Buttercream & Roses

A Pinch of This, A Dash of That, A Baker Blossoms

Sunday, August 13

My sweetest fan

It is amazing how quickly our lives can change in an instant.
Three weeks ago tonight my sister Natalie passed away.
I have not been able to write a single word since then.
Even now I will probably ramble, but I always said
that I would write about my daily life here.
Although this entry is not so
sweet.

My 8 year old friend Vilda said something to me the other day that
really put things into perspective and reminded me of the special
healing powers that children have. She used to visit my sister everyday
and everyday my sister gave her a present. She comes to visit me now
and no matter how busy I am I always take time to visit with her.
I wondered how a child her age would handle the loss of a special friend.

Everyday she enlightens me. She remembers every single thing Natalie
gave her. Even the last thing which was a purple pencil that said:
You will be famous.

The other day we were talking about how my sister was always so nice
to everyone and how she had a such BIG heart. In fact, Natalie was diagnosed
with an "enlarged heart" a little over a year ago. Still it is hard for me to
grasp that I saw her Saturday night and she was gone Sunday.
Vilda looked at me right in the eyes as if she had made a huge discovery and said...
Oh Cheryl her heart was so big that it just didn't fit in her body anymore, but now
our best friend is an angel.

Somehow in all my sadness that made me smile.

It is hard to imagine that my biggest fan won't comment here anymore,
but believe me I will always keep her memories close in my heart.

posted by Cheryl # 9:31 PM

Comments:

You have many fans, myself included, that are lucky to have even what you consider to be ramblings on this page. Happy vacation, rest and begin to heal, and we'll see you in a week!

# posted by

brandi : August 14, 2006 3:18 PM

That was a lovely entry. She was a wonderful woman.

# posted by

Tito : August 16, 2006 5:39 PM

What a sweet, true saying about your sister's heart. Is that a picture of both you and her at the top of the post? You look so much alike, I know her spirit will carry on in you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

# posted by

Kelli : August 17, 2006 8:07 AM

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have lost my brother, he had a broken heart, or at least this is how my niece rationalized it. Children know the depth and quality of our souls.
I love your blog, and plan on visiting your bakery next time I am in Savannah, I am in Charleston, SC.

# posted by

Helene : August 23, 2006 1:40 PM

Cheryl~
I am SO VERY SORRY for you loss. I went by the shop on That Monday & thought "oh they must be closed on Monday's" I can't believe it. My Sweet Dad has a Dear Friend with him now. Many Blessings and I hope to be in town soon to visit.

# posted by

amanda : August 29, 2006 1:43 PM

I really am sorry to read about your Sister . I know just how special Sisters are and how they make our life coomplete having them around . I lost my Son a few years ago in a car accident and I have found that a part of my heart passed away when he did . I will pray for you to have comfort and to find all the sweet memories you have locked away in your heart. have a wonderful day ~~~

# posted by

Anonymous : November 06, 2006 9:34 AM

Natalie was a sweet person who always had a smile - at least, so it seemed to us, who saw her only on our occasional visits to Savannah.

As you know, our daughter (the Mistress of Sarcasm) was devastated by her loss...which gives you an idea of how much of an impact she had on people outside the immediate family.

I see that empty space on the side of the bakery and it makes my heart ache. At least we got a chance to know her, however briefly. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.

# posted by

Elisson : November 24, 2006 1:04 PM

Cheryl -

I saw you and Grif on Food TV tonight and immediately, it prompted a return to your web site and brilliantly witty blog. I am so devastated for you as I read about Natalie. She was one of the sweetest, most giving and thoughtful people I've come across. I'm immensely grateful for the time I was able to spend with all of you and know that you and Grif are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lots of love my friend,

Hermione

# posted by

Hermione : December 10, 2006 6:53 PM

hearts hearts hearts to you cheryl and co.

# posted by

Amy Nieto (Mutation) : December 18, 2006 10:54 PM

Natalie was/is an amazing person, as you are. I still want to walk over to Brownsville and look at all the new stuff she had. But when I do step in that area I still feel her smile.

# posted by

adele and dan : December 27, 2006 9:26 PM

Natalie was/is an amazing person, as you are. I still want to walk over to Brownsville and look at all the new stuff she had. But when I do step in that area I still feel her smile.

# posted by

adele and dan : December 27, 2006 9:28 PM

Buttercream & Roses

Sunday, August 13

My sweetest fan

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