My Heart is Broken

My dearest cousin, Alane, has passed away suddenly, without warning, passing peacefully in her sleep. She was only 63 years old. She was my closest relative, my best friend, more of a sister than a cousin. Growing up, we spent more time together than apart from the time we could walk all the way through college and marriage and beyond. She was my maid of honor at my wedding. We were there for each other through thick and thin for our entire lives. My heart is broken, and I will be taking some time away. There are no words for my sorrow, the grief is overwhelming.

173 thoughts on “My Heart is Broken

  1. Daryl Miller

    Bless you Carole, we are so sorry for your loss.  We will be here when you are ready to come back. Take care.
    Daryl

      1. Nanc

        Sincerest thoughts, prayers and sympathy to ease your pain at the loss of your cousin. Please take all the time you need to feel better. I will miss your enthusiasm, wisdom and variety of all you share and will be here when you feel its time to come back. Take care of yourself and know you have much love and support. No need to reply. Sending many virtual hugs.

  2. Katherine N Kurtz

    I only know you through this blog; I’m not a quilter but I love your creativity. I am sad for the loss of your beautiful cousin; sometimes life makes absolutely no sense and isn’t fair — at least to us mortals.
    Know you have a friend in St. Louis is very weapy for you right now. Your sadness is being carried my others.
    Fondly,
    Katie

  3. farmquilter

    Praying for you and all who loved Alane. Such a difficult trial to endure. We can all wait, with you on our minds, hearts and prayers. You will always hold Alane in your heart, with so many sweet memories.

  4. Stephanie

    So very sorry Carole. There are no words that anyone can say when you are hurting so much. Please take care of yourself and thank God for all the wonderful times you had together. Hugs from a follower who cares…..Stephanie (Northern NY)

  5. Kathleen M Cuilan

    Oh Carole.
    I am so sorry for the loss of your cousin. No words will ever ease your pain. May God watch over you during your time of sadness. Stay safe and take your time. No response is necessary to me. Kathleen

  6. Pamela Cole

    Sending prayers for your comfort in this time of grief. I’m so sorry that you have lost such a dear one. Take all the time you need

  7. Joan Sheppard

    Our hearts ache for you, take your time processing the emotions, and the memories of the good times. Remember them with love. Also no response necessary. Just know we are all here for you as you have been here for us.

  8. debi

    Dear Carole,

    I am so sorry about the passing of your cousin — it sounds as if you two had a wonderful relationship. Take care of you. I hope you will soon only have happy thoughts when you think of her and that God helps to heal your heart.

    Debi Potts

  9. Jeanneane Askey

    My deepest sympathy for your loss.  I pray in time the wonderful
    memories you have of her will ease your loss, warm your heart, and bring
    a smile to your face.

    In my prayers.

  10. Carole, I can only imagine how the loss of someone, so dear, so much a part of your life, someone who was, as you say, like a sister, is heart breaking for you. I will pray that the good Lord, holds your hand, and comforts you during this very heartbreaking time in your life. Lots of hugs.

  11. Carol in Texas

    Oh, Carole……I am so, so sorry. I lost my dear, dear cousin Becky one year ago today, though the loss happened over time as she entered dementia. It leaves a huge hole in your heart. Take care and grieve for the loss.

  12. Rhonda

    Carole, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Losing someone so close and so dear is such a painful experience. Hold the very best memories close to your heart and know we are all thinking of you. With hugs, prayers and warm thoughts, Rhonda

  13. Lisa C.

    I’m so sorry for your loss Carole. What a horrible shock for all who loved her. There is a very special bond between cousins. Take all the time you need to grieve and recovery from the shock and the loss. Sending healing prayer and hugs your way.

    Lisa C.

  14. Sue Hodges

    Dear Carole,
    I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved cousin.
    Prayers go out to you at this sad time.
    Love, Sue Hodges Deer Park, WA

  15. Marion

    Sorry for your loss.May she rest in Peace may you be comforted by your memories and happy times you shared.
    Marion

  16. Carole,

    If you were here, I’d give you a big hug! Losing one so dear is heart wrenching. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take the all the time you need. We’ll be here when you are ready. No need to reply. Sending comforting energy your way.

  17. Diane D

    I am so sorry to hear of loss of your best friend, “sister” cousin. Know that you are being held in the prayers of others.

  18. aldampierverizonnet

    I am so very sorry for your loss of your “sister” cousin/best friend. Sending prayers and comfort.

  19. Joni

    I am so saddened to hear of your great loss. I unfortunately know how you are feeling as I lost my only brother at age 55 last month unexpectedly. The hurt is real and powerful. Blessings to you as you remember all of the wonderful times that you spent with Alane. Take care.

  20. Nikki Moshier

    I am so sorry for you and your family. I hope soon your heart will be filled with happy memories and not sadness.

    1. Judy

      I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through at this time. It is so difficult to wrap your head around the unexpected death in someone so beautiful and young. My thoughts and prayers for you and your whole family.

  21. Brenda Furlong

    So sorry about your sudden loss of a dear one. I think it is much more painful when the loss is unexpected. We will all be thinking about you while you grieve and wishing you love.

  22. Marilyn Martin

    So very sorry for your loss of your dear cousin/friend/sister. May Alane rest in peace. Prayers and condolence to you and the family.
    Marilyn

  23. Jennifer

    I am so sorry for the loss of your cousin. It sounds like the two of you had an extra-special relationship/bond. I’m heartbroken for you.
    You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  24. Joyce Carter

    I am so sorry for your loss Carole. Praying for you and your family. I hope you can find comfort in your time of need from all the precious memories that you have of her.

  25. Marianne Hearsey

    Dear Carole,
    Having lost my sister suddenly when we were in our 30’s, I feel your pain and sorrow. There are no words. But please know we are all thinking of you and asking God to help you more than ever through this difficult journey

  26. Julia J. White

    My heart is broken for you. Your cousin-sister was your dearest everything through your whole life. i pray that you can celebrate her life and your lives together in due time. Sending hugs.

  27. klompen7

    You are in my prayers. My wife of 49 years died Nov 28th. The pain is indescribable. I pray that you will find peace and wholeness again soon.

  28. Pat Oster

    I am so sorry to hear of your devastating loss of your cousin. Praying that you soon find some healing solace in the wonderful memories of your many sweet years with her.

  29. Mary M in upstate NY

    I am so sorry you lost your cousin/sister. My brother passed away unexpectedly from Covid so I know how you feel. The only thing I can tell you is that time heals all wounds… but that time can be very very long.

    hugs,
    Mary M
    Rome NY

  30. Patricia S Brenner

    As with so many others here, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  31. Michele

    My dear friend, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Please know your viewers will always be here when you are ready to help out as quilters do for each other.

  32. Carole, I am so sorry. I lost my sister earlier this year. I grieve every day for her. There is no way to explain the pain. The best you can do is let yourself feel it, and find a way to live with it. I wish you and your family comfort.

  33. Jean McKinstry

    No words will say what I want for you today, but sending love, caring thoughts, and peace in your heart as you grieve for your hugest loss. In time, may those memories help to heal. XXX

  34. Patricia Evans

    I know the sorrow and pain you are feeling, Carole, as my husband died suddenly in mid-October. I hope your fond memories of your cousin will be a consolation.

  35. jrp53

    Eternal Rest Grant Unto Alane, O Lord and let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her, May She Rest in Peace.

    I am so sorry for your loss. Virtual hugs coming to you.

  36. Kim J LeMere

    I’m so sorry for your loss of dear loved one, and to her family. Take the time you need, we are here when your ready.

  37. Sallie

    I am sorry for your loss Prayers for peace and comfort to you and your family and may you find comfort in your memories.

  38. Mary Stori

    Oh Carole, I’m so sorry…..what a heartbreaking shock. From your description of your long friendship, I’m sure she knew how much she was loved by you…..take comfort!! Remember the good memories!

  39. clara macuirles

    Try to remember that the love you gave to her……she took with her back to our God and the love she gave you; you still have in your heart and all the memories will always warm your heart in days to come

  40. Susan

    My deepest sympathies on the loss of your cousin. I pray the wonderful memories you have will sustain you in the weeks and months ahead.

  41. I’m so sorry, Carole. It is a shocking pain. I lost my sister and best friend in June. I’m not sure when it will hurt less. I have peace about her transition but the loss I feel is still overwhelming at times. I will pray for your comfort as many have prayed for mine. It is a time to learn to choose gratitude all over again which sometimes is pretty hard to do but God gives strength for it. My heart goes out to you.

  42. Oh Carole, I am so sorry for your loss. May God provide you with the comfort and grace you need during this very difficult time. Praying for you daily as you walk this difficult road. XXOO

  43. Betsy Pompi

    I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you must feel as I’m old enough to have lost many close friends and relatives (including my husband). Take your time to grieve and my prayers go with you.

  44. Linda Garcia

    Carole, I am so sorry! I can feel your pain. My mother was my best friend and she died suddenly at age 65 with no warning. I was devastated and could barely function for nearly a year. It has been 20 years since she passed and I still miss her, but I am able to function now.

    I am reading a book by Rita Mae Brown. There is a line in the book that says: “The first year is dreadful, the second is numbness”. We can not take away your pain, but we will be here when you are ready to talk again. Take care of yourself.

  45. Gloria Schatz

    Carole, I am so sorry for your loss! Here’s a quote I have taped near my computer to help me cope with the loss of so many loved ones the past 5 years, including my sweet cousin Valerie who passed 3 months ago at age 62.

    “Grief never ends . . . but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith . . . It’s the price of love”.

  46. lois92346

    Mere words cannot express the sadness I feel for your loss. I lost my brother this year as well. Life won’t be quite the same from now on.

  47. Betsy Beech

    Sincerest condolences, Carole. Take time to let your heart heal. We will miss you but we do understand. I think we are all in a season of grief, many of us having lost friends and family the past 2 years.

  48. Althea Liscombe

    I’m so sorry. I’m sure all your fans and followers feel your pain and sadness. There really are no words that express the depth of loss of someone so special. Take care.

  49. Phyllis Smith

    Dear Carole, I’m saddened to learn on our cousins passing, especially at this time of year. Hope you and your family can rejoice in the knowledge that we will see and be with them when we are called home ourselves God bless you and comfort you, Phyllis

  50. Carolyn A Thompson

    Carole,
    My heart aches for you in this time of grief over the loss of your cousin Alane!! My prayer for you at this time, with Love!!

    Abba Father,
    We come to You, right now, to lift up our dear friend, Carole. Lord may You comfort her during this time, as she grieves over the loss of her beloved cousin, Alane. May You give Carole Your peace, during this time! We are so “human” and we really “hurt’, when someone, whom we love so much, leaves us. God, please help Carole to go through this “journey of grief”, I pray!

    ….and may You remain close to Carole, and all of Alane’s family and friends, during this difficult time!
    In Jesus Name I pray.
    Amen!!

  51. Nora

    So sorry to hear of your loss. It always seems harder to accept at this time of year. My dad’s sister, the last remaining sibling, passed away at the end of September which has made for a sadder Christmas for all the cousins. My sincere condolences. Nora xx

  52. Lenora

    Carole,
    As you can see you are not alone. I, too, can and do sympathize and empathize with you. It may take a few weeks, months or longer for your grieving to pass into something we call acceptance, but please know your friends are with you. Take care, my friend. Lenora

  53. elewms

    I just wanted you to know that people are praying for you and your family as you grieve. You are in our hearts.

    EvaLyn Williams

    Sent from Mail for Windows

  54. Kathleen Durham, NC

    Peace and special blessings to you, Carole, at this hard time. May the love of your family and friends hold you up and surround you with comfort.

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