Spring Break Guest | Elizabeth Kartchner

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While on vacation this week we've invited a few of our friends to share their favorite layout of all time  +  why it is so special to them.

Say hello to Elizabeth Kartchner.

It has been 18 years since my father passed away. I was fifteen years old and I can vividly remember that day. One of the most shocking things about losing a loved one is that it hasn't gotten easier for me.

I definitely have more good days than bad now but the hurt is still as deep and sharp... as shocking and sacred.

Scrapbooking about him can be difficult because it brings up emotions and sadness but at the same time it is healing. It mends my heart to record memories and share stories that I don’t want to fade away. The journaling for this layout answers the question, "What would we do if we had one more day together?" ...and we would walk.

My dad was legally blind so many of my fondest memories are walking together somewhere. Just me and him. Knowing with all my heart I’ll see him again and walk together gets me through the times when I miss him.

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I chose this as my favorite layout because the journaling is very real and personal to me. It's a page that I will treasure the words as much, if not more, as the photos.

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It's also something that I want my children to read someday and get to know more about their Papa Kevin in heaven. Plus, I feel connected to my dad when I tell his story and share my insights of his legacy.


 

ABOUT | When I am not chasing my kiddos, or doing those "mom" things that would make my 16 year old self laugh, you can find me in my studio. Definitely my escape where I am creating, blogging or working on my newest Dear Lizzy line of products. I've scrapbooked since I was a little girl and technically started my first album in 5th grade... and it's grand. Just in time to document boy crushes and soccer games. But I would have never pictured that I would get to do such great things with this incredible hobby. I started by winning Creating Keepsakes's Scrapbooker of the Year in 2007. From there, I starTing writing a monthly article in CK called "Dear Lizzy" and a published book 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges. In 2012, I released another book through the Signature Series. I have been blessed to meet scrapbookers all over the world through traveling and my blog: Dear Lizzy. This hobby is definitely so much more to me than paper and glue.
I married my first date and best friend, Collin, almost eleven years ago. I am a mother to three darling girls and I just got my boy this past April. I'm pretty much obsessed with him. I also enjoy photography, fashion and being with my family.

 CONNECT | Blog | Twitter | Instagram

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12 thoughts

  1. Paula says…
    03/26/2014

    What a beautiful and heartfelt layout. No wonder it's your favorite. Bless you and thank you for your wonderful Dear Lizzy line that makes my scrapbooks brighter and lighter! Love your blog too, I've been a fan since you were in CK!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Michelle t. says…
    03/26/2014

    Very heart felt. Beautiful expression of your love for your dad. Thank you for sharing something so deeply meaningful. Michelle t

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Kit says…
    03/26/2014

    I just lost my dear Mother a few days ago and need to put down on paper what's running through my head and heart. Thanks for this prompt.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Rebecca B says…
    03/26/2014

    Thank you for this touching story. I almost started crying because I lost my dad just one month after I was married. I still cry to this day and it gets so hard to scrapbook (or in my case smash book) about him. But I've noticed that it's helping me get through. I feel this would be a great idea for me to tell about what one more day with my dad would mean to me. He has been gone for almost 12 years now. But if I just had one more day, the possibilities would be endless.

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  5. Allison says…
    03/26/2014

    I remember this layout from CK and love it as much now as I did then. Thanks for sharing again! Beautiful.

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  6. Laura Turcotte says…
    03/26/2014

    What a touching tribute to your dad! It's so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes! It is hard when you loose someone so close...I still have an aching heart for my grandparents...I was so close to them. After 30 years, it still hurts. But scrapbooking does help me...

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Lenore says…
    03/26/2014

    thank you for sharing your story and for telling us a little about your life. I remember when you won the contest in Creating Keepsakes and enjoyed your column. Nice to find you again.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Lisa W. says…
    03/26/2014

    Ahhhhhhhhh Dear Lizzy:) this was absolutely beautiful!!! I have lost two dear friends at the age of 44 WAY too young to pass!!! The days do get a little easier but I get you totally when you say the pain is deep and sharp. Sure is!!! I read your blog, I love your story's and your kiddo's. OH they just make my day! Was so excited to see you as a guest on Ali's blog. TWO of my favorite scrapbooker gals in the whole wide world. Thank you!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. JoLynn says…
    03/26/2014

    As soon as I started reading, I felt the knife in my heart. I know exactly how you feel, and my dad's been gone 20 years. I did a layout a few years back and cried through the whole experience. Grief has no statute of limitations, but I never thought it would keep feeling bad. My son is now 9 and asks lots of questions about his PopPop, the "hole" in his heart, if he dreams in heaven...the list goes on and on. I hate that my kids never knew him, but I'll keep him alive as much as I can! Thanks for sharing this with us.

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  10. Leslie S. says…
    03/28/2014

    Your layout is beautiful. I have lost both my parents over the past 8 years and the pain does not go away. It does get a little better with time. I try to always remember all the wonderful memories I have of both of them and that keeps me going. Thanks for sharing your story.

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    06/08/2014

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    06/18/2014

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