Celebrating Life...

This may be my first sympathy card I've made, but rather making it look like all the others, with trees, sky view etc. I wanted it to be a "Celebration of Life" for the recipient. My dear neighbor and friend lost her young niece last week and I just wanted to let her know we cared and are here should she need anything. I always felt that when your heart lay still, your life should always be celebrated even in death. After I had my card made I was going to attach it to a simple floral bouquet, but decided on an Edible Arrangement...have a party in her honor! All paper is SU! and stamps are PTI. I love my Martha Stewart butterfly punch! You can punch just one or several for a 3-D effect. On a last note, I wanted to share a really cool tradition that my Husband's family shares with those family members who have passed. For those of you that may not know, my Husband is Chinese (hence the picture above...haha!) and family and afterlife are immensely important in their culture. For instance, on the anniversary of his Grandmother's death, all the family members gather at her grave site and have a BIG celebration (compared to American culture!) in honor of her life. First, red incense are lit around the grave site and paper money (it has gold leaf on one side) is burned for wealth. Food is also brought to the grave site, duck, wine, fruit and cake. Not only is his Grandmother served, but they also cut a small slice for her neighbors and share!! Once the celebration is thru, the incense and ashes from the money are disposed of, however the food that has been sliced and served stays at the gravesite. The first time I went, it brought me to tears! Even though I may have a language barrier with his parents, I was overwhelmed by how gracious and amazing this tradition truly is! This all leads me to believe that when my time comes, not only will I be spoiled by my children, BUT I will also be well fed:).