than saying goodbye to someone you love”
This is what the sentiment on this Pretty Petite version of the Pretty Petal Pocket box says.
What do you put on a gift for someone who loses a child? I struggled with this for several weeks, before I saw that particular sentiment, and felt, in my heart it was right.
This box was part of a gift for my dear friend Alicia, who lost her 4 year old son, Ethan, in June.
I wanted to make a special box to hold the engraved bracelet I got, with her son’s name on it. I didn’t want to just throw it together. I put much heart, time and thought into this, and in the end I was happy with the result.
This the close up of the silver bracelet I got engraved with Ethan’s name.
Ethan was such a little cowboy, and I thought the the two “O” that loop the bracelet were SIMILAR to horseshoes, like a little cowboy. I know that sounds like a stretch, but I truly did think that! LOL! There were so many different bracelets to choose from, so this one stood out to me.
I know Ethan will always be in Alicia’s heart, and in some way “with her” everyday, but I figured it would be nice to have something with his name on it. I guess I got that for her because that is something “I” would want. Weather she wears it, or keeps it with some of Ethan’s special things, is up to her.
Now here is how I decided upon my design elements. Often when there is a particular feel, or message I want conveyed I will GOOGLE meaning for the things I am considering using. It helps guide me.
I chose the Pretty Petite version of the Pretty Petal Pocket box, because it was perfect size for the bracelet.
I chose the pansy flower on the petal front because:
The name pansyis from the French word pensée, meaning thought or remembrance. The pansy is a delicate looking flower often with a “face.” The pansy is quite durable and a “flower for all seasons.”
The pansy image is from Wood Stamper Oval 1-3/4” x 2-5/16” with Bonus Pansy Center & 15 pt Special Occasions Font
I stamped just the Pansy onto some Lavender Moon cardstock, then colored it, adding some adhesive pearls
The sentiment is from Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16” I said already why I chose it. I just felt, in my heart, it was perfect for the gift and conveyed the message I wanted to send. I don’t think there are any real perfect words for something like that, but this was as close as I could get.
I cried the entire time I made this! LOL! My eyes were little slants for 2 days.
I stamped the sentiment onto clearly creative cardstock, in white stazon, then layered over my oval frame-which was on dimensionals for a “3D window” effect.I used clear mini glue dots to adhere it to the frame so you couldn’t SEE how it was attached.
I chose the color purple because:
Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child’s imagination or an artist’s creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness.
The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt’s Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.
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I personally have a silver bangle that reads “The journey of a 1,000 miles” on the front, then on the inside reads “Begins with a single step” I saw it the LAST day of Alexa’s chemo, and it just spoke to me about our long journey, and to remember we can and will get through ANYTHING, but it is ONE STEP at a time. This bracelet brings me much comfort. My friend Paulette got it for me 😀 I never take it off.
I also have a purple rubber bracelet for Cancer Awareness that reads Courage, Strength, Hope , Faith. I had special made right when Alexa got diagnosed. Inside the band reads”Faith in healing Alexa”. Purple is also the color of Cancer Survival. I never take it off! Even when I’m all dressed up! That also reminds me to appreciate EVERY moment with my family, and not take ANYTHING for granted.
I need more wrists! LOL!
Also my friend Sonia sent me a necklace (by Jennifer Cassady-who is currently expecting, and is on a short medical leave)with my 3 children’s name on it! That is another personalized gift I cherish. I get LOTS of compliments on it too 😀
Dave and Alicia are so strong. I know God blessed their lives with Ethan because no one else could have been better parents to him. While his time on earth was brief, he impacted so many. He had a big purpose. The Weimans were blessed to have an angel amongst them. To have had the love of Ethan and many wonderful memories that they will forever cherish.
If you didn’t know of Ethan, this is his story—>Ethan’s Caring Bridge site
Also in honor of Ethan we had a Digi Stamp set called the –> Weiman Wranglers <—made in honor of his precious life! All proceeds were to benefit the Make A Wish foundation of IL, in honor of Ethan. We have raised over $ 2,000 so far!!
The Weiman family asked if ANY of you purchased the images, and created anything you are willing to part with, his mom Alicia would love to include it into a special memory album she is working on, to preserve Ethan’s memories!
Please email me for their address if that is something you can or would like to do.
On a lighter note I have to say I got so much enjoyment from the kid stories you all shared on THIS POST!!
I am going to be redecorating my children’s rooms AGAIN. We are getting new carpeting put in, so since I have to move everything out of their rooms anyway, it is the perfect time! I am going to get a big bulletin board for him to put his artwork on, thanks to the MANY suggestions 😀 I will do this for the girls room too. Oh and the play room! LOL!
Make sure you check out the JRS blog! Lots if ideas.
Well thank you for stopping by! I have a TON of emails to go over from like the past 2 weeks or so! Sorry! If you emailed me Ill be in touch soon.
Supplies:
My Timeless Template: Pretty Petal Pocket (petite version)
Stamps:Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16” , Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16”
Cardstock:Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding, Clearly Creative Cardstock
Patterned paper: Guide Lines
Ink: White Stazon, Black, Copic Markers
Ribbon: Stitched Plum Pudding
Oval Nestabilities, adhesive rose, adhesive pearls
36 Responses for "“Nothing is harder…"
What a lovely ift for Alicia and I’m sre she will treasure it. The packaging is gorgious and it is obvious about the effort and thought which went into it. What a caring friend you are to do this!
What a wonderful gift and so very thoughtful. It does show how much love and support you have put into that gift.
Absolutely wonderful – Alicia will love it. The perfect packaging for your thoughtful gift – I just made my first pretty petal pocket last night! 🙂 another great template. 🙂
What a wonderful, thoughtful, and beautiful gift.
you’re so sweet & thoughtful! I’m sure Alicia will cherish the bracelet and think of you as well as everytime she looks at it.
This is so special, Lauren, and I’m sure Alicia will treasure it. Love the pansies and the petal box you created. You are so thoughtful!
Lauren, this is very sweet from you! I love that bracelet too, and i am sure that our Alicia will love it and treasure it forever!!
Thanks for being so kind …
Odette
What a lovely gift – how very thoughtful you are xx
how precious and thoughtful and beautiful is this. You know, the bracelet with the rings actually reminds me of a bridle bit {i’ve ridden since I was a child}, and the ends totally do resemble horseshoes 🙂 I’d love to send a memento to his family, the stamp set is so lovely. On my blog is my email, I would love if you could forward their mailing address.
God bless.
What a sweet gift! The bracelet is such a sweet gift.
What a very thoughtful gift. I’m sure it will mean alot to her.
Such a beautiful gift Lauren, precious and beautiful too. I am always filled with emotion when I read the story of Ethan. I hope Alicia will find comfort and joy in your gift – the meaning of the name Ethan is “strong” which this little boy appeared to be for every day of his short life.
Coincidently I too have a little boy named Ethan and he also loves cowboys……so much so we had to get him a pair of cowboy boots recently…..not to mention how much they cost getting them from Sheplers in the US to the UK….but they were worth every cent. Bless x
What a special person your are to think of such a special gift. You said you cried the whole time you were making the box. I cried reading the post about you crying. It just breaks my heart to read about how short his precious life was. I cry every time I read a post about him and his family. I think we all think that, that could be our child and we could be in that situation one day, we just never know. You are too sweet. I am not as thoughtful I would not have thought about a gift for the mom. Blessings to you and yours. Praying that Jason is pain free soon.
Lauren- What a beautiful and touching gift.
This is such a meaningful & thoughtful gift and I am sure your friend will hold it close for the rest of her life. Ethan’s story was such a sad one, but to remember the good times always helps.
Lauren~
The bracelet is absolutely perfect. Like you said…whether she wears it or treasures it with some of Ethan’s other belongings, it’s beautiful and will always remind her of her special little cowboy. I also adore the package you put soooo much thought (and tears) into. It’s spectacular! I’m sure Alicia will be elated to receive it!
You are a special, compassionate, generous friend. I’m happy to call you one of mine, and I know Alicia is too. Thanks for sharing your special project.
This is just beautiful. I am sure it will be treasured, not only for This is such a caring and thoughtful gift, not just for the memories of Ethan it will envoke but also knowing that she has such a caring and thoughtful friend in her life.
Angel children are very special but it can hurt when they pass and others are too scared to mention them. People think it is cruel to ‘dig up the pain’ but the pain is always their and having someone who will share in that pain is a very special gift for a mother. May God bless both of you and your families.
May God bless both of you and your families.
Lauren, this is such a beautiful gift. Alicia is going to love it.
I’ve read this with tears. What a thoughtful and kind gift, Lauren. Ethan’s story always hurts my heart when I read it. You’ve done a beautiful thing with the gift and this post.
Wow Lauren, that is so beautiful.
I definitely want to get this set now, I am creating a scrapbook for my son, titled Uncle Patty and me for my son, as my brother had recently died at the young age of 33 and my son didn’t get a chance to get to know him very well. This way he can see how much his uncle loved him.
Thank you for your creativity, it keeps inspiring me.. Have you done anything in regards to a carnival theme?? lol.
Charna
What a thoughtful gift and touching gesture. You might also like to know that whether those flowers are violets or pansies, they signify “Forever in my thoughts”. I’m sure your gift will warm her heart.
Lauren, you are not only creative but so thoughtful to make this beautiful gift for Alicia. The bracelet is perfect and I know that Alicia will treasure it for life, thanks to you.
Your gift and the sentiments you said to explain why you got it for Alicia and the information about the color of purple brought tears to my eyes. You are a treasure, Lauren. You have a heart of gold. In so many ways, I see the same sweet traits in you that my own husband has. I tell him all the time, “you have such a good heart.” You, too, have a good heart. God bless you for the kind things you do and the sweet ways you show your care to others. There needs to be more like you in this cold world.
This is a wonderful gift. You are so thoughtful and I’m sure you own experiences have made you so much more empathetic.
Also, thank you for sharing the information about purple. I agree that a soft purple seems like a good color for times like this, and now I know why!
You have given a lot of thought and love into the gift you have selected to give your friend. She will cherish it forever just as you have the gifts that you have been given. It is very efident that you are very compassion and giving of your heart. May God Bless both you and you friend durning this time of suffering.
What a wonderful gift in such a beautiful package to remember such a special little boy. I love that you looked into the meaning of each symbol……….it gives it that much more meaning.
You are a very special person & so thoughtful to do something so amazing for your friend.
Huggies ~
Sharron
How beautiful and touching. You are a very dear person. Pansies and their little cousins the violas have many old-fashioned names and the one I have always loved the most is “Heart’s-Ease.” I join your wish for peace and comfort for your friends.
This is a beautiful, thoughtful gift. Lauren, you have a BIG heart to go with your fabulous creativity.
I am sincerely sorry for your friends loss. As a mother, I can’t even imagine what that woman is experiencing. I will keep her & family & friends in my thoughts & prayers. What an amazingly beautiful heartfelt gift. I am sure your dear friend will cherish the petal purse that you put so much love into creating as well as the personalized engraved bracelet. TFS Hugs, Mona
It’s beautiful Lauren. I’m sure that she will love it.
Lauren!
THis is stunning, simply beautiful! What a fabulous gift and so thoughtful. I’m sure Alicia will wear it forever.
You are such a thoughtful and generous person Lauren! I am starting to put together ‘gifts’ for people ‘just cause’ now, whereas before i felt that i HAD to have a reason to create. Thank you for sharing and opening me up to the possibilities of creating more. Also i wanted to share this with you
http://corrinaholloway.blogspot.com/2009/07/long-time.html
Thanks Lauren!!
What a lovely sentiment ans so perfect for Ethan. I love the presentation … just the absolutely perfect package. I am know by my friends as a major purple lover and really enjoyed reading your info. To me, Purple is both enticing and calming…it just makes me feel wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Heather
What a perfect friend you are! Your gift presentation is beautiful and the bracelet is wonderful. Alicia will treasure it all. Your bank of “Grace” is filling over. You should be annointed a “Saint”!
Lauren you really do have a heart of gold. I’m sure that Alicia will love it and love to hear the process behind the creation.
What a wonderful and thoughtful thing to do. I am sure Alicia treasures the gift and all the thought put behind it.
As for your necklace, I’m so glad you like it so much. :o)
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