Finding Solace in Stitches: Honoring Mom Through Crafting After Loss

This past year, my world tilted on its axis. My incredible mom, Kathy, passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. Mom was, in every sense of the word, a lifelong crafter. Her hands were rarely still, always transforming fabric into beautiful garments and home decor, or paper into intricate cards and scrapbooks. Her home was a vibrant testament to her creativity.

Losing her has been an indescribable pain, a grief that sometimes feels like a physical weight. In the initial fog, I found myself drawn to her crafting supplies. It started small, just tidying her fabric stash, organizing her paper scraps. But soon, I realized I was doing more than just cleaning; I was connecting with her.

For me, crafting has become a powerful form of therapy in navigating this immense loss. When grief feels overwhelming, sitting down with a project offers a quiet space to just be. While I never quite picked up her talent for the sewing machine (much to her playful dismay!), the focused attention on a delicate paper cut or the deliberate placement of photos for a scrapbook page—all of it helps to ground me. It's a meditative process that allows my mind to process emotions without getting lost in them.

There's something incredibly healing about creating something beautiful when your world feels anything but. It’s a tangible reminder that even in sadness, there can be moments of joy and purpose. Each cut, each layer of paper is a small act of hope and resilience.

More than just a personal coping mechanism, crafting has become a profound way to honor my mom's memory. I'm currently working on a traveler's notebook filled with photos and mementos from her life. As I arrange each page, I remember her laughter, her stories, and the immense love she poured into everything she did. It’s a bittersweet process, but one that fills me with a sense of connection and comfort.

I've also started making handmade cards for friends and family, something Mom was always doing for every occasion imaginable. It feels like a continuation of her thoughtfulness and her passion for using her skills to bring comfort and joy to others. In a way, her crafting legacy lives on through my hands.

If you're navigating loss, I truly encourage you to explore the power of crafting. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate or perfect. It could be sketching, painting, woodworking, or even just doodling. The act of creating, in whatever form it takes, can be a gentle balm for a grieving heart. It offers a unique space for reflection, healing, and a beautiful way to keep the spirit of those we've lost alive.