Thursday 7 January 2016

I can't look at the stars


Please forgive the blogging hiatus, everyone - oh, and a very happy new year to you all.

A hectic pre-Christmas schedule at both work and play, combined with a heavy cold, did some damage to my staying power over the festive period.

And then we learned of the death of a friend of Claudia's, a truly delightful young man named George. They have known each other since they were in nursery together, we know his mum and dad, and our family, like the whole community, is reeling with shock and sadness. 

It's every parent's worst nightmare, isn't it? Even as I try to imagine the unimaginable, that desolate grief and anguish at the loss of a beloved child, I find my mind recoils and refuses to face it.  

I don't mean to appropriate this tragedy as my own, I'm merely a saddened and helpless onlooker, but I must say it has knocked the wind out of me. So I haven't taken many photos, nor worn anything you've not seen before, I can't think of much to say, and honestly, my heart just isn't in this at the moment.


Vintage souvenir Hamsa pendant, talismanic symbol of protection - charity shopped

I'm sorry, I'm sure I'll soon be back to posting and commenting as usual. 

In the meantime, squeeze your loved ones tightly.

 
 This photo was taken on Claudia's 13th birthday outing last March; she has lovely friends, and none lovelier than George (front right, in the pink shirt and bow tie).

We miss him, and will remember him always.

xxx

44 comments:

Lisa said...

Utterly, utterly heartbreaking. My sympathies to you all.
My son lost his 16 year old brother very unexpectedly not long ago.
The loss of one so young is incomprehensible.
Take care.
Lisa x

Vronni's Style Meanderings said...

So sorry to hear about this young persons death.

As a parent it is the worst thing that can happen and I know this from experience. You never stop grieving for them.

All you can do is support your daughter and his family and look after yourself as well, Curtise.

Love Veronica
xxx
vronni60s.blogspot.com

Debberoo said...

Utterly devastating. I am so sorry, my heart breaks for his family. I am also so sad to read the comments above mine from Veronica and Lisa about their losses.

diaryofapennypincher said...

What a devastating start to the New Year for you all. No words really, other than my condolences for their (and Claudia's) loss xxx

Jazzy Jack said...

Oh Curtise how awful!
Every now and then life jumps up and kicks you in the teeth.
I've been wondering how you are.
Give yourself and Claudia some deep nurturing time!
There is still beauty in this world and you will soon see it again.
Meanwhile I will hold it for you.
Love and hugs,
Jazzy Jack

Ivy Black said...

Heartbreaking. Such sad news and much love to all.
xxxxxx

Mother of Reinvention said...

So sad, what a beautiful boy. Poor Claudia must be devastated. It's difficult to deal with loss even as we get older. Sending best wishes to you all and to Lisa and Veronica. Xx

Miss Magpie said...

I can't even begin to imagine, it's hard enough when elderly relatives die but a child? Just heartbreaking. Sending big hugs to you all xx

Rachel said...

Curtise, I'm very sorry to hear of this loss, and my heart goes out to his family, and to his friends too.

Suzanne said...

So sorry to hear of this very sad news.

(((((Curtise)))))

Suzanne

Angels have Red Hair said...

Oh no ... what a dreadful start to the new year ... thinking of you
xx

Fiona said...

Tragic news indeed, so sorry to hear this Curtise. Xx

Bobbi said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of Claudia's friend. Hugs to all of you.

Anonymous said...

Oh honey I am so truly sorry for the loss of George, just by looking at that picture you I can see that he would have been a young man full of charm. Take your time we are always here, it's a tough parenting a child who in grief when you're feeling so much yourself. Sending love and light. x

Connie said...

Such a beautiful boy. My heart aches. I'm sad to say that we have been through this, too, with one of my daughter's young friends. I understand completely how it just knocks all the stuffing out. Take care, Dear, and big hugs to your family.

SAM said...

I am truly sorry for your loss, and my heart goes out to Claudia. 11 years late, my daughter still mourns and remembers her dear friend in tribute on the anniversary of her death at 13, her birthday, each holiday. Those kids look like they have the whole world ahead of them and should not have to face this kind of loss. You are right-hug them tight, and if they complain, hug them harder and longer!

Kylie said...

Nothing to forgive Curtise.
This is a very sad post, truly heart breaking.
My thoughts are with everyone who loved George, especially Claudia x

Kezzie said...

That's utterly awful! I am so sorry xx

Unknown said...

That's so sad....and he looks like he was really a sweet kid. :( It does make me want to give my daughter a huge hug.

Melanie said...

Tragic, tragic news. My sincere condolences to all. xo

Goody said...

I'm so sorry to hear of this young man George's death. So unbearably awful and unfair.

Sheila said...

Oh, gosh, that's awful. I'm so sorry to hear that, Curtise.

Sue said...

Dear Curtise you are so forgiven and I feel your pain. One of my closest friends daughters took her own life at age 14 and it was the worst time ever. She would have been 26 this year. I do hope your Claudia is ok, such a young age for her to lose a friend. Love to you all from me.

Beth Waltz said...

What a dreadful shock this young lad's passing has been to his friends. You're quite right: at such times words fail us and all we can do is hug one another while time turns wounds into scars.

Patti said...

So heartbreaking, Curtise - my thoughts are with his family and of course with Claudia and you. And what a delightful boy George was. My mother-in-law lost her son, Sandy's brother, at age 59, and it was still the most devastating period in her life. xoxo to you,

Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com

freckleface said...

I've just sent you an email, not realising you've done a post. A tragedy like this affects everyone who knows the person and even people like me who didn't, find ourselves upset at the very idea. Sending you love and a big hug sweetheart xxx

Forest City Fashionista said...

I had a suspicion that something had happened over the holidays when you hadn't posted for a while. The photo of George with Claudia and their other friends breaks my heart - he looks like the type of kid that marches to his own drummer, and he obviously had a cool sense of style. My condolences to his friends and family, and sending hugs to you and Claudia.

thorne garnet said...

what sad news. Hugs to you and Claudia

Mrs Bertimus said...

Such sad news.
Hugs and love x

BadPenny said...

Desperately sad news. My thoughts are with you all xx

Lynn Holland said...

Be kind to yourselves, cry when you need to without feeling guilty for doing so and smile and laugh at the happy memories.That's all you can do. Oh and have plenty of hugs.
Love Lynn xxx

Trees said...

I'm so very sorry to hear this, its tough for a whole community when something like this happens. Big hugs to you and you family xo

Porcelina said...

My condolences to you all, and yes, hold our loved ones tight, always. xx

Olga Rani said...

What a tragedy! Loosing a child is the worst thing that can ever happen to anyone. So sad...

Unknown said...

I am sorry to read of your news I remember seeing the lovely photo when you first posted it. Bless George and his family such very sad news. Big hugs to you all, dee xxx

Sarah Jane said...

Curtise this is heartbreaking. I'm so very sorry. The death of a child is such an assault on the senses. So unnatural and incomprehensible. I can only echo some of the insightful comments you have already had; you will see the beauty in life again soon. Just give it time xxx

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

I'm so sorry Curtise. Rest in peace George. xxxx

Mim said...

I'm sorry to hear this. How devastating for everyone - hold your loved ones close indeed.

The Style Crone said...

So sorry for your loss. Yes, I understand how this has "knocked the wind" out of you. Devastating! Will see you when you return. Sending love your way!

Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping] said...

Awful, awful. I know what you mean about your mind refusing to go there, even trying to imagine it is like pouring salt on a snail. It's that horrible dreadful waste. I hope your Claudia is OK.
x

bahnwärterin said...

this are sad news my dear!
i remember the cute boy with the bow tie from your report last march. heartbreaking.
i send much love to you and claudia - hug you!!
xxxxx

The Vintage Knitter said...

Such a tragic thing to happen and he'd only just started out in life. Poor George - he looked like such a lovely lad in your photo. My thoughts are with you, Claudia, George's family and friends.
His star will always shine bright xxx

Natalia Lialina said...

Dearest Curtise, hugs and happy New Year to you! So sorry to learn that it started in such a tragic way for your daughter's friend's family. I can imagine how it affected you... I do remember the photos from Claudia's birthday thinking she had such wonderfully open friends. What a tragedy... Sending you all my love and warmest wishes, and hugs!

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

Thinking of you all and sending so much love.