Change of Plans…

 

Another “flexible” weekend, as my dear friend, Julie and her husband, Dan decided they wanted to make Trevor their forever boy. They live in Minnesota, as does my sister, Di, so it was decided I’d drive Trevor up to her house, have Julie and Dan meet up with us there, and get in a little sister time. as a bonus. 

We arrived at my sister’s Friday evening and got Trevor situated with his crate in the guest room, and with only a little excitement from one of Di’s cats, had an otherwise uneventful night. No harm. No foul. 

We got up early Saturday morning and I explained to Trevor that I love him very much, and chose a perfect family for him. I freely admit I was emotional all day. I’ve come to adore this sweet boy.

After a short visit, I went to the guest room and brought Trevor out to meet his new family. I’m quite certain it was love at first sight. He was happy to meet new people, and immediately said hi to both Julie and Dan. They have a 17 year old cat at home named Dodger, who I’m sure will soon give his stamp of approval. 

Julie asked me if I’d like to be Trevor’s Aunty and pray for his successful adjustment. I loved that and said “yes”. I managed to get this picture of them before they drove away. Then I went back in the house and cried. 

In just a short time, I’d fallen head over heels for this boy. The thing is, he wouldn’t be able to live in our home because of our dogs, and he was done being a wild boy. He loves the warmth and security of living indoors. So, I loved him enough to let him go. Thankfully, Julie will send me pictures and give me progress reports as they all adjust to having a new family member. 

So far, he’s fitting right in. He has his own room where he can hang out until Dodger accepts him. Then, he’ll also have the run of the house. Dodger already seems to be warming up to him. That little boy knows how to wrap everybody around his paw, and I’m so glad for it. It will make this process go much easier for him. 

I’m driving the four and a half hours home today without the companion who rode shotgun to get here. It will be a bittersweet trip, but I know I’ve done the right thing. He’s going to have a wonderful life, thanks to my friends, and I’m grateful for that. 

I’m going to rest when I get home and stitch later. 

Tag will be to back tomorrow. 

In Gratitude,

Donna

Safe Arrival...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brother-in-Law and Titus

I arrived safely in Minnesota early yesterday afternoon. It's the first time I've seen my sister's home and it's lovely, inviting, and comfortable. She and her husband are great hosts, and we're having such a nice visit that I only took one photograph yesterday.

I wanted to catch an image of my brother-in-law with Titus. Titus was my dad's dog. While my sister took care of Dad, he asked her to take Titus once he was gone. They all spent months together, and it was natural that Titus would go with her. He adores her, and as you can see, he's found his place in their family. It was heartwarming to see him again.

We have some things planned for today, and I'm looking forward to spending the time with my sister. I'll try to take a few more pictures tomorrow for you. 

Christening Day...

Sunday was baby Liam's Christening day. Some of you asked to read at least some of what I wrote to him. I included a letter in the back pocket of the storage garment bag I made as a keepsake along with the ensemble. I decided to share an excerpt with you today.

Dear Liam:

… My prayers for you are that you live in a world where people are still considerate of one another - especially, a place where elders are respected and children are cherished. My prayers for you are that you grow up to be a happy and healthy person who finds someone to love, marry, and with whom you can share a family and a long, happy life.

I pray that, when you make decisions in your life, you choose to follow a righteous path. Although it’s easy to do the wrong thing, it takes a strong will and determination to decide to do the right things. I know that your parents will do their best to raise you in the church to give you a strong moral foundation, and that they will surround you with people who will support your heart and mind in ways that are honest and good. When you are grown and make your own decisions, the voices of these people will be able to speak to you when you’re unsure of your path, and they will help guide you.

I hope that you are blessed, as I have been, to be able to watch four generations age together, and I’m hoping that I live long enough to see a fifth generation born before I must leave this world. I want you to know that I consider it a blessing and an honor to have been able to create this gown for you to wear as your life is blessed - as your parents ask God to watch and protect your spirit as much as they will endeavor to watch and protect your body.

I claimed a Bible verse to embroider into your slip as you are the first baby to wear it. Psalms 91: 11 reads: “For He hath given His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”

This is my prayer for you, Liam. I wish it for all the babies that wear this gown. May God watch over you, bless you and keep you, now and always.

Love, Aunt Donna Liljegren

It's probably just as well that I wasn't in Minnesota yesterday. Watching my niece and her husband, standing beneath the same arbor that sheltered them as they exchanged their wedding vows - now sheltering them as my great-nephew was baptized in the gown I made for him. It would probably have had me bawling my eyes out.

I hope your Sunday was blessed, too.

In case you weren't here for the making of Liam's christening gown, here's the link to the photo album with captions to explain.