November is a month for remembering, and I chose that for the theme of my CoverStory piece. Yes there is the acknowledgement of those who died in the service of their nation - we wear our poppies, on the 11th [Armistice day/Poppy Day] and on Remembrance Sunday [the 2nd Sunday of the month]
But for me it also a month to remember two precious family members I have loved and lost. Cousin Gillian, who died on Remembrance Sunday 2021, just a few days after her 65th birthday. And Gill's Mum, my Auntie Peggy. She died in March 2023 - but her birthday was November 17th.
So I decided to stitch poppies. I used nets and voiles in shades of red and overlaid the whole piece with a pale scarlet voile.
There's a phrase "beyond the veil" - which comes to us from the Jewish tradition.
For them it referred to the Veil/Curtain in the Temple, which separated the ordinary people at worship from the very holy place, where the priest offered special prayers, in the presence of God. In William Tyndale's translation of the Bible 500 years ago, he brought this phrase into common English. It came to mean the place where God is - and where the saints join with Him after death.
Therefore I chose the nets and voiles, translucent fabrics, to symbolise this. Lost, but not forever - one day I believe we will all be together again.
This is the sixth piece I've stitched - so we are halfway through the patchwork - after which there will be embellishments to work on.
I ought to confess that as a child, when I heard old people in church speak of "Those we love beyond the veil" I thought they meant young women who had gone away and got married!!
That's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI will always remember meeting Peggy. I wish I'd got to meet Gill. Kezzie x
Thank you for your kindness to Peggy, visiting her in hospital when I was unable to get to Essex. She always asked about you. You'd have loved Gill, she shared your sense of fun, and your eagerness to help children learn
DeleteReading about this kind visit made me cry. What a wonderful thing to do. JanF
DeleteIt is the sort of thoughtful action which makes Kezzie a special friend to so many.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea.
ReplyDelete💟
DeleteWhat a beautiful piece of needlework! I don't think I've heard the expression, "beyond the veil", before.
ReplyDeleteIt used to be used a lot in church
DeleteThat's a very lovely way to keep memories of those you love x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
💜
DeleteI love this, you put so much thought into making it meaningful. I did not realize it was 3 years since Gill died, the same month our 1,200 sq.ft basement was flooded and my husband died the month after Aunt Peggy. JanF
ReplyDeleteThat's right- times of great sadness for both of us...
DeleteIt's always a good time to remember loved ones. My sister died three years ago the day after our thanksgiving, I remember it as then (though I forget the exact date). I recall your loss of your cousin Gill around the same time, then your beloved aunt. Memories are treasures to hold close.
ReplyDeleteThey are indeed ❤️
DeleteThat is an exquisite piece of embroidery! There is a book of Remembrance on a lectern in the back of the church throughout November, for us to add names to when we come in. I often add another one or two to the book through the month, as I remember many more dear friends and neighbours who have died. There is joy as well as sadness in remembering them.
ReplyDeleteI am fond of the verse in the Bible which says "the memory of the just is blessed"
DeleteWhat a truly special piece of needlework, Ang. Thanks for sharing how the project is progressing. ❤️Catriona
ReplyDeleteThanks C
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