I haven’t posted here in several days. Last Thursday I received the terrible news that one of my dearest friends died suddenly and completely unexpectedly.
He was only 27.
When I got the news, I immediately called another friend just to make sure this wasn’t some terrible terrible joke. Then I curled up in bed. I would wake up for a few minutes, eat a chocolate rabbit (after Easter sale impulse buy) then go back to sleep. After 9 rabbits, it really began to hit me.
“There’s no way I’ll make it through the next five minutes,” I told myself. Then, five minutes would pass, then 10, then, 15, then 20. A constant onslaught of all these minutes lapsing, then sitting on my chest…making it too heavy to breathe.
I’ve dealt with the death of loved ones before, but they’ve always been very old or very sick. Jonny was young, healthy, and full of life. Until he suddenly wasn’t. I’m too young for my friends to be dying like this. I’m too immature and emotionally ill-prepared, I thought.
I don’t even know how to explain how wonderful Jonny was. He was the kind of guy who, if you were having a terrible day, would say “Hey! Come over!”. Then he’d pop open a bottle of wine and stare at you with grave seriousness while saying, “Well…I guess we’re just gonna have to dance this out.” He called his friends “Darlin”’ and cared about something passionately or not at all. He loved his friends and family with a beautiful and passionate loyalty.
And now he’s not here. Friends of his from around the world (He loved to travel, especially to Scotland) commented on his facebook wall…sharing stories and well wishes for his grieving family and friends. Even George Takei had a few wonderful words to share. You can read more about Jonny right here if you like.
Jonny’s funeral was standing room only. Even people who had never met him in person and only knew him from the Lord of the Rings message boards he liked to frequent came to pay their respects and share stories about this amazing young man.
Then his mom had a great idea.
We would have a flash mob. We would have it at a place he loved. And we would dance to a song he loved to dance to. Jonny always danced with his hands in the air, so we would do that too.
Jonny was always incredibly supportive of my blog. I tossed the pajamas and poor hygiene aside. I needed to get back to refashioning (and bathing).
I began with this dress:
This dress isn’t bad at all. It fits alright and has a lot going for it. When I found it for $1, I thought it would be perfectly fine as-is.
But why settle?
I grabbed a bottle of Wine dye…
Here’s what it looked like in my machine:
And here it is now!
I like how the coral buttons and stitching contrast with the new color of the dress. I think it’s much more interesting now.
If you would like to check out our flash mob, here ya go (A big thanks to Clay for putting this together!)!
Did you watch it til the end? Did you see my friend?
I’m still grieving. I don’t know if I ever won’t be. I still don’t know how to deal with this and find a “new normal” as his mom says. I do know that I tell my friends that I love them more often now and am much quicker to offer a hug or a kind ear.
Can you do me a big favor? Can you tell someone who has your heart that you love them? Can you do it right now? Life is too short. Much too short.
Take care.
What a wonderful tribute and celebration of your dear friend. I am truly sorry for his short life on earth. The video of the flash mob filled me with joy and made me smile, as I am sure made him delighted to see as well. Sending love to you and comfort!
Sarah
Crying every time I read this, best of wishes to you, Jullian 🙁
29.05.13 (usa version 05.29.13)
Oh hun!!! I’ve read your blog now in the last two nights going through it loving your joy for life and the way you can take something questionable in fashion and turn it into something unique and cool/quirky! (Thank god your tiny it wouldn’t for for my blimp frame)
One of the things that has struck me all till now is how much joie de vivre you have even after your splits with the fellas (glad you have moved on from both tbh as I think you need a younger more life filled and exciting man) but this just rocked me!
I’m so so sorry for you and your friends family’s loss, god bless to you all!
You seem so cool I genuinely like you and your outlook on life, people touch your life and your soul for very good reasons, however long or breif and to celebrate in the way you guys did was a lovely tribute!
Take care, blessings!
Joy xx
I just wanted to let you know that I really understand your pain. On April 26th my husband passed away from a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. We were about to divorce, but it was a faultless divorce and regardless I still love him dearly. He was my best friend. We had been together for 9 1/2 years, and he was only 25. I’m 22. I’ve been suffering the same miserable pain of grief since his death. A friend introduced me to your blog tonight, because nights are very hard for me. I’ve been trying to find things that can help me bring out my creativity and keep me busy, and your posts inspire me to try my hand at refashioning. Thank you so much for the inspiration, I think you probably understand as well as I do how valuable a little busyness and creativity can be while grieving. Keep your chin up! Also, I’ll share something with you that helps me get through the hard spots, since you’ve shared with me. Try writing letters to him, and tell him everything you want. Totally let loose. It’s a good private vent, and you never know, he might get the message. God Bless.
i cried during the whole video , and then for 5 minutes after it ended . and i never even knew him . i also texted several people and told them i loved them . my prayers are with you & anyone else suffering a loss . ♥
What a beautiful way to celebrate a friend.
Thank you for sharing.
I’m sitting here in tears after watching how much everyone in his life loved him! To have people who will show up and dance for him is so amazing, and I can tell he affected people profoundly in his life. I’m sorry for your loss, the world is not as whole without him.
I lost my best friend in Jan 2008 in a car accident. There’s no way to say anything that will make you feel better or more at peace. I don’t know you, but I wish I could give you a hug. My heart breaks for your loss. I am so sorry.
Sad. But he would want you to LIVE life fully. So, remember to choose to live life fully EVERYDAY!!!
In my search for great sewing inspiration I came across youre blog. And then I saw this post…. it struck me right at the heart! So hard that I asked my soon to be six-years-old daughter if she would watch the flashmob clip whit me. I explained her what that is, and then I told her this is in honour of a great person who so many people have lost. We watched the video, laughed, I had a few tears, and then i hugged my daughter and told her I love her….
I hope you are doing ok, and that you have found a ” new normal” to life. I will keep following your blog for inspiration. Please stop by my blog :http://trollemors-hverdag.blogspot.no (stitches &Pearls)
This bought tears to my eyes and a smile to my lips. You are an amazing writer, I could feel your pain, taste your bunnies and got just a whiff of your unbathedness. I think Jonny was blessed by your friendship as I imagine you were by his. Thank you for sharing. Big hug!!!
I’m so very sorry to hear about your friend. You made a beautiful class dress to honor him. I love your blog. Thank you
I am so very for your loss. I think that was such a lovely tribute that you gave him. I do think what your mom said about having a “new normal” is very true. I lost friends young and my mom two years ago. I think you always grieve, and you do go on. But it’s never the same. My heart goes out to you. Take care.
I am so so so sorry about the loss of your friend. I just lost my dad on March 24 to cancer and I can’t even put into words how difficult it is. It really is a new normal and my mom, sister and myself are adjusting, but I know there will always be a hole where he used to be. Even though we knew it was coming, it still came quicker than we thought and you’re really just never prepared.
I truly believe that although it may not get easier, it gets better. Also, your dress turned out so cute and I absolutely love your blog!
I am sorry for your loss. I found you on Pinterest and although I wasn’t expecting to find such raw honesty and heartbreak or be moved to tears, I am greatful to now know that someone like your friend existed and was so loved. I think it’s amazing that you all honored him in a way he would’ve loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all who loved him as you re-learn how to breathe and live without someone so obviously amazing.
Hi. I was in tears after watching the video. It hurts when we lose someone. Even Jesus cried when his friend Lazarus died. However, Jesus said that there would be a resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous in the future, on a global scale; then he resurrected Lazarus to life again. We were meant to live forever on a paradise earth. I await the day when I can meet your friend and you, in the near future. Keep on dancing! It was good to see you moving instead of just stationary pictures. Hugs to you.
I am so sorry to hear he passed! It’s always scary when it’s out of the blue. I really loved your flash mob video. My 16mo son watched you guys dance with your hands in the air and danced right on through the whole video. I am sure Jonny would have loved this!
I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I pray for the family and friends of Jonny for love and help during this mourning period of his early passing. Something like this is never easy and everyone says time will make this easier, and it does. The memories turn from hurt to wonderful. Right now you might think of him with tears in your eyes because you miss him, but after a while you might not cry, but laugh with love at the memories you’ve shared.
Hi, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Even though we don’t know each other, my heart goes out to you. Your tribute was so touching, and brought tears to my eyes. I haven’t sewn in over 10 years, but recently started again, and discovered your blog on Pinterest a few weeks ago. I wanted to comment and let you know what an inspiration you have been to me. Thank you.
What a beautiful tribute. I am so sorry that you are going through such a painful, unexpected loss. I think that you are on a good path to coping with it in a healthy way. Jonny was blessed with fun, loving friends as you were blessed with his friendship. My heart and prayers are going out to you
Hello! I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I have to tell you I cried my eyes out and still am because of your loss. The flash mob was beautiful. It’s so hard to laugh and smile and have a good time with so much pain in the heart but you guys did it and honored your amazing friends! My prayers go out to you all! Thank you for sharing!
This is my first time to visit your blog and I am really enjoying it. I am very sorry about your friend. A lost of a loved one is never easy. I think grieving one day at a time is the best way. Make sure you dance when ever you can in honor of him and yourself. You might try going outside in the grass in your bare feet on a wonderful sunny day with a photo of Jonny and play a song you both like to dance to. Dance and sing, laugh and cry talk to him. This helped me when I lost a awesome friend to cancer. I too ask people to let the ones they love know often. I was diagnosed with a rare disease that is terminal. It took that to wake me up and I let everyone I know, know how I feel about them every time I see or talk to them. You seem like a very wise young women and I think in time you will have a lighter heart. You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
I am sorry I wrote so much
Your loss and your love is so tender and deep. It is so difficult to lose a loved one suddenly. I love what his mother said, “the new normal” and the dancing flash mob both are so real and lovely. Carry his kindness and love with you. Grief is no fun, everyone grieves in their own way (I think so) and the stages can cycle back and forth (in my experience), I am not a professional only a woman who has some life experience and I must say that your post touched me deeply, and I love that your dyed your dress wine colored to match experiences with your loved one. Your creativity will be a help to you during this time of transition and the “new normal”. Sending compassion and love your way.
JS
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. The flash mob was amazing.
I am so very sorry for your loss, I can only imagine your pain.
Sending you love from Southern California! I am so sorry for your loss… and I am sure he is up there smiling while watching your flash mob. Try to remember that you have a whoooole lota people pulling for you.
I am so sorry for your loss!!! He looks and sounds like a wonderful person….who I don’t even know but reading about him has brought tears to my eyes. The young good ones are always taken way too early. You and J’s family are in my thoughts and prayers!
So sorry <3
Jillian,
Give yourself time to grieve and mourn. In bed with chocolate bunnies, by doing good deeds in Jonny’s honor, by dancing and by living a full and happy life. Your greatest comfort will be your memories of Jonny. He may be gone physically, but he is in your heart forever. Sounds like you were lucky to have known him and he was lucky to call you his friend.
PS: you are totally rocking that short haircut in that photo with him.
Jillian, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. My heart goes out to you and his family. I can tell from your post that he ment the world to you. I lost my brother and my best friend and I can tell you that you will always miss him but you will always be so grateful to have had him in your life.
Thank you so much for your kind, wise, and beautiful words, everyone. I feel awful for those of you who have told me you’ve lost a loved one recently too. It lays me so low, but I’m trying to be positive and move forward, as I know this is what Jonny would want.
Once again, thank you. And for those of you suffering a loss of your own, I’m sorry you have to hurt.
I am so sorry for your loss. He seemed like a great guy. I just happened to stumble on your blog and found this post so deeply touching. The flash mob video brought tears to my eyes because I could feel how much he is loved and missed. Big hugs to you and everyone Jonny touched in his life.
My heart hurts for you Jillian. I obviously did not know your friend but the video made me cry for you as well as everyone who loved Jonny. It was a very touching tribute. Hugs from Wyoming.
I’m so sorry about your loss. He seems like a great guy and it’s so great that you and Jonny’s family honored him in such a great way.
So, so sorry about your loss. Keep the memories alive and keep on flash mobbing. He sounds like he was a wonderful friend. So even if you have to dance by yourself, keep on dancing. He will be laughing with you.
One day at at time… I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like such a sweetie. May your memories of him comfort you down the road.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are going out for you and the rest of Jonny’s friends and family. What a touching tribute to your friend, and I’m sure he’d be pleased with your adorable refashion too. Keep on keeping on in his honor!
~Jen
Oh girl – I am SO sorry for your loss! We are never prepared to lose our loved ones no matter what age they are. I agree with the post above that Jonny would approve of you refashioning a dress to dance in his honor, what better tribute is that? You have to make the best of your own life and it certainly looks like you do a fabulous job of that with all of your friends around you. All the best for the days and weeks ahead, and with that, the healing touch of time. Ali
So sorry for your loss. Jonny would be glad to hear you are out of bed and dancing to some favorite tunes. Seems to me he would like that much more than you lying in bed, eating chocolate rabbits. 🙂 Nice dress.
I was not lucky enough to know your friend, but I can feel the pure love in this post, so much so that I was actually brought to tears. What a beautiful way to honor him, I am sure he would be proud and happy to know he has touched so many lives. and as always, fabulously done refashion. 🙂
He sounds like a beautiful soul and you all are doing a great job of honoring him. Many thoughts and my condolences to you and his family.
So sorry to hear about your friend. In the last month I have lost my Grandpa and an Aunt. It really makes you think about how fragile life is. Makes you want to hold your family and friends closer, make sure they know you love them, take every opportunity to be with them.
I am sorry to hear about your loss of a friend, and wish you the best, as always.
What a great way to honor someone so special. I’m so sorry for your loss, and will keep you in my thoughts. PS–the dress looked awesome!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope time helps you.
what a beautiful tribute to a friend, I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I hope you’re able to give yourself time to grieve, eat chocolate, talk with others who knew Jonny and laugh and cry together.
Oh Jillian, I can’t believe Johnny is dead… I am SO sorry! I loved his smile so much!
When I was 19 I lost my best friend with the same age due to a massive heart attack… Who would say yhat this could happen in such a young age? I was shocked for a long time. It isn’t easy until today because I still miss him eveyday… I miss his smile, his jokes, and his hugs… And I assure you the grief goes down, but it never goes away… I have a hole in my life and in my heart… I had never had a friend like him anymore… Maybe that’s why I still miss him so much…
I love the way you and his friends celebrate his life, and I must say your dress is MUCH better now! Love the new color!
Many LOVE, hugs and kisses from Portugal!
i’m so sorry for your loss. may you find comfort in the memories closest to your heart.
I am so sorry for your loss… I found your blog through pinterest, but this really touched my heart. I hope the grief gets to be a lighter load to carry as you grow stronger over the days to come. *hugs*
I’m so sorry about you friend. No one can say words to help and I wish there were magic words. I cried for his family and you and other friends bc I know how bad it hurts and it’s awful.
I’m so sorry for your loss. This post brought tears to my eyes, as at such a young age of 30, I already have had many friends pass away, in the past 7 years. It is always so shocking and reminds you (us) to tell anyone how much they mean to you (us). Thank you for sharing, I loved the flash mob, you are such a great group of people.
I’ve been wondering where you went because your blog was silent for a week and hoped that you were ok! I love your blog and it’s in my top three websites that I visit often. I love the dress in this post!! Especially the color. I’m glad you’re ok but sorry about the loss! God bless
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your friend. My prayers are with you, his family, and his friends. What a beautiful tribute!
I watched your flash mob video to the end, and saw your sweet friend. Many years ago, I lost a friend, who was only 26, when he died in the recovery room after a tonsillectomy. It was completely unexpected, and I have come to believe that it was the apparent unfairness that made it so hard to accept. He was simply too young and too healthy to die, his adult life was just beginning, and he was doing good things in the world. The same is true of Jonny. His family and friends gave him a beautiful farewell, and it is obvious that he left a part of his precious self with each and every one of you.
I worked with him. He was so sweet and always smiling. When we heard the news, we all sat our desks in a funk….gone too soon, but what a sweet way to celebrate us life!
Celebrate his life…..sorry
I am a new blog follower of yours. I found you off Pinterest & spent a whole weekend reading all your older posts. You have really inspired me to look at goodwill & thrift store clothes in a whole new way! I went shopping with a “new eye” thanks to you & refashioned a few finds. You are inspiring!
I am very sorry for the sudden loss of your friend. Take care.
Beautiful dress! I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now, and have already noted that you are part of a sweet, loving community of friends/family. I’m sorry for your loss and grieving. Thanks for the request at the end of this post;).
Annie at Biocadence
What a horrible shock! The thing that struck me the most about every photo of Johnny was his wonderful, beaming smile–it would brighten up anyone’s day. I am so terribly sorry to hear of his passing.
I’m really sorry to hear about your loss. It is such a sad story but it looks as though you all found the best tribute to him. And you did it in style in that lovely dress.
I am so sorry for your loss! Hang in there! Makes you reconsider your life, doesn’t it?
Zhenya
http://beingzhenya.com
PS. Love the dress! I think I am going to be a little adventurous this week and dye a shirt 🙂 You inspire me~
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. That is heart breaking.
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve not lost anyone close to me that young, but my sister-in-law lost her best friend a few years ago at age 21. She tells me that it has gotten easier, but she never stops missing her friend. Now I always make sure to tell her I love her every time I talk to her and every time I part from her. Because if something happened to me, I don’t want her to regret not telling me how she felt about me, or knowing how I felt about her. I know that’s one of the things she regretted when her friend died, they parted the previous day saying “see you next week!”
I am just one anonymous face from up north, but I am sorry for your loss.
I lost my cousin nearly six years ago, when he was only in his 30’s. The pain is still there, but it’s no longer a constant pain now. It takes a long time to find your “new normal”, but eventually it does happen.
The best thing for you to do right now, I think, is to go out, force yourself to be with people you love. Don’t let yourself be swallowed by your grieving. But at the same time, don’t ignore it entirely.
The purpose of forcing yourself to interact with people you love is to keep you from going too far down the hole of depression, which is all too easy. And that, I speak from experience.
I’m glad that Jonny’s memory is lived on in such a fabulous way. And I’m certain that if he’s watching, he’s got a big smile on his face.
The dress was very much improved by the color change. So sorry about your friend.
I’ve been a daily reader of your blog as of late and had kind of a bad feeling that something had happened. Losing a friend that young is very difficult. I think that fella is smiling up above at that sweet video ya’ll did in his memory. Anyway — I’m glad you are back. Hang in there!
My deepest condolences. It is never easy, and you are forever changed. Time helps. Remembering helps even more! One day you will realize that you are moving forward, not in grief, but in love. Stay strong until that day comes, and let yourself grieve fully (however that may be for you). Your friend, his family, you, and all those who lost him are in my prayers.
Hugs and sympathy. Your post and the flash mob make a wonderful tribute to Jonny. Thank you for sharing them.
Sending you big, fat, juicy hugs from the Outer Banks. So terribly sorry to learn of the loss of your friend! I do love your tribute to your Jonny…thank you so much for sharing such a personal facet of your life with us. <3
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think that was a beautiful way to celebrate your friends life by dancing at his favorite place. I want to thank you for sharing something so very personal in your life.
How very sad, it’s very tough to deal with the death of a young friend. It’s not the natural order of things. What a very beautiful tribute to your friend. I wish you happiness and a return to smiling soon.
I recently lost someone very dear to me as well. My sincerest and deepest condolences and I want you to know he lives on… Thru all of you.
Yes! I watched it to the end and I saw your beautiful friend. I’m am filled with sadness for your loss but also filled with happiness from watching such a lovely tribute to your friend! You have so many wonderful fun happy friends and it’s a privilege to read your blog! I’m so sorry for you loss Jillian. God bless you, Myrna
I know this all too well. I’ve just recently lost one of my oldest friends and he was fine, fit and well but he died by choking and unfortunately he was on his own. He was an amazing guy we didn’t have a flash mob, but a motorcycle drive and his coffin was in A sidecar attached to a motorbike. Just how he would have wanted. I guess I just shared this because I feel your pain. Those that haven’t are very lucky indeed. I’ve mainly lost friends to suicide. 3 in a year last year but its different then still sad but they chose to and choice is a big thing for some people x
So sorry for your loss. I lost my brother when he was only 30. So I do tell the people that are important to me I love them. That includes u! I love your zest for life and what u do. U have a way of brightening up my day!
I am so sorry for your loss. And thank you for the reminder to take a moment each day to say “I love you”, to those I care about. The dance was wonderful. I have no doubt your friend was looking down from heaven and smiling at the celebration of his life.
This had me in tears, and I’m still sobbing as I write this. Your fresh pain truly mirrors my old pain. I wish I could tell you it goes away, but it just doesn’t. You’ll go through a lot of phases…hurt, anger, feeling broken and crushed, guilt and others. But, you will smile again. You will have a day where you don’t feel completely crushed. When you do start to find yourself smiling or enjoying life again, don’t allow yourself to feel guilty or to be weighed down with the “what ifs”. Those we love, who leave us too soon, are never far from our hearts & minds. It’s amazing how many things in life remind us of them. I’m not a stranger to overcoming grief, so trust me when I say don’t avoid those things; embrace them and embrace the memories. I am a full-grown woman and I have a highway mile marker (#35 to be exact) hanging in my living room. It was stolen from the highway & given to me by a good friend when I was in High School. He drowned in a freak accident only a few months later, only weeks before graduation. 20+ years have gone by, but he is still near my heart. My dear, grab a notebook and a bottle of wine. Write down every beautiful thing about your friend, every quirk, every funny thing he said, everything you remember that made him so special. It’s very difficult at first, but it becomes a sort of “release”…and much later, when you go back and read those words it will be a comfort.
I am so sorry for your loss. The unexpected are infinitely more difficult to handle. However, the flash mob was a beautiful way to remember someone who sounds like a beautiful soul. My deepest condolences to all of you.
So sorry for your loss, Jillian.
You’ve really got me crying now. Such a beatiful way to do something in his honor.
I’m really sorry for the loss of your friend and i promise you that I will tell my loved ones that they indeed are loved!
Jesus loves Johnny and you. He longs to comfort you. He will give you peace.
I knew something was wrong. I needed a bright spot…yes your blog is a bright spot for me. When you didn’t post I knew something was wrong. I too lost one of my dearest friends. She left this earth on April 11th. When I heard the news I just broke…cried many tears…not just for my loss, but for what the world loss. She was a truly wonderful, non judgemental, straight shooter, beautiful child of God. I have no doubt that she is in Heaven…probably part of a welcoming commitee…with her beautiful smile and genuine hugs. I miss her so much…crying as I write this. I keep picturing her dancing in Heaven. I am so very sorry for your loss. I loved the video…thanks for sharing such a personal part of your life. Maybe our friends are dancing together…arms up! 🙂 Thanks for being a bright spot for your friends, family and people you don’t even know.
So sorry, What an amazing video–priceless tribute to a life ivied!
So so sorry for your loss.. I know exactly what you are going through.
Oh Jillian, I am so sorry to hear this. I wondered where you had been. {{{HUGS}}} It’s terrible whenever you lose someone like this, but you guys saw him out in style and in a way I’m sure he would have been happy with. Hang in there, and keep doing what you do because you do it so well. And the dress looks great in it’s new color!!
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Johnny sounds like such a wonderful friend, and what a huge hole there is now in all of your lives. Thank you for sharing with us. I know he would have approved of your wine dress! Please take care of yourself. Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat.
I’m so sorry! I’m glad you were are part of each others’ lives.
So sorry, Jill! I started pulling up your blog on Thursday, then Friday, then yesterday. I knew that something must be going on with you. Keep him memories alive and be thankful that he was a part of your life. Again, so very sorry. Life deals us some very rough blows sometimes and I love that you all danced in memory of him!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!
So sorry !!! We are never ready to separate from our dearest (i know what i say …have lost two of mine in the last 6months…). Just remember what was once told to me : Best always leave first… About the dress : Much better this colour. Jonny would have loved it !!
what a beautiful gesture to do. I am sure it helped the family somehow , but it must have helped you , as his friends, more.
As for the color of the dress..you always nail these things, so, as always, it’s fabulous. Please keep posting – as much as you can-.
Greetings from RO
Your post made me cry. Take care of yourself
So sorry to hear about your friend.Some tears from Greece.I wish you and his family strength and peace.
So sorry to hear about your friend..My condolences. Long live his memory. Some tears from Greece.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, huge virtual hugs from here in England. The flash mob looks like you guys did him proud xxxxx
Hello,
My name is Elena, I live in Canada and I’m new to your blog. I’m really sorry about your friend, I know any words are useless and although I know you know you are not alone, the pain you feel can only heal with time. I know the importance, value and love one feels for friends and I can only imagine how you must feel. I’m sorry.
Thanks for your blog and for inspiring me to sew. I recently went through I really hard time and your blog and sewing has helped me in a way I can’t even describe. Thank you for that.
Elena in Canada.
Sent from Elena’s iPhone
Good idea. That’s cool! Life is very complex. And whe a life ends its always a challenge to the people left behind. Understanding it is often really hard. Bug getting together and remembering is a good thing that helps everyone. Take care and take your time!
So sorry to hear about your friend. I had a similar situation about 9 years ago, a very good friend, Greg, who was 27, just passed away of a sudden heart attack, from an undiagnosed condition. Like you, we ended up celebrating his life, doing something he loved. Keep moving, keep doing, and on the days where you miss him so much that you don’t know what you’ll do to get through it, pull out some wine and ice cream, and let yourself grieve. Sorry you’re having such a rough year…
Last year my husband lost his best friend. He was four days short of his 24th birthday. He left behind three kids and a wife. It was the hardest time of our lives. The pain of losing amazing people so young is horrific. I’m deeply sadden by your loss . Your blog has been a favorite pass time of mine for a while noand I am so thankful you have decided to continue on with it and not allow the sadness to stop. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish you and his family strength and peace. A flash dance was such a wonderful way to celebrate your friend.
so sorry to hear about your pain, you are a good person to share it with everyone. maybe you will find hope, courage and a new road to travel. sometimes we all get a jolt to remind us of what life is all about. good luck.
What a wonderful way to honor your friend; I’m sure he was looking down and smiling at all of you.
I cried for your sorrow and the awesome way you guys paid tribute to a dear friend.
Oh, I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you and his family and friends. I lost one of my best friends at exactly that age; it was almost 20 years ago and I miss her to this day. You will never stop missing him but you will find a sort of peace in his passing, because he sounds like the kind of person who wouldn’t want you to be sad forever (neither was my friend). Hugs to you and to everyone who loved him!
You’re very gracious to share your love of such a kind soul. How sad that he is no longer with us to celebrate life, the joys of friendship, and endless possibilities. He left you a great treasure of memories, a valuable view on life, and the love of a friend. Cherish his friendship and the wealth of love he shared with you.
I wondered why you hadn’t posted this week. Very sorry that you have lossy such an incredible person. Praying for you
What an awesome tribute to your friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
Warm hugs and my deepest sympathies for you during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is so difficult to cope with, but I feel like Jonny is jamming out on a pristine cloud of sunshine and happiness and cheering you one in all of your endeavors. Stay strong, sweetie!
Sorry for your loss. Friends are important.
I am so very sorry!!!! It is so indescribably difficult to lose someone your close to. I wish we, your readers could collectively take your pain away. But we can’t….we can offer our love, kindness, and support, and you most definitely have it from me and so many others!!! Its great that all of you chose to celebrate his life in the choice of the flash mob. I’m sure he was looking down, smiling and laughing!! Take those precious memories of him and hold them in your heart….but don’t be selfish….share them and often so others will know just how fantastic he was and how he touched your soul!!!
I’m glad you turned to what you love to do to cope with this. I wish you all the best as you move forward.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing that one person that always has sunshine, is never easy. I hope that you hold on to the good times, and find some solace in having known such a wonderful soul.
I’m very new to your blog; I just found you a few days ago and love your re-creations. I’m so very sorry for your loss; I have experienced loss myself and know that there is really nothing I can say to make it better. So I offer you my thoughts and prayers and hope that your heart can find peace. I did watch the video and it was a great way to honor your friend. Take care and be well.
My heart breaks for you, your friends and his family. Such a terrible tragedy to happen to someone so young. I do love what you have done with your dress, well done for celebrating his life. Go easy on yourself
Terribly sorry for your loss! These things blow and no words can really help, I’ve been dealing with these a lot lately. Youngins going far too early 😉 I deal with crap with humor sorry. Plus side the dress looks much better wine colored!
I am so sorry to hear this news. The first time someone my own age died unexpectedly, I was a sophomore in college and it wrecked me. “People our age can die? We’re not invincible?” There was pain in losing her and more pain and scariness in knowing that the same thing could happen to me at any moment. I think the flash mob was such a wonderful way of celebrating Jonny’s life. And I love the neck of the dress, and am glad you didn’t slice it! Keep your head up xo
I’m sorry to hear about your friend. He sounded like a nice guy. Wonderful tribute, lovely dress.
This brings me to tears. At my age we are starting to lose people-including my brother who passed very suddenly after knowing he was sick for less than a week- a perfect specimen of good health…but you are NEVER prepared to lose someone you friend’s age. God bless ya- My heart aches for you-I love the Mountain Dew shirt and mugging for the camera…..my kinda kid! Love to you- xo Diana
I’m so sorry.
Daniel was lucky to have you as his friend. I lost my son and the “new normal” that Daniel’s mom mentioned doesn’t happen right away – it can take years. So sorry you and Daniel’s loved ones have to travel this very sad journey, but you will all be stronger and more sensitive people because of it.
I’m so sorry… I just recently found your blog, read the entire thing in 3 days while I spent the weekend with my parents, and have been inspired by you and your causes. I did my first refashion this week, even though I was nervous and unsure of myself. My mom took me to a thrift shop (keep in mind I’m 31 years old!!) and bought a couple of things for me to refashion because she said I had been “inspired!” by you. She was right. When I checked your blog for your newest post, and you wrote that a friend had died, I was so sad to see that I recognized your friend (after studying your blog nonstop for 3 days!). My heart goes out to his family, his partner, you, and the rest of your fun circle of friends.
What a beautiful tribute! It is so much more difficult when it is somebody young. Sorry for your loss and remember grief takes it’s own course. Hang on for what my daughter (who faced her grandmother and then unexpectedly her 39 year old uncle’s death 11 months apart) calls that magic moment when you can remember them and feel joy and laughter instead of tears and sorrow.. It takes time be kind to yourself as you go through this! And yes, hug your friends and tell others how important they are to you!!!
Tears!!!
But what a wonderful way to celebrate your friend’s life. I bet he was dancing up in heaven along with you all. I am so sorry for your loss.
Someone once told me that time doesn’t really heal all wounds. Losing a loved one leaves a hole in your heart and life. The hole will always be there, but time seems to smooth the jagged edges a little.
I am so sorry that you lost one of your beasties so early. My heart & thoughts go out to you & his family.
I am so sorry for your loss. He seems like a beautiful man and friend. What a fantastic tribute you all made for him. I’m sure he’s dancing with you now.
So sorry for your loss!! He sounds like an amazing guy! I love that you guys had a flash mob! What a great way to celebrate his life! The dress is beautiful as well 🙂 Take care!
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Gave both my husband and daughter a kiss. Thanks for the reminder to let them know I love them. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry about your friend, what an awesome way to honor him though. Good luck finding your new normal. I like that by the way, “new normal”…Unfortunately I know all to well about that. I really hope you find peace.
So so sorry for your loss. I will definitely keep you all in my prayers.
Sorry about your friend, When someone we love becomes a memory. That memory becomes a treasure.
You are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful friend…thoughts and prayers with you and his loved ones.
I just wanted to say I am so sorry for your loss. Grief is never easy, I lost both my parents by the age of 21 but time does help and heal but it takes awhile, give yourself the time you need. Just remember that while your waiting there is always hope and although the sun doesn’t shine just now you will feel its warmth again.
Best wishes M
Ps big fan of your refashions, I’m inspired by your creativity and hope to produce a refashion or two of my own someday 🙂
I am so sorry to hear about your loss! Your post was very moving, as your love for your friend and life are so evident. Your flash mob to honor your dear friend’s memory was a wonderful idea. Sometimes all you can do is breathe and be. My thoughts are with you.
What a lovely man and a lovely friend. I hope that you continue to feel his presence.
That was beautiful – no other words. Hugs <3
Too lose someone you love so dearly and that is so special in many ways does affect you forever. I hate that I know exactly how you are feeling, I lost my sister a year an half ago. Please take care of yourself and remember all those amazing memories. Take the time you need to heal and know that it will take as long as it takes. Thank you for sharing. Love the wine color of the dress and you are right is more interesting and new color is perfect on you!
I recently just lost a dear friend so although I don’t know exactly how you feel, I know a little bit of the sadness, the tears, the hours in bed, and the feeling of not knowing how to deal with life without that person. Your tribute to your friend was beautiful and it seems like it was exactly what he would have wanted. I think this life is really about finding joy during the hard times and appreciating joy when we have it during the happy times. Prayers and happy vibes your way 🙂
Good advice to tell someone you love that you love them. Hold onto each other. 🙁
“The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
Therefore, live, love, toil with a will.
Place no faith in tomorrow,
For the clock may then be still.”
I’m 66 years old and it never gets any easier, strive to be happy. God Bless YOU.
what a lovely poem
What an insightful message. I shall share it with those I hold dear to my heart.
luv your redesigns and your blog – you did your friend a great tribute and i am so sorry for your and the world’s loss
Ohh no 🙁 So so sorry for your loss 🙁
Dear Jillian….
reading obituaries written by strangers AND answering is not my normal behaviour, but i just want to tell you that my thoughts are with you and your friends now. What a wonderful description of a person you have really, deeply loved and always will! It´s always the hardest to let someone go before time, and seeing new days and sunrises they will not be able to see anymore, laughing at jokes they will never hear. But thinking of them, maybe not every single day, but anytime you´re really happy , really sad, really enthusiastic about something, will keep them alive. That little corner in your heart that belongs to them will never be gone if you fill it with all the little haapy thoughts about yourself and them.
I would have loved to see the flashmob-clip, but german u-tube version didn´t allow me to. I can only consider that it must have been really amazing!!!
All my love to you and the ones we have lost way too early…. they will always be terribly missed, but they would NEVER want us to be crying about the fact that we are still alive.
Let´s have a drink on them!
Hugs, Melanie
So sorry for your loss, love. Hugs & peace to you!
So sorry for the loss of your friend, darlin’.(I do that too…. It doesn’t get easier, you just learn how to live with it. I lost my dad and my youngest son within less than two years of each other…almost 6 years ago..it still hurts as much today as it did then….but you cry, then think of something sweet they said or did, and you smile, and wipe your tears and go on with your life like you know they would want you to.
(((((((Huge Hugs)))))))
I’m sending you hugs. I’m a college student and have faced loss before and I know it goes just like that (chocolate is wonderful, so is music). I’m glad you found a way to celebrate him. <3
Thank you for sharing this. And I am so so sorry for your loss. I too lost a great friend the same week you did. Daniel also left us suddenly and much too soon. And I too am still grieving. I think your tribute to him was incredible, as is your refashion.
I follow your blog often and it was what first inspired me to get a machine and start my own projects! You are absolutely right. Life is way too short. I might as well get lost in my passions more often than anything else. (Just like my Daniel did.)
Keep creating. Keep inspiring. And keep dancing it out.
May your dear friend smile down on you always.
So sorry for your loss. Let him live forever in your memories and don’t forget to pour him a glass at all your parties!
Beautiful a great idea to celebrate a great friend
I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful way to honor your friend through the dance, and fun hats and your re-fashion.
I just found your blog last week and spent a couple hours browsing through your posts getting inspired. I pulled out my machines and save 5 pairs of little boy jeans from the landfill. Thanks to you, my floor is littered with fabric scraps and pins and my daughter has a fun new spring shirt.
You are making a difference. Jonny would be proud!
I am really sorry,too. May God surround you and all whose lives were touched by Jonny with a cloud of angels, real and earthly, to hold you up in this very sad time. We should always live as if each day is the last. We forget though, and it takes something like this to be reminded. Shalom.
I couldn’t have said it more perfectly. This is what I would wish for you as we’ll.
– Leisel
(I don’t know why my WordPress comment info has some crazy long random set of letters and numbers instead of my name)
We are all glad to see you back on your feet. There is a lesson that he was sent to teach and it appears someone has learned it. God bless you, Jillian.
Beautiful! We are so lucky to have had him in our lives. <3
You are a true friend. Keep dancing like nobody is looking and every time you throw your hands in the air and do something silly I’m sure he is looking down smiling.
Some tears from Portugal… but also a smile for a beautiful memorial…
I am so sorry about your friend…..why was such a kind caring soul taken so soon. I hope you can get through this okay and carry on. Thank you for your blog
I am really sorry to hear about your friend, he seemed like a lovely guy. I will take you up on your last line, its true that we don’t tell people close to us how much we care for them enough. Take Care X