Thursday, April 24, 2008

Remembering Carissa



A month or so ago I posted about my little sister Carissa being in the hospital with pneumonia and blood clots in her lungs. We thought she was getting better and had been out of the hospital for about 2 weeks, but about 3 weeks ago she took a sudden turn for the worse, and on the 13th of April she passed away. Our family misses her so much because she was really the light of our lives, but we know that her mission here on Earth was finished and that she is now with our Heavenly Father. It has been amazing, over the past couple of weeks, to see just how many lives she touched during her life. She helped so many people to feel the pure love of Christ, and she never missed an opportunity to share her testimony of God's plan. I made a book of remembrance for the viewing and funeral for people to write in, and it filled nearly 100 pages! I hope that I can live my life in such a way that I can bless peoples' lives the way Carissa did.

This picture is the cover of the book. The pp is from SEI, from the Winnie's Walls line. This bright, happy paper was the perfect way to capture her personality. I used a Coluzzle circle template to create the big scallops, and the Cutterbee piercing bug to do the holes for the stitching (this is the niftiest little tool!). The little letter rub-ons I used for her different nick-names are from American Crafts. "Carissa" is cut with the Cricut Alphalicious cartridge at 2 1/2", and the swirl behind it is cut from Christmas Cheer (it's actually two swirls glued together, one cut at 5 1/2" and one cut at 3").

Many of you who read this have already done so much to show love and support for me and my family -- thank you! We have been truly overwhelmed by the love of our family, friends, and neighbors, and many people we didn't even know! God bless all of you!

10 comments:

Ben, Aubrey, Alexis, Gabby & Haylie said...

I'm so sorry about Carissa. This is a wonderful way to remember her, and hopefully help you and your family get through this tough time. We're praying for you.

Denise Rose said...

Hey, I am so sorry about your loss. I know how much you loved and talked about your sister and I will keep your family in my prayers at this time. I hope you are feeling well also! I am doing good, just busy with life! Take care sweet lady!

Denise :)

Samm said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. Sending loads of {{{hugs}}} to you and your family.

Samm
x

Amy said...

Oh Tomi,

I am so sorry for your loss. But you are so blessed in knowing you will be with her again. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

HI Tomi
I love the way you remembered your sister with this lovely book and you are right it does seem to capture all that you have told about her personality.
God bless you and your family at this time
Cathie in AF, Utah

michelle said...

This is so beautiful and such a tribute to your wonderful sister, i hope that the love from your family and friends are helping you get through this very sad time ! huge hugs from me

michelle

Jeannie Phillips said...

Oh sweetie I have not seen this... my heart is breaking...I am so so sorry that you and your family have lost Carissa from other things you have posted I knew that your sister was loved so so much. You are in my thoughts in prayers.
Jeannie

Robyn said...

Absolutely beautiful!!! Great page and a great way to remember your sweet sister.

Yes, I would love to have you link me on your blog. I'll link you, too.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds as if she really touched a lot of lives and this is a wonderful remembrance. Thanks for sharing. God Bless.
JoAnn B. iluvscrapping@iwon.com

Carole Beath said...

What a absolutely wonderful tribute you did for Carissa. I am so sorry for your loss, Tomi.