unfair happening to such good people. Sadness that my little buddy was gone. Relief that she wouldn't be sick and suffer anymore. Guilt for not having done more. I wanted to attend her funeral with Chris, but he ended up not being able to go and I just couldn't do it alone. I felt horrible about that and still do, five years later, but I am at peace with it because I feel in my heart that Meg knew, knows, how very much I love her and that she will always be in my heart.
This is the card I sent to Teresa & John, Meg's wonderful parents, in recognition of this anniversary:
I am entering this into the:
Kreativeinkauf Challenge: Things that Fly
and
Glitter n Sparkle: The Letter "B" (bee)
and
Crafty Calendar: Things with Wings
and
Di's Digi Designs: Winged Things
Her parents called her their little bumblebee (if you remember, I had a bumblebee tattooed on my left wrist for her) - I used an image from Spesch Designs called Spring Bee, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits. DP is from MME, I added some little text stickers and gemstone stickers, along with a piece of fun frilly pink ribbon. The funny thing is, this card started out completely different - I printed the image and intended to make the card with subtle, vintagey colors - but I felt led towards pinks and bright colors and couldn't help but think Meg was the one leading me. I had been thinking of her a lot that day, and crying, and I remember saying "OK Meg, if you want a pink crown, you got it." LOL I love the way it came out. I wish so very much that I could have sent it to Meg herself instead of to her parents. *sigh*
I really wanted today's post to be all about sweet Meg, so I made my ATC with her in mind for our new challenge at:
I am also entering this one into the:
Sparkles Monthly Challenge: Monochromatic
and
Quirky Crafts: Black and White with One Color
I used a headstone image from our sponsor, Smeared Ink, combined with a pair of angel wings that I covered in glitter. I printed them both onto DP from MME, then fussy-cut and adhered to an ATC I had covered with the same paper. Added a strip of torn coordinating paper along the bottom and attached the charm with a silver brad. The bee is from Dilly Beans.
I love you, Meg, and you will always be in my heart and in my thoughts. Peace.
