It has been a while since I have wanted to blog…

It has been a while since I have posted anything on the blog and honestly it has been a long while since I have wanted to write anything. As some of you know, my father passed away on March 17 after battling pancreatic cancer for three years. Even though he fought so hard for so long and was in so much pain, this is a sadness I could have never imagined.

As in times of great strife and loss, I think it is natural to question your own purpose, occupation and life. During the 18 days my dad received hospice care and the 17 I was fortunate to be home for, I wish I could have thrown my phone out the window and wanted someone else to be the boss. I didn’t care if the monogram on a bride’s cocktails napkins was just a little large or about posting a blog on spring fashion picks. It all seemed very unimportant to me.

But on the other hand, I was able pack up my computer and setup a work station in my parents home. Being my own boss allowed me to share my dad’s last days, tell him how much I loved him and talk about our favorite memories together. I would never trade this time for the money I could have made on those clients who decided not to work with me because of my availability. I was able to pick and choose what was important to me at that time.

Backup to June 2012 when I called my parents to tell them I had reached a point where I could no longer run my business and maintain my 9-to-5 job and looked to them for guidance. My dad, who was a small business owner for 25 years, said that if I never took a chance then I would never know what success I could have even though he probably knew more about the risks involved than I could have imagined. I felt inspired by his (and my mom’s) support and ended up quitting my 9-to-5 the next day. Now, my dad didn’t think I would do it that soon but he believed in me. His strength and encouragement will be a constant presence in my life and work.

Getting back in the swing if things have definitely been very challenging and the past couple months still seem a bit surreal, but the support I have received from family, friends, clients and “co-workers” has been amazing. I moved into my new studio alongside two talented, supportive women and often find myself at the end of the day wondering where the hours went because I have stayed so busy. I am thankful that I love what I do and actually do enjoy determining the best size of a monogram. I am a part of one of the happiest and most memorable times in a person’s life that is centered around love, family and support.

So, thank you to everyone that has called, texted, emailed, sent cards, flowers, and more. Your support means the world to me.