Thursday, February 15, 2007

Via One-WInged Carrier Pigeon

Way back in September, my friend Caren McNee got word that she needed to fly home to South Africa because her mother was failing. Sadly, before she could leave New Zealand, her mother passed away. Those of us who know Caren wanted to do something to let her know we were thinking of her and so we created this condolance collaborative book for her.

I mailed the completed book out to Caren on November 3, 2006, in the hope that it would reach her in time for Xmas. I know first hand how hard it is to lose someone you love and have to face that very tough first big holiday without them. Unfortunately, the post office had different ideas. Caren's book didn't arrive for weeks and weeks and I sent several frantic emails to her asking if a parcel I had sent had shown up. Nothing. About 2 weeks ago, I finally broke down and told Caren what was in the package and she was as sick about it as I was. I called Canada Post and initiated a claim on it, knowing full well I could never replace her gift with any amount of money. (They actually make you wait 90 days before they will start a claim and they say it takes 6 months to process! Unbelieveable!) It broke my heart not knowing what had happened to her book.

Then, late last night, just before bed, I checked my emails and lo and behold, CAREN'S BOOK HAD ARRIVED!! YAY!! (Three and a half months later!) I am absolutely thrilled that she received it, even if it is late! As luck would have it, Caren is just about to head off to South Africa to visit her dad and now she will have her beautiful book to take with her to share with him.

So...for those of you who participated: Laura Duet, Penelope Harris, Marilyn Healey, Amy Huff, Trudy Mclaughlan, Fiona Mortimore, Ruth O'Connor, Ruth Rae, Liz Smith, Dawn Supina and Erika Tysse thank you so much for your beautiful pages and for taking the time to let Caren know you care.

If you would like to see the project, you may click here.

3 comments:

Laura said...

Every page is so beautiful.......

Kris said...

That is a lovely uplifting and timely story to hear!

MarilynH said...

Lelainia, thank you so much for hosting this and for showing the pages of the finished book. Such a treat to see them all together!