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Sunday, November 24, 2024

Empty chair, empty pillow.

This is really hard, but I'm writing to say that  my darling husband Robin passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday morning.   He was doing what he loved best, away on a caravan trip, this time with our ICA group, up  in Hastings.  The previous night we attended the Christmas Dinner with the group, this is our last photo together.  


After a very restless night, the following morning it was all over for us.  Many thanks to friends Bill and Val who got me, the cat  and the caravan home safely, that was a big ask, and they did it willingly.

Farewell to Robin, we shared 41 happy years of marriage together, and many, many holiday adventures.  No more caravan trips around our beautiful country, lunch dates, and quiet conversations, life will be so different now.  The empty chair in front of the TV, and the empty pillow beside me, are reminders of my loss.  The sewing and knitting projects hold absolutely no appeal at this time, but soon, maybe......

Farewell my love, you were sent off, wrapped and warm in our caravan quilt, and I have your wedding ring on my finger.  I miss you so much.


68 comments:

Anonymous said...

I rarely comment on blogs but wanted to let you know how sorry I am that your dear husband passed away suddenly. My husband passed away suddenly too 21 months ago after 34 years of marriage. It's tough but over time you will find the strength and desire to continue doing all the things you loved to do. Take care of yourself it's important.

Sarah said...

Jenny I'm so sorry to read this post. I'm sending lots of hugs to you from the other side of the world. Xx

ButterZ said...

Oh Jenny, I am so sorry to hear about this big loss for you. Please know that this quilting and blogging community will be here for you. I am saddened to hear this and can’t imagine how you are feeling. It is such a shock for me to read this about you losing Robin.. much luv ๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ’• Jo

Gretchen Weaver said...

My sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, it sounds like was a very unexpected shock. How nice though he was doing what he loved, caravanning. Blessings to you and your family.

Annette said...

Oh Jenny, I’m shocked & so sorry to read this. Cherish those 41 wonderful years you spent together. My thoughts are with you, take care. Annette, Melbourne, Australia.

Kate said...

Jenny, my sincerest condolences.

Helenchaffin said...

Jenny I am so sorry ,I know the heartache you're going through this year will mark 9 years since I lost my husband, this Dec marks our 50th anniversary, grief has no time limit but with God's help the pain does ease up little by little ,all we can do is take one breath at a time,sometimes all we can do is cry & that's ok

FlourishingPalms said...

Oh, my friend! My heart is breaking for you at Robin's sudden passing. I'm sure you're feeling overwhelmed, lost, and heart-broken. This is simply too sad. My deepest sympathies. In prayer, I'll be asking God for peace and comfort for you. Take care of yourself.

Berkshire Tatter said...

Sending you prayers and holding you in my arms.

Marthanne

Jenn Jilks said...

I am so sorry to read this. You take good care. It sounds like you have friends around you. That is important.

Violet Withey said...

So sorry for your loss.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

My heart breaks for you, Jenny, sending virtual hugs from the other side of the world.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Oh, Jenny, I am so terribly sorry to hear this news. I have enjoyed all of your posts about your life with Robin. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. Sending you lots of love - Diann@LittlePenguinQuilts.

Julierose said...

My sincere condolences, Jenny--how sad;((((
I hope the wonderful memories of your years together will help to warm your aching heart during these difficult days.
Hugsx2 Julierose

Kathy S. said...

Oh Jenny! I am sooo sorry to hear this news. You were so lucky to have spent 41 years with the love of your life. I can't imagine your loss. Cherish all of the memories. Grieve as you need. We will be here with you. Big hugs. Big hugs to Gemma too.

JustGail said...

I'm so sorry about Robin. Good that you had good friends there to get you home safely.

Susan said...

Oh dear - how terribly sad. What a shock for you. My condolences.
Treasure all those happy memories.

Deb A said...

Oh Jenny, I am so sorry to hear this. I'll be thinking of you. Big Quilty hugs to you.

Marie Mann said...

Dear Jenny, I am so sorry to read of Robins passing. He will be sorely missed, but you have lots of memories to treasure and they will get sweeter in time.
Thinking of you, and your families. Much love from Western Australia.

Juliana said...

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have loved reading about your life together, and I could tell that you had a very special friendship and marriage. I'm so glad you have a strong group of women friends because that will be such a comfort and help for you. Sending you virtual hugs...
I lost my own dear husband suddenly, and I think that makes their loss even harder.

Rose Marie said...

My heart weeps for you …. You two shared so much together and I so enjoyed reading about your trips.

Anonymous said...

So sad to hear this news. I have vicariously followed you camping around New Zealand for years and you had so much fun. I feel terrible for you with this sudden loss. Take care, Edith.

Paula said...

Jenny, I'm so sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through. Althought half a world away, please know that you are in my might heart and prayers. May you find comfort in remembering the good times and I hope you will soon return to the comfort of your quilting to help sooth your heart.

Anonymous said...

Oh my. I'm so sorry for your loss! God bless you and yours at this difficult time.

CathieJ said...

Oh Jenny, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to your dear Robin. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

Oh Jenny I'm so sorry to hear this - how sad of time for you. I'm glad your friends were able to get you home safely what a terrible time for you. This I don't know what to call it "adjustment" will take time and hope your friends and family can help you get through this. Take care friend - sending thoughts and love from many miles away.

Sue said...

Dear Jenny, I had just read The Post Family Notices, and now your blog. Though we have never met and you live just 25 minutes away, I feel like I knew Robin. Your adventures together were so special and shared so lovingly in your blogs. R.I.P. Robin and I will be thinking of you at this difficult time. In sympathy, Sue xx

MrsC (Maryanne) said...

Oh Jenny I am so sorry for your loss.

Karla (ThreadBndr) said...

Oh, Jenny, having been where you are, my heart aches for you. Remember you are loved.

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Oh my Dear--my heart is aching for you and with you--know that I am thinking about you--take care of yourself during this time of sudden loss--hugs and more hugs, diane

Elaine S. said...

Such a shock! I am so very sorry for your loss. ๐Ÿ’”๐Ÿ’”

Kim said...

Oh Jenny, I am deeply shocked, and saddened to read of the sudden passing of your cherished and beloved, Robin. My sincerest condolences to you and your family at this devastating time . May you and your family find comfort and strength from each other as you remember all the beautiful and precious memories of the love, and stories you shared with your wonderful Robin, through the difficult and challenging days ahead♡

Ali Honey said...

Thinking of you at this very sad time for you.

Judith nb Serena said...

So very sorry to hear your sad news. My condolences to you and your extended family. Love and hugs Judith nb Serena.

Jayne Honnold said...

Oh Jenny! I am so saddened to read your heartbreaking news! Your grief is raw and real, and I am shedding tears with you as I read your post. From across the globe, your fellow stitching sisters are holding you in our hearts. Many long distant hugs to you, dear girl!

grammajudyb said...

Oh My! My deepest sympathies. The moment I read your blog post title I knew. Words can't express my sadness for you, but I hope soon memories will help heal your heart. Let you close friends and family help as needed. Hugs to you!

Nancy said...

This is such sad news, Jenny, and I'm so sorry for your loss. Blessings to you.

Jackie said...

Jenny, I just don't know what to say. My heart is breaking for you and all the family. Please accept my sincere condolences and some virtual hugs from across the ocean.

God bless.

Meredith said...

So very sorry to hear this devastating news. All of us here in Blogland love your stories of your travels with your wonderful husband. May our prayers help bring you peace at this difficult time.

The Cozy Quilter said...

Oh Jenny..I am so sorry to hear about your dear Robin. You two had such fun adventures together…so many happy memories. I’m sending a hug and my deepest sympathy to you. Lovely picture of the two of you.

Sarah Aldrich said...

I read your posts religiously, but have never commented before. My heart goes out to you with the suddenness of your loss. In time you will heal, but will always have the hole that your dear one left behind. In the meantime, pet Gemma a lot. She will help comfort you.

Maria said...

Oh Jenny I’m so sorry for the sudden loss of your dear Robin.
Heartfelt condolences,love and thoughts at this sad time. ๐Ÿ’–

Anonymous said...

Jenny ... so sorry to learn of your loss of Robin ...have been a follower of your page, since the Thimbles & Threads ...Sunday night craft ladies, days.
Many a grand adventure you both had on your travels ... Kind regards Chris K

Connie said...

I am so sorry to hear this Jenny. You will be in my prayers. Remember that you have many blogging friends that love you and many of us have gone through this, we grieve with you and send our love. I wish hugs could be transferred through comments because I'd love to give you one .
Connie

loulee said...

Oh my gosh, what a shock. I am so sorry for your loss. Tony and I will be thinking of you. (((Hugs)))

Kim said...

Oh Jenny, I am shocked and saddened to read of the passing of your cherished and beloved Robin. My sincerest condolences to you and your family at this heartbreaking time. May you and you family support and lean on each other as you remember the precious memories of the love and stories of your wonderful Robin through the difficult days ahead♡

KiwiRobbie said...

Oh Jenny, I'm so sorry to hear that. We've not met in person, but I have read both of your blogs on a regular occasion, and we have exchanged fabric and email in the past. :) You are amazing to have posted this news so soon after Robin's passing. Sending virtual best wishes to you and Gemma from the South Island.

Anonymous said...

I've never commented before but from Illinois in the USA I want to say how much I will miss your caravan trips that you and your dear husband took and shared with all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you now through this tremendously difficult time. Peace to you and your family. God be with you.

Carolyn said...

I am so very sorry! I know all too well the shock and loneliness you are experiencing. I will be praying for you.

Tired Teacher said...

My heart sank when I read the first line of this post. I’m utterly speechless. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Take care of yourself in the difficult days ahead and know that you are loved by many around the world.

dianne said...

i grieve with you ... sudden loss can be so devastating - my father was gone with no warning, many years ago, and i still expect to hear his voice calling out to me ... Robin was more than your husband, he was your friend ... please accept my sympathy and please be kind to yourself.

Anonymous said...

condolences, and strength. Be gentle with yourself, grieving costs energy. Hugs

Jikke13 said...

Condolences. Be gentle with yourself. Grieving takes a lot of energy

Anonymous said...

I’ve followed your blog but never commented before. I’ve always appreciated how you shared your adventures with us. I am so very sorry for loss. May God be with you as you navigate forward.

Anonymous said...

So very sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and remember happy times with Robin

Karen S said...

Hi, Jenny. I am so sorry to read your news. I want to pass on my condolences to you and your family. I know the next few weeks will not be easy but I hope you treasure all the special memories of time spent together, especially your caravan trips. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Such sad news - I've so enjoyed keeping company with you both - I feel I've lost a friend. Be brave Jenny and kind to yourself, the shock and sadness of losing a loving long time companion is immeasureable I know. My prayers are with you and I send love and hugs to you (and Gemma who I know will comfort you in her own way). Love from Elaine in UK

time4stitchn said...

What a surprise to read your news! I am so sorry and send you hugs long distance. May you be surrounded by good friends and fond memories. Take care of yourself!!

Karen's Korner said...

Take care.

Jackie said...

Just checking in to give you another (((hug))). I do hope your family is surrounding you with their love and strength.

God bless.

Cathy said...

Your loving and heartbreaking post brought tears to my eyes. Life is full of meetings and partings (Charles Dickens); I’m praying you and Robin will have a future meeting that will surpass your wildest dreams! For now, take care of yourself and let others help you along to the extent you feel you need. Your online sisters are here with love and hugs for you, now and down the road. xoxo

nestki said...

Oh, Jenny, I am so sorry. He was such a wonderful man and perfect partner for you. It was so sudden, I am sure you need time to really process this. Please try to take care of yourself as well as you can and know that you are loved. Hugs from your fan in California.

Janice said...

Dear Jenny, I have just read of your heartbreaking news. What a shock for you. The two of you had such a wonderful life together over many years. I’m sure your family and many friends are there for you, as are all your blog friends. Sending you love and hugs at this difficult time.

Astrid said...

Oh dear Jenny, I'm so very sorry. My deepest condolences. Do take your time to process your loss and don't forget to take care of yourself. (((HUGS)))

Michelle Ridgway said...

Dear Jenny. I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Robin. No platitudes or words can make the loss and missing any easier. I am sending you a huge hug across the Tasman xxx

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Broken hearted for you Jenny. Deepest condolences from both Tony and me. The wonderful memories are a true blessing.

Quilter Kathy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Jenny! I am hoping that your stitching will get you through the dark days of the grief.