Monday, March 23, 2009

Dad's 71st Birthday


Friday March 27th will be my father's 71st birthday. At this point of his life he has Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's. Last week my mother said the doctor confirmed he is in the final stages of the alzheimer's disease. Although the medicine my father has been taking for the past three years allows him to remember who we are -- something is missing. It's in his eyes a vacancy exists. Sometime ago, I went to visit him in Kentucky and after the initial greeting he asked me to leave his room. My very presence agitated him, it hurt but was what he needed.

Since the onset of the disease birthdays are so hard. Gift giving just seems ridiculous. I wanted to make him a card but finding a design, paper and stamp was way overwhelming. The card needs to be simple but festive.  For design of course enter Splitcoaststampers and the always wonderful Card Sketch of the week.  This week's sketch fit my birthday card needs perfectly.

My patterned paper choice was from the Snowed In collection of My Mind's Eye.  I believe the cardstock is one of the DCWV cardstock pads but don't hold me to it.  The stamp is from the Birthday Whimsy set of Stampin' UP.  Ink is Tulip by Close To My Heart.  There was a tremendous amount of measuring that went on with this card.  I'm pretty good at the measuring and cutting but not so with the placement.  There's some uneven edges and placement but I'm willing to forgive it this time.

I know that this card isn't the most beautiful, but it represents the best that I am able to accomplish given the subject matter and time.  

Thanks for taking a look and yes he stamps.

3 comments:

  1. I think the card looks great and representsjust perfect Ben. I really love that paper also.
    A Happy Birthday wish to your Dad and a prayer being said for your family.

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  2. Ben
    A great card. I love the colors.

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  3. Ben I think this card if fabulous. Very festive!!

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