As some of you know, I lost my oldest son to cancer five years ago. Since that time my family has struggled to know how to celebrate for and with him on events such as his birthday, Christmas, etc. This layout talks about some of our struggles to find that tradition that brings us peace and celebrates his life. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't miss him and think of him.
I think it's important to write about the difficult things. While there are some events from Joey's illness and passing, that I'm not sure I will ever be able to record due to the pain of those moments. I do try to include my feelings about him in our family scrapbooks. I don't want any future siblings or family to miss out on the opportunity to know Joey.
Here's the layout that I created for 2Peas:
Here's a close-up photo of the layout:
You can find additional photos of this project HERE on 2Peas.
I've included the supplies for this layout below, as well as, products you can use on any birthday project. Can I challenge you to take on some of those tougher subjects? Most of the time it will be a healing experience. And when it is not, it's ok to keep those feelings locked up in your heart. Some memories and moments might just be too tender to share with others.
Supplies (click the photos for links to the products):
All I can say is thank you- sharing your story and your talents help me and others. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. I lost my father when I was three. I am just now trying to document all the feeling and loss I have felt for many years (I am 60). I am encouraged to just do it by the sharing from you and other scrapbookers. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful layout for a beautiful boy.
ReplyDeleteHugs Hun xxxx
I think it is fabulous you keep him alive! Good for you! It is a beautiful layout! Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more - I have never shyed away from making layouts about break-ups, tough decisions and losing loved ones. It is supposed to scrap your whole life experiences. He was a lovely little boy from the look of it and its great that these memories are recorded!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful page! I am so touched by your strength and courage. How fabulous that you keep Joey's memory alive with special pages like this! I love your blog and style of scrapbooking! I am very thankful that you share so many awesome projects with us!
ReplyDeleteI think you are one talented scrapper :) And... I have always loved your clean lines and choice of colors.
ReplyDeleteI'm just saying :)
Gorgeous layout ♥
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to scrap the hard stuff too, in a positive way if we can. I love what you have done here, it looks like a layout with lots of fun and life which I bet is just how he was before he got so sick. I didn't know your back story so thank you for sharing such a personal subject. I have just scrapped my graduation picture (I did my degree with the Open University) which was a real toughie because I had lost our first baby just 8 days previously. I'm glad I have that story in my album now. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful layout. Thanks for sharing it with all of us. :)
ReplyDeleteTHankyou for sharing and reminding me why I do this.
ReplyDeleteHow powerful and important! It's wonderful to be a part of a community that encourages us to heal ourselves through our creations as well as inform others of how they might heal themselves! Thanks for all you share!
ReplyDeleteI think this is absolutely wonderful Jen. Thank you for the reminder to record every bit of our lives, no matter how much they may hurt. Your strength amazes me...
ReplyDeleteI was so moved when I first saw this in the 2peas gallery. Kudos to you for finding ways to honor his memory in the the way your family celebrates and for sharing your wonderful project.
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