Monday, March 8, 2021

T Stands For A Very Sad Day

 

Today I am looking backward, because this is an incredibly sad day.  My heart is filled with much sadness.  Once you hear the news, yours will be, too.

During T Tuesday two weeks ago, our dear friend Eileen wrote this:

Surgery This Week

My surgery will be this Wednesday. I want to thank you for all the kind, encouraging comments and emails you’ve sent me. I was amazed to learn how many of you have loved ones who had successful open heart surgery.  Since I will still be in the hospital next T-day, I’ll miss you all next week.

However, I’ll be sure to take photos of my delicious hospital meals to share with you at our T-parties as soon as I can. Do ice chips count as a ticket to T?

Unfortunately, Eileen will not be joining us for T this week, or any other week.  Her friend Deb Terry, whose blog doesn't seem to be available any longer, let me know she died Wednesday, March 3.  According to Deb, the trouble began after the operation.  Apparently her kidneys failed and they put her on dialysis.  According to Deb, her husband Chris kept getting conflicting information.  Deb believed she was too frail to survive the operation.

Eileen has been incredibly generous to me over the years, so I am going to share some of that generosity with you this week.  If you would like to share your own stories, please do so in the comments.  If you want to honor her on your blog post, please do so.

These are gifts she sent during the anniversary of T in 2020.
 
This was the ATC she created.  She loved to write poems, and this was just one of them.

These were the gifts and ATC Eileen sent to celebrate our annual anniversary in 2017.
 
These gifts came from Eileen during our annual anniversary in 2018.

Another wonderful ATC and a great poem to go with it. 
 
For our sixth year annual T Tuesday celebration, Eileen created a triptych.
 
This was 2019 and the piece reads:

Celebrate 6

years traversing the world

4 tea.

There were other gifts, too, as you can see.

Then there was the adorable Christmas ATC Eileen sent in 2019

and this thoughtful handmade card and incredible mug

that fits me
to a T.
 
I know Eileen has shared art and ATCs with many of you, too.  I just hope this small tribute to her will help us fill a small part of the void that will never be completely filled with her loss.  T Tuesday will not be the same without her.
 
Since today is International Women's Day, it makes sense that it also all about Eileen, who often posted to an international audience.  Therefore, I'm not going to repeat the "rules."  Suffice it to say, if you can't get an idea what to post after seeing everything Eileen has sent me over the years, then nothing I can say will help.  Please link your blog post below.  Make sure it goes directly to your T post and not your blog in general.
 
 




25 thoughtful remarks:

Mae Travels said...

Your news is indeed heartbreaking. The mention of open-heart surgery worried me when I read on her blog that she would be out or touch for a while. Her posts about her life were very enjoyable, and it’s terrible to hear that it’s been cut short. My drinks post for today has already been up for a while, so I’ll simply add a bit and then link it despite all the sadness.

be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Elephant's Child said...

I am so sorry to read this. I did not know her, but she was obviously very much loved and my heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved her.

kathyinozarks said...

Beautiful tribute for Eileen-thank you

My name is Erika. said...

This is a wonderful tribute to Eileen Elizabeth. It is really so sad, isn't it? I was expecting her back soon. She will be missed. Have a good T day. Hugs-Erika

Rita said...

I did not know Eileen, but that is very sad news. So sorry for your loss. Our online friends are special to us and sometimes feel closer than family.

Linda Kunsman said...

Trying so hard to type with tears running down my face. Still trying to digest this unexpected news. Thank you Elizabeth for posting this loving tribute, and for letting us know. Eileen has always so kind and generous with not only her comments but with her mail art to many of us as well. She truly enjoyed life and learning, and was such a wonderful artist and poet. A sad T Day for sure.

Kate Yetter said...

Sad news indeed. I was looking forward to when Eileen would be back at Tea Day. I always enjoyed her comments as she was very forthright in her opinion. She certainly made me laugh.
Kate

Birgit said...

This is very sad news that you received and words do not express, adequately, how much I wish to express to you and her family Nd her blogging family. Looking at what she sent you and made for you shows what a big heart she had. It would be so nice to see a book of art made with all the things she sent you...maybe one day you can do that.

Olde Dame Holly said...

That is indeed sad news. Shocking, really. Life is lived on a knife edge. I will say a prayer for those grieving for Eileen.

Jeanie said...

I didn't know Eileen or her blog but this makes me so very sad. Having had other blog friends die, I know what an impact that loss can have on us and we realize some of the bloggies we've never met are more than virtual friends, but very real indeed. I'm so sorry.

Christine said...

So sorry for your loss of a good friend.

Iris Flavia said...

Yes, I sure was shocked to hear the sad news. She was an inspiration and seemingly so darn fit! Creative and sharing.... Despite I never knew her personally I sure sat in shock when I heard it first. And also now I´m still shocked. You think you´re on your way up and then... Hard to believe, sad to believe, but it´s true.

aussie aNNie said...

Sorry for your loss sending Aussie hugs. xx

Dortesjs said...

Your news is indeed heartbreaking for me and i hope all goes well.
I love your photos and hope spring in Denmark soon will come
how far is it in your country ?lets hope we dont get hard freeze again anyway spring will arrive soon I promise ;O))

J said...

Elizabeth such sad news but you've made a lovely tribute to Eileen, her artwork was amazing and a lasting memory for you.
Take Care
Jan S xx

David M. Gascoigne, said...

May her memory be a blessing.

CJ Kennedy said...

So very sad. Eileen was so talented and I always enjoyed the little drawings she did in her planner. May her memory be a blessing.

Divers and Sundry said...

It just never occurred to me that this would be the outcome. I've known so many people have good results from open heart surgery, and I felt comfortable sending her encouraging words to that effect. On February 8 she wrote on her blog, "You just never know what life will throw at you." It's true. We never know what each day will bring. How sad. May memories be a comfort to her family and friends.

Let's Art Journal said...

Such heart breaking news! Your tribute is so beautiful and comforting, she would have loved your thoughtfulness. This lovely tribute inspired me to create a whole new post for T Day this week even though I'd published something on Sunday - thank you! Eileen really was a treasure and will be very much missed, I just can't believe that she won't be joining us anymore. Sending you and those close to her heartfelt wishes of peace and comfort! Thinking of you! Hugs, Jo x

Elkes Lebensglück said...

It is so sad that Eileen has passed away and how beautiful you share this memory of her work and how lovely it was. Thank you.
Hug Elke

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wonderful tribute to our dear friend! I'm still feeling very sad about this news even though I have known for a couple of days! Take care, Hugs,Chrisx

Mia said...

Elizabeth, these are really sad news. I am so sorry. Eileen sent me an ATC and mixed media goodies for the ATC swap in 2020. This is the link of my post: https://craftartista.blogspot.com/2020/08/dive-deep-and-tsft.html
I am deeply sorry. I am sure she will be an angel in paradise.

Lowcarb team member said...

I did not know Eileen, but this is very sad news.
My thoughts are with everyone who knew her.

All the best Jan

Cloudia said...

My warm Aloha for your loss. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

DVArtist said...

OMG! I simply can't wrap my head or heart around this news. She was such a force in the T-gang and will be missed. A wonderful tribute to her.