A Very Special Gift from a Very Special Blogger

If you've been a reader of my blog for very long, you will recognize the person in this photo.  If you are new to my blog, then let me tell you who he is.  He is Richard Eaton, my late husband.  On this blog, I nearly always just call him "the old navy man."   ( He gave that name to himself, by the way.)  He passed away three years ago, this November 29th.  I took this photo of him before he became really ill and it is one of my favorites. 

I have had this blog since 2008.  The old navy man encouraged me to start one....and in fact, he gave my little quilting enterprise the name BIRD NEST ON THE GROUND, years ago.  Over the years, I have made FRIENDS with many people who also post on their own blogs, and also people who just like to read what the bloggers are saying and seeing what it is we all do.  Since his death, I have not been very good at posting....but my heart is in the right place...as I intend to always do better, although I know I haven't been as good as my intentions are.  It does appear, though, that I have some blog fans, no matter how good I am at posting.  It's amazing!  I receive a few comments here and there, which I really appreciate.  And, I also receive many email messages.  These lovely people send me messages which I find uplifting, inspiring, funny, thought provoking, helpful and smart.  I do so enjoy hearing from them.

My blog readers sometimes surprise me, which I enjoy.  I also enjoy that many of them do not live in the U.S.  They are a wonderful group and I do love hearing from them.  This time, I have one in particular I'd like to tell you about.  Her name is Lynn and she lives in France.  She contacted me last year to let me know she was making me something.  It would take her quite a while to make it, so would I just know that she was thinking of me as she created this gift from her.  My goodness!  What could she be doing?  This last week, I received a package in the mail from France.  Well, now, who would really expect someone to take a year or so to make you something?  I was so surprised that there at my door was a gift from Lynn!!!    The day before my 72nd birthday!!!  Now, when I say I was shocked when I opened it....I really was....who knew she would be cross stitching a photo of the old navy man...the very one I am showing you now at the beginning of this post.  WHO WOULD DO THAT?

 This is a 7 inch x 9 inch, (approximately) cross stitched version of the old navy man's photo. 

 WHO KNEW?

I can certainly see why it would take so long.  I can see how wonderfully she stitched all those million cross stitches. and the colors are spot on,  but I have to say.....I simply burst into tears when I opened that package.  Lynn doesn't 'really' know me.  I'm sure I'm not deserving of such a gift.

And, seeing THAT face come out of a package from France.  It was a shock.  It won't matter how many ways I think of to thank her....nothing I say could possibly explain my feelings at that moment and every day since.  No amount of gratitude offered her could live up to what she has actually DONE FOR ME.

 

 He was so dear!!!  And this cross stitched version of his photo is magnificent!!!  I LOVE it!  

 

Here are some close-ups of the stitching.  As I told her later in an email....just when you think the world is going to hell in a hand basket, someone out in blogland, steps up and does something so lovely and unexpected, that we just know everything will be ok somehow.  Humanity, once again, has a shining example of a lovely human being who has spent much of her time thinking of others, rather than herself.  I am completely blown away by her thoughtfulness and generosity.  I bet you are too!

Just think of all the stitches!  All that time and energy. 

 With all the other things she has to do in life!!

OH, MY!!!!

 

 I know the old navy man would be so pleased to see this.  He would wonder, as I do, WHY, HOW?

And, he would smile, wishing her all the very best in life...as she represents the best in all of us.

We are grateful for her...in every way.

 

 Here is the card she made and sent along with this wonderful gift.  Once again, I teared up as I read her words.  I didn't photograph the whole message, but thought you would like to read these paragraphs.  She is dear, don't you think?  

 

 Lynn has a blog.  You might want to visit.  So, go there to see what all she does.  You might want to leave a comment.  She deserves lots of them!!!

Visit here:  

happinessiscrossstitching.blogspot.com 

Lynn is also participating in a contest to choose a Cross Stitching Champion in the UK.  You might want to visit that site too, and vote for her.  You don't have to be a citizen of the UK to vote, but you do have to be one to win a prize.  She would love to have a vote from you. (Just type her name, Lynn B.,  in the proper place, then vote for her blog!)

 www.britishcraftawards.com(click here to go vote)

Alright....now you know about blogging friends....they are a treasure.

Lynn,
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR THINKING OF ME AND THE OLD NAVY MAN.  A MILLION THANK YOUS WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH!
YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORK WILL BECOME A FAMILY HEIRLOOM.  I WILL BE SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT FRAME FOR IT AND WILL POST PHOTOS WHEN IT IS ALL DONE.  THE SEARCH BEGINS!!!

As for the rest of my readers....you are dear also.  THANK YOU for brightening my days!

from
BIRD NEST COTTAGE
until next time
❤️❤️❤️

(Next time I will be talking about a collection of vintage Button Cards, a request of Robin, another lovely blog reader!)

❤️SIGH!❤️