WMSC #61- This one is for me

Today I did something I never do.  I made something for me.  No one else, just for me.  I have had a pretty bad couple of weeks. 

Here's the sketch by Sara Martina Parker.










Here is what I made:

 My mom is in the early phases of dementia.  It hasn't been that bad so far, my dad has been the one who has dealt with it on a daily basis.  Two weeks ago, my dad had a mini stroke.  Again, wasn't too serious, he was home quickly but had to have some surgery a few days later.  After the surgery, he has totally changed.  He can't do everything he used to, but it is not 100% permanent.  He could recover completely.  Thing is, his spirit is broken.  He has given up.  No amount of rational explanation has sunk in and he is so sad and depressed.  He's treating each day as if he is going to drop dead the next.  Giving away all of his things, paying future bills way too early, just not acting like my dad used to. 

I have had this heavy blanket of sadness hanging over me lately and I decided that I needed a little pep talk myself.  This little framed card is going to sit on my desk at work.  I love this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt.  It is from Waltzingmouse Afternoon Tea Sentiments which I just got a few days ago.

 I can't believe how appropriate this sentiment is for the way I have been feeling.  I have to be strong, especially at a time when my parents can't be.  To make the card I stamped a subtle background on dark chocolate cardstock.  The patterned papers are from Webster's pages, Country Estate.  The colors are so delicate and pretty, especially paper pieced for the cute tea cup.  I did a little stitching on this one, added some pearls to the teacup and adhered a bit of cream colored lace at the bottom.  The flowers are just something I have had in my stash forever.  I hope my dad gets better.  I really do think he will, but no matter what, I will have to be the one who is strong now, something I learned from my dad.

Next post, going to be something a lot more cheerful, promise.