You make a difference to me

Over the years, I have had contact with many people all over the world through my interests in needlework, my interaction in needlework-focused online groups, and through my business.

People come and go. Some hang around for a very long time, and I’m so very grateful. Some move on to other interests. Sometimes I hear that someone is no longer with us. I think particularly of Paula in Brazil, who always used to keenly anticipate my next book – whatever it was! She was always so encouraging, and so amusing the way she’d talk about me being such a tease in the way I slowly release information about what’s coming. She was a respected teacher of embroidery in Brazil. It was so sad to learn that Paula had died, and even years later, I’m still mourning her loss.

Yesterday I learned that Cheryl, who always ordered a good number of books for her shop whenever I had a new one, died last September. She was a kind, generous person, who was also always so encouraging to me. I sent her an email last week to let her know that the new book was getting near. It surprised me that I hadn’t had an enthusiastic email back from her, so I investigated. I was so sad to hear that after a short health battle, she had died late last year.

For me, this isn’t just a business. It is so much more. It is about sharing knowledge, sharing a passion, and also, sometimes I have the privilege of sharing in other people’s lives. If you’ve been around here for a short time or a long time, please know that I appreciate you, and I’m glad you’re here. You touch my life, and sometimes that makes a real difference to me. Thank you.