Saturday, April 29, 2017

Things fall apart........

I come to you today a broken man.......

Remember in my last post over a month ago where I said,

"ALL IS WELL!!!!!!
I promise you that....."

Well, evidently, all was NOT well.............

When I returned home from flying after I had posted that, I was dealt some overwhelming and sad news.


My beloved, precious Gracie Lu
was diagnosed with inoperable cancer.
She is only 9 years old.

I simply haven't been able to wrap my mind around this yet.
She was given only days to 4-6 weeks to live, and we are 
fast approaching week 6.
She has been so brave and strong throughout
her illness.

I am not looking for sympathy.
I know pet owners "get it."
I also know we have given her the best possible life
she could have ever had here on earth.
Having said that, I know this won't ever be able to replace
her humorous and bull-in-a-china shop-like spirit in this home.

I feel like I needed to share this with you all.
You all are my friends.
I thank those of you who have personally contacted me.
This is the reason I haven't been blogging.
Every moment when I am not having to fly
has been spent catering to this little baby of mine.

I would also like to apologize to the 
for being unable to present to you all.
I certainly appreciate my contact Kathy and
understanding of the circumstances behind it.
I look forward to re-booking with you all.

And, AQS Paducah was out of the question this year as well.


Nothing perks Gracie Lu up like a car ride.
Especially when she gets to see other animals.
These horses have been great medicine for Gracie.
They always have a nice little conversation when I 
drive her by them.
Animals know!
Look at my baby's Bat Ears!

If you have a fur baby of your own.....
please enjoy them.
You never know when they may be taken away from you.

I have been able to quilt some.......
as you know, quilting is my therapy.

Gracie Lu enjoys sleeping on her bed in
her daddy's Quilt Cave.

Before Gracie Lu was diagnosed,
I signed up to participate in 
hosted by Lori.
I always look forward to this swap.

I received this beautiful little quilt from Sunny in New York.
As you all know, I have chickens and ducks here at the Quilt Cave.
I also acquired some turkeys, and now thanks to Sunny, I have geese!
I hope to share photos of the poultry here as soon as I can.

My swap partner I made a quilt for is Louise in Washington.
Sometimes our art is very personal.
The little quilt I made for Louise is extremely personal to me.

"Square in a Square"
from the book
by Kathleen Tracy
I highly recommend Kathleen's book.
It is full of fun little projects perfect for this swap!

I primarily used blues in the front of this quilt.
For obvious reasons, I am feeling really blue
right now due to what Gracie Lu and my
family are going through.

The back is made of various red civil war scraps
because Louise said she likes red in quilts.
This also represents how MAD I am at the 
cancer that is taking Gracie Lu away from me!

I think the quilt is almost as pretty as my
GRACIE LU!
You can tell in this photo, she just isn't her
old self anymore......God bless her.
Always my beautiful baby girl though.

I'd like to thank the many personal blogging friends
I have that have contacted me, and checked
in on me and Gracie Lu.

Thanks to Randy of 
Barrister's Block for being so thoughtful.
You know I am going to make this when I am
up and at'em again.
It is perfect for the Quilt Cave!

And here is something else I have been working on
for a dear friend's upcoming arrival.
This was fun to create using the Mommy's
chosen color scheme for her nursery.

For those of you who have stuck with me through
thick and thin, please know how much I value you
and your friendship!  At this time I know you all will
understand I want to get through this illness with my
baby Gracie Lu.  I am a responsible pet owner, and, no,
I will not let her suffer.

Thanks for being a friend,
Fondly,
Kevin the Quilter




75 comments:

  1. Love you, Kevin. Crying for you and Gracie right now.

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  2. My heart aches for you----much love

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  3. Bless u and hers hearts. Hang in there!

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  4. Oh, I am sure there are so many who share your pain right now - we, too, have watched a loved furry family member cross the rainbow bridge. Family, friends, and quilting (or any hobby/craft) is always good therapy during this time. Many gentle hugs (and no need to reply).

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  5. So sorry to hear this. Sending love and hugs to all of you.

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  6. So sorry for what you've having to go through at this time, Kevin. I have enjoyed seeing your various posts on FB about your outings with Gracie Lu. You are giving her the best and most loving experiences in these precious days. Hugs to you both!

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  7. Oh Kevin, I am so sorry to hear about Gracie Lu and I am sending hugs to both of you. We rescued our little Sadie last September and even though she looks like a puppy....the vet thinks she is at least 10 years old. We are going to enjoy and love her as much as you have Gracie Lu!

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  8. I am so very sorry to hear that you've been touch with such sadness. Love little Gracie as much as you can - it will help you through this.

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  9. So sorry to hear about Gracie Lu, enjoy your time with her. We will be here when you return. Elaine

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  10. Oh, no wonder you haven't posted. So sorry about Gracie Lu. I know exactly what you're going through, my 14 yr old choc lab has cancer and nodules on his lungs and it's a matter of time now. But he's still my faithful sewing buddy who looks forward to going out to the studio in the unattached garage especially since he can't go for walks anymore. Anyway, love all your quilts and the colors you've chosen. Hang in there and don't worry about the rest of us

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  11. I am so very sorry. I have lost two pets of my own. It hurts so badly. Tears and time will help and heal and then you will have beautiful memories. Miriam in Texas.

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  12. Love and kisses for you your partner and Gracie Lu. She'll get heaven ready for you

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  13. I am so sorry to hear about your Gracie Lu I have been there and know how difficult these times can be you will both be in my prayers.

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  14. Hello Kevin,

    My heart goes out to you and Gracie Lu. I have a suggestion for you. Have you heard of Apricot Power? Before you lose her, check into their program. There was a man who actually helps with forming a treatment. His website is: https://longlivingpets.com/cancer-and-pets/my-pet-has-cancer. You can look into this. God Bless you and Gracie Lu.

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  15. Oh, Kevin! I am so very sorry you are having to deal with this pain. I pray you and Gracie Lu create more loving, happy memories before she goes to heaven to wait for her loving master. I'll be giving extra cuddles and love to Tara as I weep for you, dear friend. I'll be praying for you, Gracie Lu and your whole family (I know they love her too!).

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  16. Hugs and prayers. Kevin, I am so sorry to hear about Gracie Lu, and I know the pain you are going through. Enjoy the rest of the time you have with her. Three years later and I still miss my Annie.

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  17. So sorry to hear of Gracie Lu's illness. Praying for you. The doll quilts and the quilt for the friend's baby are so pretty. You always do excellent work.

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  18. Give Gracie Lui an extra cuddle from my 2 babies, Rosie & Russell.xxx

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  19. Oh Kevin, our pets are our best friends... They love us entirely without asking anything ! I can understand you because I lost my cat 2 years ago in the same conditions.
    I know you're brave. All my thoughts are with you and Gracie...big hugs dear Kevin...

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  20. I have been down your road several times, it's painful and it's so hard. I so understand what you are going through. Sending big hugs to you and Gracie Lou.

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  21. Be strong for her. It is a difficult road but we travel that way in our lives. You will know when it is time. Hugs of love to you both.

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  22. Make sure you take care of yourself, too. You have a lot of people who love you.

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  23. I totally relate. We have lost 8 in the past 12 years to cancer. Love on her, give her pain meds if needed, give her all the treats she wants and I know that she will tell you when she is ready to earn her wings. Hugs.

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  24. All of us who love our pets, who consider them to be some of the best of our family members, mourn with you as you go through this devastating loss dear friend. We hurt with you and will grieve with you when she is gone. Quilting and blogging and teaching have to take a back seat to our loved ones - always! Take care of Gracie Lu and yourself, take time to grieve, then quilting and your friends will be here to help you heal. Hugs & Blessings to you both!!!

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  25. We went thru this a few years ago. Not fun. Gracie Lu will let you know when it is time. Her eyes will say it all. Give Gracie Lu a belly rub for me, and know that I'll be thinking about both of you. I'd been thinking about you more than usual lately, I guess this is why.

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  26. So sorry for what you are going through with your sweet girl. Sending hugs your way...

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  27. It is so difficult when a member of your family gets ill like this. Our beloved poodle,Jou-Jou, was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was a teenager (at that time eons ago, they had no cure) and I STILL miss her (73 here). I hope your heart will be filled with warm memories...hugs, Julierose

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  28. I will be keeping you in caring thoughts. Take care!

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  29. Not an easy thing to deal with - have been there and done that with our beloved black and white kitty. Do what you need to do in the moment -- thank you for sharing your post today. Sending hugs to all.

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  30. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. My heart aches for
    you - having had this same thing happen with two of my past four legged kids...
    Enjoy whatever time you have left together.

    MaryLou

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  31. Sending you and Gracie Lu love and hugs!

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  32. Oh my friend, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Gracie Lu. Heartfelt scratches sent from my Bob and Mr. JR❤️

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  33. I'm glad to see that you managed a blog post in the midst of this crisis. Thank you for letting us all know what's been going on at the Quilt Cave! It does my heart good to know that you have been able to get in a bit of quilting therapy. Hugs to you and Gracie Lu!!

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  34. Oh yes, as rescue doggie mom I totally get it. So sorry you have to go through this, our furkids just don't live long enough. We lost one to heart disease when she was five, and I completely understand the sadness and anger. Take care of yourself, do what you can, allow yourself the grief. The poem The Last Battle might help, it will make you cry but it is comforting in its own way. http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/lastbatt.htm Hugs to you!!

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  35. So very sad reading your post. We also have & love our pets, past & present. Totally understand what you are going through ... ♥

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  36. Oh Kevin, there are not words that will take away the pain there will be a hole in your heart for awhile. It heals. I laid on the bed and fed my Ranger ice cream for a week. It was his favorite & it made him happy. Good dogs can't be replaced. My thoughts are with you. I do so love seeing the bat ears, on your posts!! She is a cute girl.

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  37. Hugs, Kevin (and prayers)! My heart hurts for you!!
    The little quilt you made is such a beauty--very vintage looking. Nice job.
    You received a beauty, too.

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  38. Oh Kevin, I am so sorry Miss Gracie Lu is so sick! I know she has been trying as hard as she can to make these last weeks as best for you as possible! And you are doing the same for her! I just love how you cherish your sweet mama and daddy and your sister and her family and your animals. Every one of them are so lucky to have you to love them! Thank you for writing and letting us know. Please take care of yourself!!

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  39. I am so sorry to read your news. You be sure to take all the time you need, we'll wait to hear from you again. I really enjoy your blog.

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  40. Thats tough. I love seeing you and her out for a car ride and eating special treats. You are an amazing pet owner!

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  41. So sorry to hear about your Gracie Lou. Our fur babies are part of our families. It's nice she enjoys her car rides. Make nice memories and enjoy her company.

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  42. Still thinking of you and your Gracie Lu. It's never easy. We love our pets and don't want them to suffer, so instead it is we who suffer. May whatever time she has left be comfortable for her and her passing be peaceful and painless.

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  43. Kevin, I'm sorry to hear about Gracie Lu's condition. I can certainly understand your pain. I have a grand dog 5 years old. However, she has been temporarily living with me since October 2016. I loved her before she moved in, but it confounded when I became her sole care giver. My daughter has just this weekend been able to get her for the weekend, and I missed her terribly. So, while I can't fully understand what's happening to you and Gracie Lu, I know that your heart hurts.

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  44. so sorry to read about Gracie I am sre you are making her time very special to her and both giving and getting plenty of love to each other

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  45. As a per owner, I know and sympathize, not easy, take one day at a time. ((Hugs))

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  46. My heart is breaking for you right now, as I know the pain you are going thru. Our pets are such an important part of our family. Sending you both {{{{HUGS}}}}

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  47. I am so sorry to read about Gracie Lu. I always love reading your posts and was beginning to wonder if I somehow had gotten off your email list. I understand what you are going through. Take all the time you need with Gracie Lu. We will all still be here when you are ready to blog again. I will be keeping you and Gracie Lu in my prayers. God bless you both.

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  48. Kevin, I got so nervous when I saw the start of your blog post. I know how hard it was for you to put this down in writing... I'm so terribly sorry for Gracie Lu's cancer. It's impossible to watch something so small suffer but if anyone can give her endless love and attention, it's YOU! I have loved the adventures you've taken her on. Love to you, your family and Gracie Lu!

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  49. Kevin, my heart aches for you and your precious Gracie Lu. I've been there too and share in your grief. She knows she's loved and that's the best thing you can do for her. Take care, my friend.

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  50. Nothing is more important that spending time with your baby. I know how hard it is to be the one to decide when it is time to let go. It is the hardest thing in the world, but I know you will be strong for her. My prayers are with you all!

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  51. Sometimes you have to focus on what is truly important and right now it is taking care of your sweet puppy. Don't worry about us, we will be here. Take care

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    1. I am so sorry love her while you can know she loves your prayers for you both

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  52. Your sweet girl is blessed to be loved so much! My heart aches for you because I know from experience how difficult this is. Sending prayers and hugs for both of you. Yo take all the time you need to be with sweet Gracie Lu and take care of yourself too.

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  53. I'm so sorry to hear this news Kevin. I know how this feels and life is indeed never the same again.
    We have no idea how these fur babies will change our life when we get them.
    Sending you both lots of love!

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  54. Dear, Dear Kevin,
    Gracie Lu is not just a dog. I have several grand cats and grand dogs and I know how much they mean to my children. My heart goes out to you. You are right, now is the time to spend with family. Your friends will wait and pray for you and Gracie Lu.
    Hugs
    Anna Marie

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  55. I'm so sad to hear the news about your sweet puppy!
    xoxo
    nice quilt swap!

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  56. My heart goes out to you, Kevin. Gracie Lu is a special friend to you, just as my sweet Jessie was.

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  57. Sending you and Gracie Lu love and <3 hugs <3!

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  58. I m so pleased you like the small quilt I made for you, Kevin! Your photo makes it look extra beautiful and I am happy that it brought you a bit of pleasure during such a sad and difficult time. You and Gracie Lu are always in my thoughts and prayers. You are a wonderful caring parent to you furry baby girl. She will be with you always in your heart.

    lizzy [sunny on FB] dillingham / gone to the beach

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  59. I am so sorry to hear about Gracie Lu. I know what it's like to go through something like this with a pet that you dearly love. My thoughts are with you.

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  60. Oh, Kevin, such sad news about Gracie Lu. Having lost several dearly loved pets, I know what you are going through. Sending you warm thoughts and many hugs.

    Grace

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  61. So sorry for Gracie Lu and you. It's so not easy and completely unfair. Wishing you strength and grace over the next few weeks.

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  62. Sending you and Gracie Lu hugs and prayers.

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  63. I am sorry for the sad news. Last week my Chloe the Smelly Basset was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma at age 13. I understand that kick in the stomach feeling all too well.

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  64. Kevin
    I am new to your blog - a friend of Sunny Dillingham. My DH and I had two golden retrievers, sisters, who lived to be 16. They are both in Heaven now. Not a day passes that we don't think of them. They are more than pets. They give unconditional love- precious and priceless. Gracie Lu is so blessed to have you in her life. Sue from blessingsofthread.blogspot.com

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  65. Kevin, Just checking in to see how you are doing. Still praying for you and all your loved ones.

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  66. Kevin, Just checking in to see how you are doing. Still praying for you and all your loved ones.

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  67. Kevin Dear I have been thinking of you and upon my visit this morning I read your very sad news. I have known the unconditional love of a fur-child and the sorrow of losing them. May God Bless little Gracie Lu and yourself as you travel this journey. My Prayers are with you and your family. <3

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  68. My heart breaks for you, hugs Kevin and extra love to Gracie Lu.

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  69. Hi Kevin. I have been down this path.
    First off, I found your blog link on Academic quilter's blog.
    I clicked over bc I wanted to see what Kevin the quilter was all about.
    I just read this. I know how you feel. I am not sure if you will grieve like I do, but
    My beloved Pierro died last November 18. He was only 8. Mad? oh yes, Sad? horribly
    It has been 6 months and I still long for him.
    He was the sweetest kitty.
    I know how you feel. It is like your heart has been punched. How dare cancer take your sweetums. Just know, even though I do not know you, I am very much still in that hole you fell into. I am praying for you, not so much for "healing" but for strength. ♥️

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  70. Kevin, I was so sorry for you and your sweet Gracie Lu when I read your post. When we lose our fur babies there is such a void in our lives. No one loves us as our babies do. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  71. So sorry to her about Gracie Lu! She's adorable! You will ways have great memories of her! These pets of ours bring so much love to our lives.

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