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In Mourning




One month ago, I lost my husband, Noel, suddenly, to an aortic dissection. This picture is from our 33rd wedding anniversary, and I never dreamed that it would be our last- I anticipated spending another 30 years together. Noel was an amazing man- so smart, funny and caring. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive husband- he made me laugh everyday and I will miss those moments. Together we raised three incredible daughters and he influenced the lives of thousands of his students. Even though his time was cut way too short on this earth, he lived life to its fullest- https://www.morganmemorialhome.com/obituary/noel-brodsky/

Noel was a big part of this blog from behind the scenes.  For the past few years, he's been the main photographer.  He also maintained all of my sewing machines- which was a lot considering the classes that I taught and the afterschool club sewing machines as well.  He was always my biggest fan when it came to my sewing, and if I sewed something for him, he would wear the heck out of it! 
I've been humbled and am grateful for the love and support our family has received from our friends, relatives, and colleagues. Thanks so much for your words of comfort and acts of kindness- it is so appreciated. 
I know that it seems like 2020 is a mess, but take it from me, every day that you can spend with your loved ones is a precious gift. Don't wait- tell them how much you love them every day. I am grateful for the 33 plus years that I got to spend with Noel.
It may be a while before I post again here. I am adjusting to life without my anchor. 

Comments

  1. STAshworthSeptember 3, 2020 at 4:28 PM

    I’m so sorry, Ann. I enjoy reading your posts. I’ll wait patiently until you’re ready to share with us again.

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  2. MarieSeptember 3, 2020 at 4:33 PM

    I can't even imagine. You will be in my prayers.

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  3. BeckyBSeptember 3, 2020 at 6:30 PM

    So, so sorry. God bless you and your family.

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  4. Carol in DenverSeptember 3, 2020 at 7:37 PM

    I am so sorry for the loss of your good husband.

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  5. TinaSeptember 3, 2020 at 8:13 PM

    He sounds like a wonderful man, and I'm so very, very sorry for your sudden and horrible loss. Please be kind to yourself and may you find and cherish some small moments of comfort.

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  6. MichelleSeptember 3, 2020 at 8:56 PM

    You have my deepest sympathy over the loss of your husband. He sounds like he was a wonderful, talented person. Please take time for your self and to be with you children. He will always be with you.

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  7. NanSeptember 3, 2020 at 9:30 PM

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I am a widow of 7 years. Life is never the same but the pain turns to sweet memories in time. This is my first visit to your blog. I will be back and will be looking forward to your return when you feel ready. Blessings to you and your family.

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  8. Vicki MSeptember 3, 2020 at 10:41 PM

    Oh Ann, I am so sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Hopefully you can be with other family members at this tough time.

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  9. Sam the AussieSeptember 4, 2020 at 3:25 AM

    Such a very, very sad time for you and your family. A good man taken way too early. I look forward to seeing you posting again, whenever you feel strong enough. X

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  10. CatherineSeptember 4, 2020 at 8:09 AM

    So very sorry for your loss. I know he'll be missed deeply.

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  11. MissgraceSeptember 4, 2020 at 8:31 AM

    I am so sorry about your husband. God be with you during this very hard time.

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  12. HeleneSeptember 4, 2020 at 8:39 AM

    I'm so very sorry that you've lost the love of your life, Ann. You're in my thoughts and in my prayers.

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  13. Jan CrewsSeptember 4, 2020 at 9:30 AM

    Ann, I'm so very sorry. I lost my precious husband 22 years ago, and I still feel him with me at random times. May you receive the same joy. Wishing for your memories to sustain you.

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  14. Bonnie @ sewplus.blogspot.comSeptember 4, 2020 at 9:41 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  15. RuthSeptember 4, 2020 at 11:44 AM

    God bless. How privileged you are to have found the One.

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  16. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2020 at 11:44 AM

    So sorry, but glad to hear you valued one another and let each other know it.

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  17. LyndleSeptember 5, 2020 at 1:13 AM

    I’m so sorry for your great loss. He sounds wonderful. A massive shock and a huge gap in your lives. Love to you all.

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  18. LynneSeptember 5, 2020 at 2:37 PM

    My sincerest sympathy for you and your daughters. It sounds like you and your husband had many wonderful times and all the memories will sustain you going forward. Be well and be safe.

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  19. EileensewsSeptember 5, 2020 at 4:21 PM

    I am so sorry for you and your children's loss.

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  20. Diane KSeptember 6, 2020 at 11:06 AM

    I am so sorry Ann! How hard to lose your life’s partner, and so suddenly. I can’t imagine what it’s like. You are so right that we need to let our loved ones know how we cherish them. Life is uncertain.

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  21. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2020 at 2:08 PM

    Long time reader, I've always admired your honesty. I'm so sad for what you are going through.

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  22. StephanieCSeptember 6, 2020 at 9:56 PM

    My thoughts are with you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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  23. BarbaraShowellSeptember 7, 2020 at 3:48 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss.

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  24. GracaSeptember 7, 2020 at 11:56 AM

    I'm sending condolences to you and your family. I'm so sorry to read this news.

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  25. Sharon SewsSeptember 8, 2020 at 12:23 PM

    Ann, I am so sorry to read this post. My heart breaks for you. I’ll keep you in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. Thanks for sharing - he sounds like he was a wonderful man.

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  26. Julie ShoemakerSeptember 9, 2020 at 2:17 PM

    Ann, it sounds like he was a great blessing! I am so sorry for your loss.

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  27. KS_Sews (Dressmakingbacles)September 9, 2020 at 3:27 PM

    Oh my gosh Ann, I am so sorry!! My thoughts are with you and your family. This must be heartbreaking. Please take care of yourself.

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  28. Mrs KSeptember 11, 2020 at 12:27 PM

    Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family, do take care.

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  29. VanessaSeptember 11, 2020 at 1:39 PM

    I am saddened to hear this! I will be praying for you to be loved and comforted by God in the days to come. I can see that your husband was an extraordinary man, and the days you did spend together were wonderful.

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  30. Cindy September 12, 2020 at 10:17 AM

    I'm so very sorry for your tragic loss.

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  31. GOLBASeptember 22, 2020 at 8:59 PM

    I like this part: "I know that it seems like 2020 is a mess, but take it from me, every day that you can spend with your loved ones is a precious gift. Don't wait- tell them how much you love them every day. I am grateful for the 33 plus years that I got to spend with Noel." Love you mom.

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  32. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2020 at 6:59 AM

    Ann, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing about your husband, what a beautiful legacy he left. Sending love to you and your family.

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  33. Pat GottshalkSeptember 23, 2020 at 7:50 AM

    I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I can only imagine how difficult this time has been. Grieving is often solitary and with the social distancing it can only be worse. I am wishing the best for you and your family.

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  34. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2020 at 9:10 AM

    I have been following your blog for many years and never commented. I really enjoy your posts about your sewing projects and you always give inspiration and good tips. Sorry about the loss of your husband. Time will heal and I hope you can find comfort in family and friends. Wishing you a better times ahead. Carol from Minnesota

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  35. AudreySeptember 25, 2020 at 5:19 PM

    Ann, I am so very sorry to hear that you recently lost your husband. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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  36. JDSeptember 26, 2020 at 1:09 AM

    Ann, I am so sad to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

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  37. Rosalind ClaytonOctober 12, 2020 at 8:56 AM

    I am SO very sorry to learn of the sudden death of your husband. It is very difficult to deal with an unexpected death, & my heart goes out to you. You were obviously blessed to have an amazing partner in life & I hope you will be able to draw on many wonderful memories when some of the initial pain eases. Please know that those who've followed your blog for a long time really care!

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  38. Linda LOctober 25, 2020 at 1:27 PM

    Ann, in reading your recent post on PR, I popped over to see more details and then read about the loss of your husband. I am very sorry to learn of your loss. It is truly hard to lose a love one, especially your husband and best friend. Prayers for you and your family.

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  39. AnonymousOctober 29, 2020 at 6:46 AM

    A loss which I feel not knowing him or you but that rainbow photo captures a keeper. Sincere wishes for you as you go forward in sorrow. May you walk in peace.

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