Surprises, surprises..... what wonderful friends!

This poem by Laura Strickland just sums everything up.......

Friends are little blessings,
Sent from above,
To guide and support us,
With all their love…

Friends are little blessings,
With a great big heart,
Sharing their wisdom,
And all that they are…

Friends are little blessings,
Angels in disguise,
Hugs straight from heaven,
Under the guise,
Of a caring friend,
But underneath you’ll find,
A loving gentle soul with a lot to give.

Friends are blessings indeed,
And I’m ever so grateful,
You were sent to me.

I have been really missing my Mom during the holidays. I know the first year seems to be the hardest and while I have tried to keep my chin up; somedays no matter how hard you try it just doesn't happen. What amazes me though is how little things happen, friends call, an email from someone just to say hi will show up to brighten your day. While I can't quanitify these, I do have some wonderful surprises I have received from friends across the country that has made my day!

Chris from ESC (Every Stitch Counts) sent me a beautiful Christmas ornie out of the blue a few weeks ago. It just really meant a lot because when I opened it, I had a tear in my eye. My Mom loved poinsettas and she always made over them when she saw one. When I saw what Chris had sent me, it really meant so much because everytime I see the ornie I'll remember both my Mom and a wonderful friend I have made from Indiana!

Cathy from SIQ (Stitch-It-Quick) made me a handstitched card for Christmas. I have loved every card I have received this year and enjoy seeing cards from my stitching friends from across the world; but I know that she put lots of attention to every stitch she she made. She was so thoughtful to send something out of the blue and really came on a day that brought a smile to my face.

Sue from ESC sent me a huge RAK that was something I have loved for a long, long time! She sent me Jeanette Douglass' Northern Lights with some Carrie Threads and a gorgeous piece of teal evenweave that should make this design pop! I am planning on working on this during 2010 after finishing up some my other stitching projects that are in progress.

I have been very blessed with some wonderful friends over the course of the past 9 months since the loss of my Mom that has been there as a shoulder to cry on, a person to laugh with or someone that helps remind me that no matter how bad the day, there is someone out there that cares.

Thanks so much to you all!