I write this with a broken heart, that only time can heal
I had been blessed to have met my soulmate while I was quite young and eventually married her. We both loved each other deeply, we had planned on spending eternity together, but apparently, eternity in our case was just 28 years long.
All those years were always filled with love, laughter, and friendship, we had our hardships like most couples but we never fought with each other, even despite the difficulty we endured over the last few years.
Shaz found an extended family in the crafting community, it was a passion of hers, a talent that I was incredibly proud of her for, she like yourselves could see the finished project even before starting it, in the same way a sculptor can in a bucket of clay.
Shaz was also known as the enabler, for her ability to hunt out bargains and test them against brand products and reviews of them. I dare say many a penny or two may have been spent as a result of one of her post by not only Shaz but also yourselves :)
Shaz was never selfish with the knowledge she gained from countless experimentations in the search for results she was looking for, in fact she would often document it and share it online for others to benefit from, techniques learned were always shared.
Looking back, there are very few pictures of my wonderful wifelet not smiling, and of those when she wasn't, it was often substituted with a grimace of sheer bloody determination the glass was half full, it was seldom half empty.
I am going to sign of with a few pictures of our Shaz with some of you wonderful crafters who I also like to call my friends too.
You welcomed me into your crafting community, and never once did I feel left on the side-lines despite not being a crafter myself, for that I thank you.
56 comments:
Dear Doug...
I join with all the other WOYWW-ers and friends in grief for the passing of a wonderful lady, a friend and an incredibly creative person,our lovely Shaz. From my own personal point of view, I shall never, ever forget her kindness in helping me through my own cancer, and her generosity of spirit in so many ways. She began her cancer journey six months before I did, and she was able to share the benefits of her experience of a very similar initial surgery and the same chemotherapy. She was able to inform me ahead of time just what to expect with side-effects, better than the medical experts who had plenty of knowledge but no actual experience of what it felt like. She also encouraged me to start my own cancer diary, as she had done herself, and I soon agreed that this was incredibly helpful as I dealt with the various aspects of investigations and treatment, and was able to get down in writing the emotional rollercoaster that this dreadful disease so often causes. I know that her diary helped me immensely, and all I can hope is that mine has helped, and will continue to help, others as well.
Everybody's cancer journey is different. I am one of the fortunate ones who has survived, and been given a clean bill of health after a single year, although I have had further problems since (not cancer, but requiring further surgery). Shaz was not so fortunate and this grieves me more than I can say. It is so unfair... I am dealing with my own emotional issues over both of our experiences with this brutal lottery and have no answers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Doug. When you and Shaz came and visited us just before my initial surgery, Shaz helped me so much and in a very practical and intimate way, so generously sharing with me what I might expect after my operation. The way she dealt with things in such a practised and no-nonsense way impressed me greatly, and the whole experience took away a huge amount of my fear of the unknown. I shall forever be grateful for this help that she gave me. As we all sat and chatted over a cup of tea that day, I shall never forget the obvious love and devotion between the two of you. Shaz had the most amazing ally to support her through her cancer journey and I am sure she would agree that she would not have coped half so well without you at her side. I certainly feel this about my own hubby. Shaz and I have both been so fortunate to be blessed with husbands who really took care of us, nursed us, encouraged us, fed us and at times dressed us, and coped with our emotional ups and downs. My hubby was very impressed with you, Doug, as was I, and we both enjoyed your visit more than I can say. I feel so privileged to have met you both.
I would like to make a request. Would you be willing to keep Shaz's wonderful blog going? Not only would it serve as a beautiful memorial to a highly creative and generous lady, but it is such a useful resource, full of information, tips, tutorials, techniques, materials and of course examples of her stunning work. Not to mention her famous enabling! Her cancer diary would also remain as a tremendous resource for others treading the same path.
May God bless you and all the family, and comfort you in your grief and loss. We all share this with you, and stand with you, and would love to help in any way we can. You will always be part of our creative community.
With love,
Shoshi x
I was one influenced by your Shaz. I thought she was adorable. Bless you; I wish you comfort.
Shaz was one of a kind and a lovely soul. Your photos are beautiful too. Sending you love as you start to navigate your way without her. RIP Shaz x
It has been a privilege to have you both in my life. A huge Thank You. I'm not good with words, others can say it so much better but know Doug, I am praying for you and the family.
Doug, I can only imagine how hard it was for you to write this post, but thank you for doing so and for sharing Shaz with us these last few years - it really has been a privilege to know you both. She will live long in our hearts. Take care of yourself. Helen xx
Doug, What a lovely post about your lovely wife Shaz.
I only knew her through WOYWW, but she inpsired me, made me laugh and yes spend a penny or two on some new stash.
My hope is that your sadness will be replced with so many happy memories.
Hugs
Sue
Such a special lady.
Peace in your heart Doug
Hugs BJ
Such a beautifully written post Doug written at such a painful time for you. We all loved your beautiful wife and she will be leaving holes in so many lives. My happiest memories are of meeting you both at the crops and the lunch we had together at Salop Caravans craft fair. You really were both part of the WOYWW gang and I really hope you know we are all here for you in your times of need. Please look after yourself now and keep in touch.
Much love and hugs to you and all her family and friends.
Annie and Doddy xxxx
A wonderful tribute written with love, Doug. Thank you for finding the strength to write and share this tribute on Shaz’ blog. Much love to you and all your family and friends whose lives have been touched by the talented and loving woman called Shaz. 💕
My little sis, Annie, has put our thoughts so beautifully. Maxine (Tilly Tea Dance) also wants to send her love and she too said what a lovely, kind and caring lady Shaz was. Please do keep in touch with the WOYWW friends - Shaz would want us to be there for you and we would welcome you to our "gatherings" whenever we can get back to getting together. Love. Jo xxx
Dear dear Doug, ah.. what memories those photos evoke.. yet that wonderful day I shared with you and Shaz and so many wonderful WOYWWers is etched in my memory forever. I met Shaz through Maggie Silvercrafter who saw a post by Eileen Godwin on my new blog back in late 2010 .. Shaz was a newbie too.. and we had an instant affinity that only grew as the years passed.
I've some photos I've just dug out will try to add to my comment on FB post but depends on my small screen skill. Will hopefully share on WOYWW post anyway.
Your darling wifelet was an incredibly caring, kind, genuine, generous crafter, she welcomed one into to her heart so totally. Her generous bag of goodies at the crop for me to bring back to Oz is a perpetual memory when I hunt out an item she gifted me.
My prayers will be with you Doug and all who loved Shaz.. you were such a beautiful inseparable couple, as Christine who recently lost PJ at end of last year said it's hard going on alone. So when she wrote in her comment up above she was thinking praying for you all, she meant it.. as all of us do.
A wonderful caring tribute dear Doug, and I really love your favourite photo too. Am so blessed to have met you and Shaz.. praying much.
Thanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you, dear Doug.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X
PS will let Eileen know too.
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Dear Doug, such beautiful words to honour a beautiful lady.I was very definitely 'enabled' by Shaz, I did and will always think of her when I take something from my tool caddy, sat on my desk.
When I met Shaz the first time I had a friend with me. I told her the sad news yesterday. She was shocked, said I remember her well, a lovely lady. She sends heartfelt sympathy. She lost her husband to cancer 20 years ago.
She really understands your pain and sense of loss.
Take care of yourself Doug. Grief manifests itself in many ways and does not go away. I know you have family and friends but you also have ' the deskers' here for you for always.
Much love.❤❤ Anne xxx
What a beautiful difference a single life made. She touched us all in so many ways. I never met Shaz, only knew her through this blog and SCS yet she had a profound impact on me and I will always carry her with me. She was one of a kind. My heart breaks for you Doug, and your family. I hope you will leave her blog up. It is filled with inspiration and information that will always be useful and needed. I'm also hoping that you will feel able to write more as time goes by and let us offer you support as you go through this journey. It would be an honor for us to do after all that Shaz has done for us. Much love, Joan
Dear Doug I am so sorry that you have lost your beautiful soulmate and my heart goes out to you and the family..
.Shaz was a much loved part of the Christmas card Club family and has inspired us all with her wonderful creations..we will all miss her and all send you loving thoughts .....
Margaret and all the girls in the Christmas card club.xxxxx
Thank you
This blog will of course remain up, it took me long enough to convince her that she needed one.
xx
It was a privilege to know Shaz. A more creative, strong and generous person would be very difficult to find. So sorry for your loss Doug - you will always be part of the WOYWW family. Rest in Peace Shaz. Much love and hugs. Sarah #?
I hope that it’s giving you some kind of solace Doug to read all these kind words about Shaz from people all over the world. How awesome that she had such an affect on so many people’s loves, I don’t think there could honestly be a better epitaph to her than that.
Goodness I’m going to miss her though....
Hugs, LLJ xxxx
I am so glad you are keeping the blog going, Doug! Very amusing that it took your persuading to get her to do one in the first place - it is such an absolutely brilliant blog, so all kudos to you my friend! Without your efforts, we might never have got to know Shaz in the first place! My life has certainly been the richer for knowing her. I do hope that you will continue to put in an appearance on it, especially for the benefit of those of us not on Facebook, so that you can keep us up to date with how you are. Maybe you should take up crafting.
We are all going to miss Shaz so much - her loss has made a huge hole in our little community.
God bless you Doug,
Shoshi x
Doug,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my husband to cancer Jan 7, 2020. Se did hospice, I hope you were able to do the same. Life isn't the same without that special person to share each day/minute with, through good and rough times. I do know both of us will be able to move ahead as time passes. At this point, we just need to take life one day or minute at a time.
You have my sympathy.
@Charlotte Reynolds
Thank you for your kind words and I am sorry for your loss too.
Its so not easy to loose a loved one, that half of a relationship that truly completes you, it is said that time heals wounds, I sincerely hope that is true for all of use that have lost loved ones.
I am having my moments while I work through the clerical side of the process, tears for no reason I can place, these they just come in waves, grief is an odd thing.
I am just placing one foot in front of the other trying to move forward, yet not looking forward to what is to come.
With much sadness, I offer you my condolences. I never met Shaz in person, but enjoyed and learned from her artistic creativity through Stampscapes II Facebook group. Find peace in your wonderful memories. ...pm
Doug, what courage it must have taken you to write such an amazing tribute to your wonderful wife. An amazing lady who was clearly so happy in her life and love with you, you were such a perfect pair, although I only met you both twice at crops, it was very clear that the magic was still there between you.
The world is going to be a poorer place without her and nothing we can say will fill the hole in your heart and life, but I will, nevertheless, say bless you and her family, I will hold you in my prayers
Chris
Hello Doug
I'm so sorry for your loss and have to say your moving words and the comments of others have bought me to tears and show just what a wonderful and we'll loved person Shaz was.
I'm really glad that you have decided to keep Shaz's Blog open as she really was such an inspiration to so many friends and crafters. She was so humble and always gave credit to others where due, I recall her trying a foiling technique that I blogged and she ran with it doing a great blog herself but never forgetting to mention where she learnt it from.
I was lucky enough to meet you go both at Amelia Crafts for one of Eileen Godwins workshops, a great day. Baby steps Doug, take care and treasure your memories. xxx
I was so bummed out to hear about Shaz and your loss. I'm always comforted in the thought of how anyone in crafting/stamping/or any pursuit of their passions lives/lived. I'm partial, but I do think there's that other characteristic in stampers where they're so interested in brighting up the days of others by giving away (or creating something specific) so many of their pieces to them. I tend to feel that combination of living your passions and love/care for others to be living an enlightened existence and it sounds like you two made an art of that. All of my warmest wishes ~Kevin N.
My heart breaks for you Doug. Seeing the two of you together at the WOYWW crops makes it nearly impossible to imagine one without the other. I will miss Shaz and her blog posts every single week. Her talent, her generosity in sharing her knowledge, and yes, her endless enabling, will be sorely missed in every community she was a part of. Nothing will ever fill the hole left in the world by her passing. Your tribute to he is as moving and as beautiful as I have ever seen. Rest in Peace, Shaz, and peace to you too, Doug.
Mary Anne
Thank You for this post. I truly extend my Deepest Sympathy to You and All of Your family. She was a wonderful kind hearted lady. Always able to direct one to an answer when we needed help with anything. You provided her with a wonderful life and you will get through this with all the great memories. I had always thought I'd make it to one of the Crops while my son was in Boston and Jersey area (3yrs) but with Covid that didn't work out. Rest in Peace dear Shaz, we're gonna miss you. For you Doug she'll be one of the brightest stars in that evening sky, so enjoy your new Angel. Hugs to you
Sending so much love to you Doug. I was always struck by how you were both so in tune, like 2 souls sharing one body. I can't begin to imagine how much pain you are in and my heart breaks for you. I'm comforted, and I hope you are too, that she had a peaceful passing. Please do look after yourself xx
Dear Doug, what beautiful words written so much from the heart. A perfect tribute to your lovely wife Shaz and also the comments on here echo that. Shaz will be sorely missed and never forgotten. You can't ever forget totally awesome! Love, Di xx
A most beautiful tribute Doug! We will miss Shaz but will never forget her! Some things we have in our craft rooms are there because Shaz said they were worth having. She was a truly lovely soul. Do take care of yourself! Hugs, Chris and Tonyx
My heart truly aches for you and your family Doug. We will miss Shaz so much. Her enabling was second to none! I even bought the pink tape gun, but unlike Shaz, who changed the colour - Shaz, pink gun? Nah ..... I left mine pink. As a fairly new crafter when I joined WOYWW, I loved both her enabling, and her tutorials. I learned so much from her blog! I was in awe of her colouring at the Llandudno or Shrewsbury crop - she was colouring in some Gorjuss girls, and the hair she was doing was fantastic! The 'and finally' never failed to raise a giggle, and resonated with many of us. Thank you for encouraging Shaz to start a blog, so we could all have the pleasure of knowing and loving her. Love and hugs, Heather xx
I am so sorry to hear of Shaz' passing. She was such a wonderful, long-time contributor to the Splitcoaststampers forum, very knowledgeable and always ready to help those with questions. Shazsilverwolf will certainly be missed.
I'm so sorry to hear this. You have my deepest sympathy. I'm one of the many Splitcoast stampers and I always respected and appreciated Shaz's posts. <3 Joanne
I only knew Shaz from a distance. Reading of the love so many had for her and how much she gave of herself, her generosity of spirit and knowledge, I realize how it is my loss to have not known her. But I do know loss. May your wonderful memories of your Shaz surround and comfort you.
Blessings
Sending hugs and my deepest sympathy for you and your family. I only knew Shaz from the Blog world and WOYWW and her wildly coloured hair made me smile when I first saw her picture. Peace be with you and my warmest wishes.
((Lyn))
Sending deepest sympathy to you and your family. I knew Shaz from Splitcoaststampers. She sure was super talented, kind, and oh so special.....
Doug I am so sorry for your loss. My daughter and I are cancer survivors and it is so sad to hear that Shaz lost the fight. I will miss her lovely Christmas cards.
I am sending prayers for you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Shaz’s passing Doug. We were two Brits on Splitcoast - our paths often crossed there and I could see how much she had to share with others. Willingness to share your time is the biggest gift you can give and she did so in bucketloads. Please take care of yourself and know that so many people are thinking of you and remembering Shaz with tremendous warmth.
My deepest sympathies to you and all Shaz lover ones. Woyww will forever miss her post and beautiful craft. She was always so willing to share her knowledge, share her humour and most of all her genuine kindness.
Forever in my heart.
Sandra de
Oh Doug, I'm so so sorry! I've only just found out. I was convinced that she would pull through. We will all miss Shaz incredibly, I can't believe she's gone. I'm not religious but I still believe in an ever-after: I picture Shaz surrounded by all the craft supplies in the world and all the time she needs to create everything her heart desires, and I'm sure that one day we'll all meet again in a huge universal crop - and you two can be together for eternity as well. How are you holding up? If it helps, do keep her blog going for a while just to let us know how you're coping and we will shower you with love and support in her memory. I know it must be hard, I'm still in shock myself - but like you said, time heals - but it's a slow process. I will always remember Shaz with fondness and the cards she sent me over the years will take on a whole new meaning now! Wishing you all the best xx zsuzsa
My heart goes out to you Doug and I send my deepest condolences to you and your family. I didn't get to meet Shaz in person but through 9 or 10 years of blogging and 'talking' to her most weeks she was easily the most generous-hearted, warm, kind and giving person. She welcomed me into WOYWW with her wonderful enabling, her willingness to share her knowledge and her bright and cheerful spirit, even when life was tricky for her. Visiting Shaz on a Wednesday was always a bright spot in my day and I shall miss her so much.
She will be forever in my heart.
Diana xx
Doug, I only knew Shaz through the internet (I live in the states) and for only a few short years, but she definitely was a light in our crafty world! She will be remembered fondly for all her enabling and sharing of all those creative tips!! I for one, have used them on more than one occasion! My prayers are being lifted up to you and your family today hoping that you are surrounded by some peace, love, and strength as you hold dear Shaz close to your heart! With so many blessings, Felicia from the States.
I met Shaz through SplitCoastStampers and she was always so helpful. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Beautiful tribute to a lovely lady who will be much missed by us all here at WOYWW. Shaz was always so generous with her ideas though she probably was the cause of me buying far too many new craft items Lol! Sending hugs, Angela xXx
Dearest Doug and Family, I literally have no words but I am mourning with you. She was wonderful and fierce, and I was truly blessed to know her. You are all in my prayers for strength and comfort. <3 xoxo, Amy/Aimeslee
I am so sorry for your loss, you were obviously made for each other. I never had the opportunity to meet Shaz, I just admired her from beyond the ocean, always fascinated by her strength, her crafting, her enabling, obvious joy in what she was working on. I would live vicariously through you both as you wandered off to Steampunk festivals and music concerts. Shaz is forever in my heart as that funky crafty steampunk Metal loving woman with the gorgeous hair. I love the picture of the two of you when you were younger. So beautiful! I will keep you in my thoughts, and know that her memory will always be dear to you, as it is to so many who knew her.
Lindart
Dear Doug, your words are beautiful just like the relationship you and Shaz had. I only knew Shaz through WoywW but it was obvious by the way she spoke about you that you were one hell of a dynamic team, those 28 years together you will carry with you forever as you were both blessed to have found each other.
Shaz was the kindest of souls my regret is never meeting her although I feel like I had. I send my deepest condolences to you and the family.
I'm glad you will be keeping Shaz's blog open, please do not be a stranger as you are part of the WoywW family too.. Take care Tracey x
The strength and love you shared with each other and then extended to the world, literally, are true inspirations. I will raise a glass to both of you and be grateful crafting brought us together.
My sincerest condolences for your loss. Your wife was very generous with her creativity and will be remembered thoughtfully.
~Angie in Tennessee
Doug, That's a lovely tribute to a lovely lady, I have never met Shaz but she always left lovely comment on my blog and though her blog I felt I knew Shaz, I wish you and your family love and remember Shaz would want to all to have the best life, Take care and stay safe,
Love to all Lilian B
Thank you, Doug, for keeping this blog so we can all continue to be inspired by Shaz and her beloved crafting. Sadly I haven’t been able to get to any of the WOYWW crops, and regret so much that I wasn’t able to sit with Shaz and colour. Now I have run out of words - unusual for me! Ali x
So sorry to hear of Shaz' passing. I will miss her generosity and talent on SCS. My deepest sympathy to you, Doug, and all who loved her. I hope your memories bring you peace.
I only knew Shaz through the WOYWW group but she made quite an impression. My prayers for you, Doug, and all your family and friends. She will be missed.
Hello Doug, what a wonderful tribute to your beautiful Shaz. I've only just found out as I've been AWOl for a while, I'm so sorry for your loss. I feel very sad that I will never get to meet Shaz in person, she felt like a real friend although I only knew her through WOYWW. Her kindess and humour and beautiful soul shone through and made an impression on all of us which will never be forgotten. Sending you love and light. Annie C xxx
Dear Doug
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news about Shaz. I had the pleasure of meeting Shaz when Darnell came over to the UK and a few of us had a meal at the burger place in Grand Central in Brum. I think I may have some photos somewhere...I'll check.
She was a lovely lady and will be sadly missed.
With deepest sympathies.
Ang x
With my own best friend of 37 years home, I spend very little time on the computer. I'm just now seeing this sad news.
Doug, my heart breaks.
I don't remember if I told you in a previous comment how Sharon and I met on-line. She had posted a card with a wiccan theme on Splitcoast Stampers. I messaged her about where she got the stamp as they are so hard to come by in the US. From there we joined a yahoo group together and she led me to this creative bunch on Stamping Ground. I am so blessed (as our so many hundred others) to have known your sweet Shaz.
Please know that I cry, then I smile and remember that's what she would want us to do... To stamp on!
BTW, you did awesome. Maybe you'll be joining us. She always said you were incredibly talented.
Love, Light and Blessings!
~Kelly aka Rain
I just know found this blog, I kept seeing one of Shaz's Christmas card designs in my google image search. I finally clicked on it because it was so beautiful-- and I was so impressed with the detailed steps of her tutorial. Super helpful for a noobie like myself.
Even though I have only known of your wife for the last 30 minutes, I am tremendously saddened to learn of her death earlier this year. Heartbreaking.
I am praying for you and your loved ones this holiday season.
And I am praying for those who continue creating in this arts & crafts community. You all seem so lovely & certainly talented. It is obvious from the heartfelt comments here, your beautiful Shaz is dearly missed-- but watching over all of you with a smile.
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