Just wanted to check in as I've had a few folks wonder where I was and if I was okay, both here and on Instagram. Last week was filled with sadness for my family. On Wednesday, September 28th, the storm surge from Hurricane Ian flooded our family home in Naples with almost six feet of water. My husband, oldest brother-in-law, youngest niece, and I had worked so hard to get it back to livable shape after the same thing happened in 2017 with Hurricane Irma (apparently those "I" named hurricanes don't like us). We had finally gotten the house to the point where it was being rented (and very well-received) on Airbnb just this year. And now this... the idea of starting over is almost too much. My husband and I will be heading down to Naples very soon to see first-hand the damage that was done. It's been heartbreaking to watch all of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Ian that took place throughout Florida and my heart goes out to all who were affected. It will take a long time to return to "normal" on the west coast--if ever.
As this was going on, my family was facing an even sadder time--my dear mother-in-law passed away just two days later on Friday, September 30, 2022. Thankfully, she never became aware of what had just happened to her beloved Florida home where she had spent so many happy years. At 94 she had lived a long, full life and is finally pain-free after 15+ years for which we are truly grateful. I'll be writing more about her life in a future post, but for now, I'm just too heartsick and sad over the events of last week to put much down into words. I can't bring myself to read blogs or comment on Instagram right now, but I simply wanted to write a short post today to let you know that I'll be back when I feel more like myself. Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts. Bye for now...
69 comments:
Oh Carol, I'm so sorry for the passing of your Mother in Law. What a sad time for your family, grieving for a family member and having to deal with the devastation of the hurricane.
I hope the damage to your house is not as bad as you fear and the clean-up operation can be done quickly. I feel for anyone who has affected by hurricane Ian, I can only imagine how awful it can be.
Sending hugs and i'll be thinking of you.
xx
My dear Carol, what sad days you have lived!!
I am very sorry for the death of your mother-in-law and the damage that the hurricane may have caused in your home in Naples.
We followed him on television and the images were devastating.
A lot of strength to overcome these sad days of September
Hugs
Dear Carol, I am so sorry to hear about your home and your dear mother in law. I hope it won't take awhole lot to fix up your home. I will keep you in my prayers. big hugs Lynda Ruth
Oh, Carol, my heart truly goes out to you and your family for the passing of your husband’s mother and for the damage to the family property in Naples. When I heard about the hurricane in Naples I thought I remembered that you had written about your husband’s parents had a home in Naples and I wondered if it suffered from any damage. I am so very sorry to learn that all of this has happened to you. I am certain that all of your readers and followers of your blog (all of us are your friends!) can only hope for the very best for your family under these truly incredibly difficult circumstances. Our love and support truly goes out to you and your family!
Barb R. ❣️
Oh Carol, I am so sorry about all of your sad news, but I am glad you updated us. Please know that you and yours are on my heart and in my prayers:)
Carol, so sorry to hear about all the sadness you've been experiencing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please take care of yourself...we will be here when you feel able to return. Sending hugs!
Dear Carol, I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your dear Mother in law, and the damage to the home - we have seen footage of the hurricane in the news here in NZ, and the devastation it has caused. You and your family are in my thoughts xx
All the strength to you and your family!
Oh Carol, My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Mother in Law - may she rest in eternal peace.
The devastation in Florida is terrible and I'm sad to hear how it has affected you and your family!
Sending prayers and healing thoughts with prayers. Take good care!
Carol dear ~ Reaching out to you and yours in prayer for comfort and recovery. So sad that you faced two trials occurring so close in time.
Praying you healing mercies, strength and courage during the coming days.
Blessings ~
Carol, That is just horrible. I'm so sorry to hear such sad news.
Dear Carol, Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your MIL. No matter the age, it’s always difficult. So sorry to hear the home was one of many affected by the disaster. One day at a time.
Dear Carol, I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. Sending love and prayers for you all at this difficult time. X
Carol I am so very sorry to hear your news. I am so sad about your MIL but like you mentioned she is finally pain free and is finally comfortable. I am also sorry about your Florida news. I hope the damage is not very extensive on the home. I hope that the home was empty and nobody was injured. Praise that you guys were not there enjoying a vacation. When you and Tim travel to check out the property please be careful.
I saw the destruction in Naples and remembered that a family home was there. So very sorry about the sadness and position your family is in once again. And my sympathy to you and your husband on another loss. Thank you for letting us know and please be careful during your trip there.
Oh gosh, Carol, I am so sorry for all you and your family have been going through in the last week or so. No matter how many years we have our parents, we are never ready to lose them. May all your wonderful memories give you comfort as you grieve your loss. And the hurricane, oh my gosh. The devastation looks terrible. Living in NE I've obviously never experienced a hurricane. Tornadoes are what we deal with. They are quick and over, without all the mud, water, and muck. I guess you know how much work and heartache is ahead, having gone through this once already. My heart is sad for you.
Oh, dear Carol. I am so sorry for the heartache that you and your family are having to go through. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear mother in law. Stay safe as you travel to assess the damage of your home . You will be in my prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear about the sadness and grief that you and your family are going through. Losing a close family member is devastating. Material damage is very upsetting indeed, but not comparable to the loss of a loved one. I'm so pleased for your husband and you that your mother-in-law lived a long and full life. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Hello Carol, so sad to hear all the sad news. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I saw the damage on TV and can really say to be happy not to live in such an area.
Take care.
This is really sad news, my condolences on the loss of your mother in law. I am praying for them and you and all the people who have suffered so much from the hurricane.
I hug you from the bottom of my heart and wish you and your family a lot of strength during this time.
Martina
So sorry Carol for your sad news.
I was watching the storm on TV it was so sad to see, and I was hoping it was not your holiday home.
I am thinking of you and praying for all your family.
Take care big Hugs June.
Hello Carol,
mein herzliches Beileid zum Tode deiner Schwiegermutter. Möge sie in Frieden ruhen.
OH ja, die Bilder von Florida sind sehr schlimm gewesen.
Ich denke an dich und eine ganz liebe Umarmung, Manuela
So sorry to hear your sad news Carol. Thoughts are with you and your family
Carol xx
so sorry to hear your sad news. Thinking of you and your family
I'm so sorry to hear that on both accounts Carol.
My condolences.
Please take care.
Marilyn
Sometimes the words 'I'm praying for you' don't sound like enough unless it's understood that we are speaking to the Father of us all. Why He's asked you to walk through such heartache, is so hard to comprehend. I am praying for your strength and guidance through all of this.
I am very sad for you Carol and for your family.We are never properly prepared for life's curveballs.I am not particularly 'present' on IG but I did notice your absense.Sending my love to you xx
I am very sad for you Carol and for your family.We are never properly prepared for life's curveballs.I am not particularly 'present' on IG but I did notice your absense.Sending my love to you
Lesleyxx
Dear Carol, all of your family is in my prayers. I am very sorry for the loss of your MIL. Like you said, she no longer suffers in pain now. My heart is sad that you will all have to deal with this destruction to your home in Naples.
Carol, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Prayers for comfort, peace, strength, and guidance.
Kyle
Carol, I'm so sorry for you and your family. God bless you all during this difficult time and give you the strength you need to move forward.
Dear Carol,
I just recently found your blog and love hearing about your life and your lovely stitching. Today, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother-in-law and the hurricane damage but I am glad to share both the good times and the bad. I am thinking of you and sending my wishes for better days. Take good care of yourself.
Deb
Sad days indeed. So sorry about your mother in law. She's in peace now and you have comfort knowing she's pain free. Thanks for letting us know. Your house can be rebuilt again. Frustrating for sure. It will be awhile as there are only so many contractors available. Have safe travels. My wish for you is faith and lots of patience. Remember to take care of you.
The storm was truly awful. I am still processing the destruction myself. I am so glad your mother-in-law didn't know. She is at peace. I pray peace for you and your family.
Carol, thinking of you and your family during this time of sadness. Praying for peace for each of you.
Dear Carol,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Wishing you all strength as you deal with the devastation from the Hurricane and the passing of your mother in law.
Kathy
Dear Carol, I am so very sorry about the passing of your mother-in-law. I am thinking of you and your husband and sending love, hugs and prayers. I'm so thankful your mother-in-law didn't realize the damage that has been done to her house in Florida...so much devastation. Take good care of yourselves.
I really appreciate that you stopped in to update as I know it's hard to do when you are already dealing with so much. Hugs my friend.
Oh Carol… I am so very sorry for all the sadness you and your family are going through at this time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this.
So sorry to hear about the unfortunate times you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Oh Carol, I am so sorry for the loss of you beloved mother-in-law. The destruction from Ian is heartbreaking. You and your family are in my heart and prayers. Hugs to you all.
Carol: I am so sorry for your loss; I hope you and your family are able to heal after losing your mother-in-Law.
I am also sad about the flooding in your Naples home, so sad what has happened, I hope and Pray all will return to normal or as close to normal as possible.
Gods Blessings
Catherine
Big Hugs coming with this message to you. May your heart pain ease soon.
Oh Carol, I,m so sorry for your loss and what a sad news about the house.
Carol, I'm so very sorry for your loss. How heartbreaking.......hopefully the house will be easier to repair than before. I can feel your pain and sadness. Sending you many thoughts and prayers for strength and healing.
Carol, I am so very sorry. What has happened in SW FL is just devastating and to lose your MIL as well, my heart breaks for you and your family.
Carol,
So very sorry for call the sadness in your life right now. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Carol, I’m sadden to hear of the loss of your mother-in -law. Sending prayers of comfort to you and your family. I can’t imagine the heartache over the devastation brought on by Hurricane Ian to your husband’s family home. My brother-in-law’s vacation home in Ft Meyers was heavily damaged too. One day you will again be able to remember all the happy memories. Sending hugs!
Carol, So sorry to read of your sad news. Sending prayers and strength your way.
Thinking of you and your family.
Carol,
Such sad news. I hope you'll find your way in the days and weeks ahead. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for peace, comfort, strength and guidance.
Just read this. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this at once. Heartbreaking to hear of all the destruction and lives lost in that storm. And your MIL death on top to make it worse.
Sending big virtual hugs of support.
Carol, je vous adresse mes plus sincères condoléances pour la perte de votre belle-mère.
L'ouragan a fait de terribles ravages en effet, nous l'avons su et vu au travers des informations diffusées. Je vous adresse des ondes positives, et beaucoup de courage pour réhabiliter votre maison familiale. J'espère de tout cœur que les dégâts ne sont pas irréversibles.
Je pense bien à vous. Je suis très loin de vous mais par la pensée je vous serre fort dans mes bras pour vous apporter un peu de réconfort.
Amitiés de France.
Carol, I am so very sorry about your loss of your mother-in -law and for all the damage to the house in Naples. We are all thinking of you and we hope you get a little comfort from that….as you are so very special and bring joy to us with your blog and beautiful needlework. You are in our prayers . Please know that you are a blessing, as we need that because life can be tough! Shelley in Colorado
Oh Carol, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law.
Sorry also to hear about the house in Naples.
Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Oh Carol, I'm so sorry you've been having such a sad September. Hopefully, by now, you've had somet time to process, and start to think about healing (in the one instance) and rebuilding (in the other). My thoughts are with you.
Carol, i'm so sorry for you and your dear Family. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones and i'm sending prayers, and hugs to you.
Dear Carol,
I understand you! I visited my mom in 1997 for some months.There was so very very hard flood.There was 2,5 metres of water for 21 days.We both was evacuated.
My family here was unhappy for it,because they don´t know nothing from me.It was not mobil phones and police,offices...nobody don´t had elektricity and phones...
I wish you many powers for it all
Love Eva
So sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time right now. I’m glad that your MIL is at peace now but it doesn’t make it easier for those left behind.
The hurricane sounds awful, maybe time to look for somewhere else? I do believe these extreme weather conditions are going to get worse.
Just wanted to say “Hello” and let you know that we are all thinking of you and hope you are doing as well as you possibly can given the circumstances. Hopefully, all the love and thoughts that are being sent to you will help give all of you the support you need.
Barb R. ❣️
I am so sorry Carol - condolences to your family on the loss of your mother-in-law and on the flooding of the house, what a tough time to be dealing with the house at the same time as you grieve. Wishing you all peace and comfort.
Carol, I am so sorry to read of these losses regarding family and property. Such tough blows. I'll include you in my prayers as you make decisions about how to move forward.
Dear Carol,
What times you have been experiencing! You have my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Mother In Law. There is such a great blessing in having In Laws who make our family life so sweet. I lost my own MIL soon after marrying my husband. I was so lucky to know her love and friendship for a few years, so I really feel for you. And to lose a family home in the same month, how horrible. I hope you will be able to rebuild it over time, or have new spot for all the loved ones to gather and make their memories. I hope you are able to take comfort in some stitching and other joys in this time of grief. You're in my prayers!
Oh Carol, my deepest condolences at the loss of your MIL. And I'm so sorry to hear how your family was impacted by the hurricane. Praying for comfort for you all and for wisdom in how to proceed with restoring the family home. Take all the time you need. We'll all be here when you come back.
So sorry for your loss, and for the flood damage, how distressing for you. I hope things start to look up soon xxx
Carol, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my heart and in my prayers.
Carol,it is very sad to read your new talk.
I personally experienced a great flood in 1997.I would never want to experience it again.
Sincere condolences on the death of your mother-in-law.My mother died at the age of 95.It was a liberation for her.
I wish you and the whole family more peaceful days Eva from the Czech Republic ♥
Carol, so sorry to hear of your recent losses. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Un abbraccio forte forte, una preghiera per tua suocera e per tutta la tua famiglia che deve affrontare questa perdita. Un bacio
I'm so sorry for your Mother in law's death...and for all horribles hurricane's damages. It must be a very hard situation.
I hope you'll be back from here as soon as posible. Anyway, much more important than this would be you to feel good and to want to write on your blog.
Kisses.
P. S. : sorry if my english is not good.
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