Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Sad News

I'm so sorry to report that we've lost a member who was active both years. Lillian de la Cruz, a beader, stitcher and lover of traveling, died on Oct. 7, 2008 of pancreatic cancer. By the time her disease was discovered, it was already too late for treatments. She sent an email to me while in hospice and I posted parts of it on the 07 BJP blog, here. One of our other members, Grace D, kept in touch with her and notified me of her passing. Grace wrote:

We corresponded (when she was feeling well enough) from time to time. She really wanted to make dolls, so I sent her a care package last spring with a kit to make a beaded doll and an already made Dotee doll (she seemed to really love those little dolls), but that was about it. I didn't want to be too intrusive. She seemed to have such a good attitude about dying and living - I wish I would have known her better.

Thank you, Grace, for letting us know and for your support of Lillian during her last months with us. I am greatful for the way we BJPers take care of each other, quietly, behind the scenes... It seems to work well that we don't write a lot of posts about personal crisis, yet through our blog network, we sense where we are needed and respond. This is good!

Robin A.

5 comments:

Sabine said...

I was sorry to read the sad story. On the other hand, the BJP really is much more than just an online project - it is a veritable network.

Sabine

abeadlady said...

Lillian will be truly missed by all of us.

pam T said...

Oh! I am so sorry to hear about Lillian! Had I known I would have communicated with her... Yes, I for one am able to proclaim the generosity of the BJP world for its support and love - it does wonders for the soul, it truly does. We ARE a wonderful and inspiring group!

heidibeads said...

My thoughts and prayers go out to Lillian and her family. She will be missed.

Ellen said...

How sad, I have often wondered about Lillian. Thank you for passing on this oh so sad news Robin & Grace..