Another layout for the BCA Crop, this time for Marcee's (for Emma) Survivor challenge. This is about my mom's struggle to make a life of her own after the death of my father.



I used a BCA Album page, word art from Tina Chambers, and elements from Marcee Duggar's Candee page kit.



Journaling reads:

My father passed away suddenly on December 16, 2000. Not only was it just before Christmas, but his birthday was on Christmas Eve and my

son's birthday was also that day. Our family was devastated, my mother expectedly more so than any of us. We just couldn't imagine what her

life would be like without Dad. Their game plan in life was to "go together".



Dad always took care of Mom and the financial matters, so we were all so lost in the days following his death. We dug through file drawers and

boxes for days trying to find all the insurance and financial paperwork. Most of us lived out of state, so we were trying desperately to get

everything together for Mom before we all had to leave. For a year after that, whenever one of went to visit and help her with paperwork, we

kept a journal so the next one there knew what those before him or her had done on that visit.



It was difficult for us to see Mom so lost. She had always taught us to be independent, yet here she was struggling with being alone. But, the

time came where she slowly and proudly began taking care of her affairs and making decisions on her own. For a few years after Dad died, it was

just too difficult to celebrate Christmas. This photo was taken in 2004, the first real family Christmas we had celebrated since that time. We were

all together, happy, and finally able to share happy memories of our family and holidays past. Yes, we all continue to shed tears over our loss, but

watching my Mom come through this ordeal a stronger person has truly inspired me - life truly does go on and you can make it through the worst.

I love you, Mom...thank you for being my strength and inspiration.