Behind the String: An Ornament for Dad

I blogged about my dad back in 2012.  He died when I was 21.  Even though I was technically an adult at the time, it was still difficult.  He missed both college graduations, my wedding and both kids.

A few years ago, I made an ornament to memorialize my friend who had committed suicide and I wanted to do something similar. 

I just never could find the right pattern.  Then I realized I was looking for the wrong kind of pattern.

My father was born with a hole in his heart.  Today, this is easily fixable, but in 1949, it was a major issue.  He had surgery to fix it when he was 13 but his life expectancy was a mystery.  The originally said 25.  Then they said 40.  He died at 56 so he doubled his original estimate.

Because of his experience, he collected heart memorabilia.  Especially heart stamps.  Lots of heart stamps. 

So, I decided, his memorial ornament should have a heart also.  I quickly found one.

 "Christmas Love" by Lizzie*Kate

I put his name and dates on the back.  Found an appropriate font.

Now, 12 years after his passing, he is finally a part of my Christmas tree.  And that's the story behind the string