Monday, December 24, 2012

Hard To Say Goodbye...

My Dear Swirly Girls...

Girls, I just wanted to let you in on a personal decision I have had to make. Believe me, this was a tough one. I feel like I am losing a part of my family with you guys. I hope you understand. 

It is with a heavy heart, and after much thought, that I have decided to step down as a designer for Swirlydoos. As you know I have become a full time guardian for my father in law and caring for him has become a full time job. I cannot promise or guarantee that I would not fall short once again on my commitments here, and rather than fail Swirlydoos, fail you, or fail my father in law, I will bow out gracefully. I will fulfill my commitment for the month of December, and end the year with Swirlydoos. As for camp, I can not commit to go, for fear that because of my responsibilities to my family, I may not be able to make it. Instead of losing everything, I have chosen not to go. Someone will be happy to get that open spot if one remains!! I will surely miss you guys. 

I hope that you are never put in the position I have been put in. I have not been feeling well lately, and I fear that the stress of everything has finally taken it's toll. Today is the first day that I didn't stay in bed since last Thursday. I thank God for my husband and kids who have all pulled together to help make my Father in laws life worth living for whatever time he has left. Steve and I have cut our hours at work to part time, Gabbie has moved back home to help us, and Nick changed to 12 hour days at work to be at my house more often. Between the 4 of us, we have my father in law covered 24/7. So I must also lighten my load. I also have to be there for my sister at this time. If my brother in law doesn't make it, she will surely fall apart...I cant even imagine. I want the chance to say goodbye if he doesn't make it. We are praying for a Christmas miracle. Family is EVERYTHING to me. 

It is also amazing how you all have become like a family to me. You get to know the good, the bad, the ugly (lol), I laugh with you, cry with you, support you, and above all cherish the moments that I shared with you
You Camp girls, well, you are in a league of your own!!! What fun!! It was an honor to have sat beside you all to create. I will miss you guys the most!!!! You all hold a special place in my heart. 

So this really isn't goodbye, I will just be walking through the back door, wondering, maybe one day, I can walk through the front door again!! I have some very exciting ventures in 2013 lined up, so you will see me out there!!! I wont disappear, because after all, this hobby is my therapy.
I will keep in touch. I am sure our paths will cross again, and again, and again...After all, this wonderful thing called scrapbooking is all part of a great big worldwide family!! 
Swirlydoos just happens to be the Elite family. And I am honored to have created for Krissy as she is the ultimate business woman who always made me feel like family, and honored to have worked along side all of you. I have forged friendships that I know will last a very long time. Thank you for all of your kind words and prayers once again. And I hope you understand. My time here in Swirlyville has really meant a lot. I will never forget it. 
I hope that everyone and their families have a wonderful holiday season. I personally have a lot to be grateful for. Be safe, and love on everyone that is dear to you...Life is oh so precious.

Big Hugs, 
Lisa

14 comments:

  1. Lisa, I don't know you personally but I follow your every post. You are such an inspiration in life, as well as scrapbooking. I understand the position you are in. Just know that my prayers are with you every day. My Dad always said, "Doing what's right isn't easy but it's always right". May you have a blessed Christmas.

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  2. I feel your pain, Lisa. :o( I have gone threw this with my Mom and Father-in-Law and it is VERY stressful. You need to take of yourself, girl so you can be their rock. Gabby being home I'm sure keeps you smiling...Wishing you all your heart desires for the new year and will keep you in my prayers.
    Love Ya,
    Zandra

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  3. Sending you love and hugs Lisa - what a difficult time you are going through. I will miss your wonderful input at Swirlydoos and hope as you do that you will walk right back into that front door at some point in the future.
    Jennie x

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  4. Liebe Lisa,
    eine lange Umarmung für Sie und viel Kraft für die kommende Zeit. Ihnen und Ihrer Familie ein gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest und dass sas neue Jahr ein gutes wird für Sie.
    Alles Liebe, Bärbel

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  5. Lisa,
    My heart goes out to you. I will pray for you and wish you the best. Doing what's right isn't always easy but it's always right. Hugs and Merry Christmas.
    Leslie

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  6. My heart goes out to you as well Lisa. You have been and always will be an inspiration to everyone. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for those we love, it is never easy but it is always right. Doesn't make it any easier but your reward will come. I wish you and all your family lots of love this Christmas and hope the New Year will bring lots of blessings to you. oxox Marg

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  7. Huge Hugz my friend....it has been an HONOR to create with you!! I look forward to our paths continuing to cross....I will say a prayer of Strength for you and your family!!!
    A VERRRRYYYY MERRRRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!

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  8. Oh Lisa! Although I have never met you personally, I feel like I know you. You are one very special person and it is incredible how your family helps each other. I will keep following you on your blog and I will be looking forward to the day when you make your big entrance again at Swirlydoos.

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  9. Like many others, we have never met. But I feel like I know you from your scrapbooking. I have always enjoyed your layouts, nah, honestly, I love your layouts and techniques. You are so inspiring and you share so freely. Thank you so much for all that you have given and shared! I am sorry for the position that you have been placed in and I will keep you and your family in my daily prayers. I hope your bil pulls thru and that your fil's last days, weeks, months, or years are some of his best. Hugs and prayers, Lisa!

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  10. Lisa, you are facing unbelivable stressors right now and it is inspiring to see how your family has " cirlced wagons" to take care of its own. Thank you for your years on swirlydoos. Thanks to your tutes and guidance and those beautiful flowers and butterflies of yours! I want you to know that you have helped shape the scrapper I am today. I will keep you and your family in my prayers..

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  11. I don't know you personally but I fully understand caring for someone is a full time job! I wish you the best always! I have followed your blog, you have been such an inspiration! You are an awesome artist!

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  12. I met you through Swirlydoo's so it is sad to hear that you have had to make such a tough decision. You are brave and you are strong...and added to that you are held in the hand of our Lord. I will continue to pray for your Father in Law and your brother in law for healing...and I will continue to pray for you for strength to run the full course.

    xx

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  13. It's so weird. But even though I've never actually met you I feel as if I've just lost a friend.
    You were the designer that inspired me to join Swirlydoos. When I think of Swirlydoos I automatically think of you.
    I know all the family issues you've faced this year. Such hard sorrow to bear and I know that still you are hurting inside. I agree with you that it may do you well to be relieved of some obligations. I think your such a wonderful person for putting your family first!
    Just know this...You are still and will always be my scrapping idol!!!
    And where ever your scrapping passion takes you..I'm sure to follow! :o)..
    Sending you huge hugs!

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  14. God bless you and your family. You have a tough road ahead. I took care of both my parents until their deaths, not easy. I.know we are new acquaintenances but am hear if you need an ear. Good luck with all you do.

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Love hearing your beautiful words!!!!