Monday, April 11, 2005

on the hunt for little comfort teddy bears

Four years ago my brother met his family and this means that my family tree grew as well.  We all get caught up in the "now" and rarely see that time flies by until something happens that makes you stop, think and reflect.  I had always thought that there would be time for us to get together ... a family reunion or something ...  

Sadly, I learned today that my sister-in-law passed away.  They found the cancer eight years ago.  Colon cancer.  She beat it.  But it came back, and now she's gone.  She leaves two children, a son, 11, and a daughter, 8 (the same age as my own daughter!), and a loving husband.  My heart just aches for them.  

They had no insurance, so we will donate what money we can; and at Christmas, a donation to the American Cancer Society in her name.  In the meantime, I'm on the hunt for little comfort teddy bears ... something to crochet up for the children to hug when they wish they could be hugging their Mom; something they can bury their faces into and shed those tears.  (If you'd like to help me search, leave the web address of a teddy bear pattern here in the comments, or send it to me an email. I'd greatly appreciate it!)  

For the rest of the year, every item I crochet for cancer will be in her name:                                                   Patty Constantini.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm on it and very sorry for the loss.  May God comfort all of you.  Sheila

Anonymous said...

Oh Dee, my thoughts and my prayers are with you, your family, and the Constantini family.  My husband lost his mother to colon cancer when he was just 12 years old.  His mom was 33 and left behind 8 children and a loving husband as well.  So very, very sad.  May God comfort you and your family.
Rose

Anonymous said...

Dear Dee

I am so sorry for your loss.  What a nice gesture to make things for the cancer society in her name.  Perhaps your crochet friends and journal readers can donate something to the cancer society in her name this month.  I know I am going to crochet a few things this week and send them in.  Here is a link that I found for teddy bears
http://bevscountrycottage.com/kids.html#Teddy
I hope this help.  My prayers are with your brother and the children during this difficult time.  I pray for strength for them all.  I know you always say that you don't sew much, but if you have a picture of their mom, you can put it on computer fabric and make them a pillow also.  I did that for two little girls who lost their brother 3 years ago and they still cherish it today.  

Blessings,
Le-Teisha

Anonymous said...

Dear Dee,
My condolences to you and your family.The on-line newsletter, "Talking Crochet", has an article this month about Berta Hesen-Minten. Her original "Jodi" bear pattern will be published in an upcoming issue of "Crochet!" magazine. Otherwise, you can visit her website (www.threadteds.com) to purchase her bear patterns. I hope that you find comfort in making your bears for the children. I'm sure they will feel the love in every stitch you make. Laura  

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss, Dee.... I know it isnt crochet, but those Build-A-Bear's are really nice... What a wonderful tribute to your SIL to make those things in her name
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind