Today is a very special as well as a HUGE heartfelt day to honor an amazing young women that was taken way to early in life. If you follow my blog (and I sure hope you do) you already know that I like to intertwine my life and my personality thru my blog.
I have blogged many times about Hannah's amazing trainer Tom (remember, he is the guy that eats Peanut M&M's only on Sundays – only a man could have that will power)...well he is one special person to so many and today is a day that I know is going to be emotional but at the same time a feel good for him.
Three years ago, Claire Mawdsley was killed in an automobile accident at young age of 21. Claire was a role model to many of the Junior Riders at the barn as well as a young women that had an amazing work ethic and passion for life. If you wish to read about this talented young lady, please click here.
Tom has been working so hard in getting a Scholorship started in memory and in honor of Claire and today his dream is coming to life. If you click on the below picture, you can read more about it.
Tom has asked me to make up (4) cards for the winners (there are (4) sections of Junior Riders) and the money that they will be receiving will go towards their college education. Here is the card that I made.
I think that it is very appropriate for the occasion and it was an honor and a joy to make! I had a call from Hannah (she is in Africa now) and she wanted to let me know that she is thinking about all of us and how wonderful it is that this scholorship is coming to life to honor such a beautiful person!
Needless to say I am here at the horse show, surrounded by my "Barn friends" and Claires Mom is here as well! Last night some of the girls from the Barn made thank-you cards for the riders that were entered in the scholorship to write a note of thanks to all of the sponors…(another thing I adore about Tom…he said "Can you also make me up some thank-you's as I want the kids to sit down and properly thank all of the sponsors")
I know that it is hard to see the blue…it is Night of Navy and I just love this simple stamp…one stamp says it all! The girls do not stamp (I need to work on that!!!!!) so I made it super easy for them to use the aqua painter and the stamp to do the trick!
I know that this is not a "teach you" post but in other ways it really is a "teach you" post as please do not under estimate what we do. This simple gesture of making these for Tom not only warms my heart but I know that Claire would be touched as well.
I can remember the last time I saw Claire…I made this Apple Cake and she really, really loved it. Some of the other grooms from the barn had left and she aked me…."Where is that cake – it is really good" – when I told her that the guys took it…her face was adorable and pricless! Great memories of a special person!
Please keep Claire and her family and friends in your thoughts! I think you all will agree with me, Tom IS a special person…it is wonderful to see his dream come to life and there is no doubt that Claire is right here with us for this special day!
Thanks for allowing me to let you "into" my life today….tomorrow is Simple Saturday and Oh, Henry!!! Pop back and see what's up my sleeve!
Enjoy the day and remember all of the thanksgiving that we all have! Until tomorrow!
Wonderful young man. Claire mist have been very special indeed! Thanks for sharing your life with us. And congrats to the winners of your scholarship winners!
Hi Susan, this is such a bittersweet post. It is such an example of how something positive can come from a senseless tragedy. I’m sure Claire’s family can find solace in knowing that her legacy will continue through these scholarships. Your contribution to this effort is wonderful. The awards cards are just perfect as are the thank you notes. Perhaps you have inspired some young new stampers. I’m sure Hannah is very proud of your efforts, also. Thanks for sharing this with us today.
Absolutely perfect card for such a bittersweet occasion. Tom seems to be a very special young man, so thoughtful and kind.
What a wonderful way to give tribute. Tom sounds like a special person as well. I always enjoy reading your blog and how your stamping reaches others. To me, that is one of the greatest gifts of being an SU demo. Sending a piece of ourselves is a wonderful feeling! TFS
Oh Susan ! I am sure God has a big smile on his face and a tear in his eye because of everyone you have mentioned today !
Your cards are more than perfect for their purpose !
Thank you for sharing and a big hug to Tom !
Thanks for sharing your life with us. It is what makes us love you so much.
Yes Susan, thank you for the story, the card and sharing your personal life with us. This is why you are my Upline! I am thankful for you.
🙂
Thank you Susan for sharing with us. It’s great to see the girls making thank you cards. Loved the design on both cards.
Congratulations to Tom on achieving his goal with the scholarship program! Congrats to those who won! Thank you for sharing such special news. Have a good time at the horse show! You do so much for others!
Cyberhugs!
What a beautiful story!! Congratulations to all!
What a bitter/sweet story. It’s so sad when such a young Life is taken but a wonderful, amazing thing came out of this tragedy, this Scholarship Program will preserve the memory of this young girl by helping others achieve their goals.
Congratulate Tom Brennan for his efforts and dedication that made this amazing program possible. Is people like him who, little by little, make this world better by just being in it.
Thank you for sharing this heart warming story, Susan.
Great post. the cards are perfect though I had to laugh – the thank you with the brown ink reminded me of “muck” or whatever term you want to call it! But, thenm again, that is appropriate too! Oh, and Hannah is in Africa now…..I was wondering if they had gone to another area yet. Thank you for sharing this story with us!
Thank you for sharing! You touch so many lives.
Thank you for sharing. I’m sure Tom is touching many lives and also Claire even though she has passed.
Oh Susan – thank you for letting us know a little bit about Claire and her dreams as well as the wonderful young man helping to keep her memory alive. I’m so glad you are personally a part of that as I’m sure it is rewarding on many levels and for so many people.
Thanks, Susan, for giving us inspiration in so many ways other than stamping! You are a daily blessing to many of us through the words you share and the cards you make and send.
Wishing you joy! (you can never have too much!!!)
Hi Susan,
I have some questions regarding your Stamp of the Month Club. I can’t seem to email you, but I have provided my email in the comment area below.
Thanks, Barbara
What a heartfelt story….Tom sounds like an amazing person…thank you for sharing with us!