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Adding subtle touches of Spring in our home is always refreshing and such a joy! Join me, my friends, and Hayneedle as we fill your brain to the tippy top with Spring decor ideas! This is part 1 of my Spring home tour this year and I’ll be sharing my master bedroom along with a life story. If you are coming over from Lemons to Lovelys, welcome welcome!
*Many thanks go to Hayneedle for providing products for this tour. Sources and other homes on this tour are shared at the bottom of this post. Find out how to enter our Hayneedle sponsored $250.00 shopping spree below.
I want to tell you about a Spring I’ll never forget.
It was the Spring of 1996.
Of course to remember a Spring that long ago, usually means something significant happened. And unfortunately, this something was not a happy something.
But fortunately and in retrospect, the Spring of 1996 taught me many valuable life lessons, which I would love to share with you today. Forgive me now for being too personal. I’m not sure how else to be 😉
I was just 11 years old. Only one month away from turning 12, as I was sure to remind everyone. It was the evening before the last day of school until Spring break.
My daddy was laying on the trampoline after his jump-a-thon, which he sometimes did for exercise. I saw him there and jumped next to him and we lay together looking at the beautiful blue sky. He was quiet that night, but I chatted away to him about the desire to go camping for Spring break.
He committed to no such plans, but I held onto the hope that perhaps I could convince him later.
The next day, school let out, Spring break began, and I recall sitting upstairs in the loft room going through my father’s treasures he brought back with him on a trip to Guatemala to see scriptural ruins.
That’s when it happened. My mother was called up to the gravel pit above our house after hearing of a terrible accident.
I’ll spare you the details, but it was an accident involving my Father, Grandfather, and my brother as a witness.
My dad was the worst, and he was life-flighted to a burn center and treated for around 2 months – to no avail.
He passed on and left our side.
Now to an 11 almost 12-year-old girl, this was a glum story with a very unhappy ending.
But to a now thirty-something-year-old woman, this story was just the beginning.
A beginning to many valuable life lessons full of tender mercies and miracles.
If you’ll amuse me, I’ll share 7 lessons I learned from the Spring of 1996.
LESSON 1: IT TAKES A VILLAGE
I’m not sure how anybody gets through trials and traumatic events without a support system. We were blessed to be surrounded by a community of people who came together to help my mother with kids, house chores, transportation, and a seemingly endless amount of meals. Through the kindness of others, our burdens were made light.
I know not everyone lives with this type of support around them, but by witnessing this kind of service in my life, I have always hoped to be ready and willing to serve those around me in their times of need. I have no doubt there are many around us in need of lifting.
LESSON 2: BY SMALL AND SIMPLE THINGS, ARE GREAT THINGS BROUGHT TO PASS
If you can imagine being in the thick and thin of middle school drama and dealing with a passing of a loved one on top of that . . . I’m pretty sure I was a mess. At school, all that seemed to matter was trying to fit in. At home, reality sunk back in and nothing seemed to matter.
But there was one dear friend, Cassie was her name. I’m sure she had no idea what her small acts of kindness did for me, but they were never forgotten. She was my only friend that came to my dad’s viewing/funeral. I was shocked and pleased to see her! Then she stopped by my house with a small teddy bear. I still have that bear.
After that, our friendship and life carried on as nothing had happened. But through the innocence of a sweet 12-year-old girl, I have never forgotten how even seemingly small things, can make a huge difference.
LESSON 3: FRIENDS ARE GREAT. BUT FAMILY IS EVERYTHING.
My mom always called me a social butterfly. I had lots and lots of little groups of friends. She would drop me off at school events alone, and I told her I didn’t mind because I would have plenty of people to go hang out with.
But at the end of the day, it was my family that grounded me. Certainly, friends come and go, but through the events, my family and I have passed through together, we are linked forever. Links forged through trials and tears, joy and laughter.
Family is everything to me.
LESSON 4: MY MOM IS A ROCK
6 kids, thriving family business, humongous yard . . . who in heavens name could rock a world like that without a husband by her side???
My mother. That’s who.
I know she struggled. I know times have been hard. But with a deep and everlasting love for her children, she carried us through.
I’ll never forget the night my dad slipped away. There we all were, surrounding his bedside at the hospital, knowing what was about to transpire. In the midst of her tears, she looked around at her children and noticed I was standing alone. With no one to hold her, she told my teenage brother to hold me. And he held me in the best brotherly hug I’ve ever had.
If I can but strive to be half the woman she is, I’ll call this life a success 😉
LESSON 5: WHEN THERE ARE NO MORE TEARS – LAUGH!
I’m not sure who’s the idea it was to have all 6 of us kids stand in the line at the funeral, but it was zero fun. Teary eye after teary eye hugging and mauling us. They all meant well, no doubt – but oh how I wanted to run away!
There came a point where it seemed both my sister and I had had enough. We had cried all we could cry – so naturally – we started laughing!
I’m not certain what we were laughing about, but a dear neighbor coming through the line mentioned how good it was to hear us laughing.
I’ve tried to remember, there is a joy to be had in this world. No matter what our situation.
LESSON 6: NO PAIN NO GAIN
Admittingly, I wasn’t much of an exerciser growing up. My mom would insist I go on walks with her, but oh how I would whine! Our area had a lot of big hills and I hated going up against them as much as I hated hearing my mom say “no pain no gain”. She eventually gave up on me and took my sister instead.
I assume you’ve heard the phrase, “The Refiners Fire”. No doubt, any true change in us humans comes at a cost. I’ll never deny that the events that took place in the Spring of 1996 changed my life and have influenced who I have become – and I am forever grateful for The Refiners Fire.
I’m proud to share, I’ve now made my way up and down those hills of my childhood more times than I can count.
But now . . . I’m running them. 😉
LESSON 7: THERE IS HOPE
Yes, the very message of Spring itself. Hope.
Hope in better days ahead. Hope in faith. Hope in others. Hope in Christ.
Because of the events and constant tender mercies that happened in my life AFTER my dad passed away, my hope has been strengthened. I most certainly hope and believe I will be with him again after this life. I have felt him with me and helping me more times than I can count. I am strengthened by the hope others share with me.
Indeed, there is much to hope for.
I’m thankful you would join me as I have opened up a piece of my history and heart to you. I would love it if you would share some life lessons you have learned through certain events of your life. Let’s chat in the comments below! I’m actually going to be sharing a printable tomorrow based on a song my father would sing to us often. Be sure you’ve signed up to receive my updates so you don’t miss my printable and the rest of my Spring home tour.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the images of our bedroom you’ve seen along the way, almost as much as I’ve enjoyed taking them. If you’ll take off the reflection that I just put on you and open your mind to all things decor, I’ll share some of my sources for those who are curious. *affiliate links included.
Feel free to shop through the scrolling images below, or continue on and read my product commentary.
This gorgeous and luscious ombre throw blanket comes from Hayneedle, who is helping us with today’s tour. Their color options for this particular throw style will blow your mind!
The oval mirror beside the blanket also comes from Hayneedle, at an amazing price! I’ve searched high and low for a mirror-like this and was so pleased to have found it at Hayneedle.
The lovely floral pillow was made for me by Jolie March, where you can shop her custom online store HERE. Be prepared to pick up your jaw.
The French chair and round side table come from Joss and Main, and I love how they look sitting in my bay window. Perfect place to plop down with a magazine.
Many of you on Instagram have been coveting these soft pink pillows I’ve been sharing sneak peeks of! Believe it or not, they feel even better than they look! I found them at the hobby lobby, as I was on my way there looking for soft pink fabric to make pillow covers. Scored these instead!!
The throw blanket on my bed comes from Carmel Decor, a good online friend of mine.
I found the lamp at Target.
The lace/eyelet trim bedding sheets were on clearance at Homegoods, but just about everything else was DIY or thrift/antique shopping.
If you are curious beyond that, feel free to take a look at my Master Bedroom Makeover to reveal for all the sources and tutorials you should want.
As always, thanks for joining me! The Spring goodies don’t stop here though – be sure to click around below to see the homes of my lovely online friends. We are bound by our love for pretty things 😉
Also, be sure to enter to win a $250 shopping spree to Hayneedle, by CLICKING HERE.
Today is the first stop of the tour and you can click right over to Belle Amour Blog to continue, but be sure to come back all week as new tours reveal.
Tour Schedule
Monday, March 13
Maison de Pax | Lemons to Lovelys | TIDBITS | Belle Amour Blog
Tuesday, March 14
The Mountain View Cottage | Kim Power Style | Meaningful Spaces | My Vintage Porch
Wednesday, March 15
The Porch Light Cottage | White Lane Decor | Delightfully Noted
March 16
Hello Christy, It is such a nice idea where we can easily find home decoration makeover in a single store. I loved your blog as it is very beneficial for me. Thanks for sharing such a nice blog.
Oh God bless you! May of 1996 was one of the hardest times in my life. I was 26 years old and pregnant with my fourth baby. I gave birth to her may 28. She was stillborn. My heart was broken. As I laid in my hospital bed that night, crying in the dark, it was then that I felt the arms of God hold me. It was beautiful. He was with me in the darkest time of my life!
It’s a beautiful story, and you have a beautiful room here. Thank you so much for sharing this one. 🙂
Oh Karen, thank you for the sweet comment. It warms my heart that my post might have touched you so. God bless you as well!
WOW! Such an incredible story and invaluable life lessons you have learned. Your home is so gorgeous.
Thanks so much for saying so Kate! We need to meet some day and rejoice over our love for white 😉
I love everything you wrote, Cami. And your home is beautiful! Everything you put together for spring is so lovely.
Thank you Rachel! It was such a joy joining all you talented ladies!
Such an amazing post Cami! Nevermind the decor which is right up my alley, but such a beautifully written real life story. Just lovely.
Thank you for saying so Kim! It was so enjoyable to get to know you better!
You are amazing! In so many ways.
Thanks for sharing!
So are you, sweet Sheri!!
Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself with us.
You are so welcome! Thank you for reading and leaving me that sweet comment. It’s not always easy to open up that much but the world is so kind!
What a a beautiful post Cami! Those are wonderful lessons full of wisdom that touched me deeply! Thank you for sharing this part of your story! Your room is also so lovely and peaceful, a perfect retreat!
Kristin, I appreciate your sweet comment and the fact that you took the time to let me know your thoughts. That touched me deeply! All my best!
Thank you for sharing. Your story was beautifully told and contained a lot of wisdom.
Your bedroom is gorgeous.
Thank you for saying so Melanie! I appreciate your kind words!
You are amazing, just like your wonderful Mother! I couldn’t read through this without tears. I know I learned these life lessons by being around you! Thank you! Miss you!
Oh it always warms my heart to hear from you! Thanks for commenting for me, it means so much! I miss you more than words can say!!
Your bedroom and entire home are beautiful. So sorry for the loss of your father at such a young age, but I do understand the healing laughter after his funeral. I was in my early 40’s when my elderly father died and a year later my mother. I’m a crier anyway, but was sobbing by the end of my mother’s funeral. I took a few minutes to walk down a hallway away from everyone and then returned to the line to meet family and friends, which soon turned into laughter and joy to see people I hadn’t seen in quite a while as I no longer lived in the area. Laughter is healing even when there are tears in our eyes!
My goodness that must have been hard to loose your parents right in a row like that. I have become more of a crier as I get older, and it’s always good to find the laughter after a good cry. Thank you so much for reading my post and taking the time to share your experience with me. Wish you the very best!
Cami, thank you so much for sharing your heart. Your story brought me to tears. Hugs to you my friend. You are so talented and I love the calm, peaceful feeling of this beautiful space.
Hugs right back at ya! Thanks for reading. It has been so fun to get to know you better!
What a privileged to read your story from that spring and to soak in all that you’ve learned through it! What a blessed perspective you have embraced and carried through your life. You’re a beautiful gem shaped by The Refiners fire! And so talented in created beautiful spaces for your family and all of us to enjoy!
Oh Laura! What kind words you shared with me. This blog hop was so fun and I loved getting to know you better! All my best!
Love it all Cami and especially learning more about you and your family. That bedroom of yours is divine!
Thank you so much Natalie! I love your humorous and thoughtful instastories. I’m certain we could be good real life friends . . . if ever the chance comes 😉 It was so fun to get to know you better!
Cami,
Your home is GORGEOUS and your bedroom deserves to be in a magazine!!! It’s absolutely perfectly decorated for Spring! I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad when you were young. I lost my father when I was 2 and can relate to all of the things you wrote about in this post. Although, I think to suffer a loss at an older age when you are more aware is way worse than what I went through. I am so sorry for your pain but am so proud of you for finding the good in this situation. The joy and peace you have gained show through in your design. I am so lucky to have worked with you on this tour and to have gotten to know you through this blogging journey.
Oh, I think a loss hurts at any age. How sad that you didn’t get to know your father better. I sure appreciated your comment and the kind things you said. It was so wonderful to get to know you better and I hope to have many more opportunities to work/play together in the future! All my best Marci!
Thanks so much for sharing. I too lost my dad in the spring. It was very unexpected on Easter Sunday night after church. I was in the youth choir at the time and we had sung the song “Gone” that night. (Gone, the stone is rolled back, gone, the tomb is empty). That was over 40 years ago but I’ll never forget it. However, I still love Easter! His resurrection is the same night my daddy went to be with Him. It was sad at first but now it’s really special.
Susan, what a beautiful story you shared with me. I can’t imagine loosing a loved one that way, but I also can see the great peace in the matter. Truly a tender mercy in your life. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment for me. It means far more than you will ever know!
hey girl- love the post! God is always with us no matter what. And love the bedroom so pretty!
Hey girl! 😉 You are a gem of a reader! Indeed He is with us always, and His kindness touches our lives through wonderful kind people like you! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your heart with us! You have such a strong family. Your room is absolutely beautiful. I love the mirror you picked out
Thank you so much Jennifer! What a wonderful treat it was to get to know you better! XO!
This brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful in everyday.
Thank you for saying so Jordan! It was so fun to do this collab together!
I agree with Marci! I had to go back and look at all your lovely photos because my eyes were filled with tears! Such beautiful words, Cami. Thank you for sharing?? And those blush tones?? Incredible??
haha! Sorry to make you scroll twice! Thanks so much for your kind words! It was so fun doing this collab with you! Wish you the very best!
Such a well written heartfelt story and beautiful room!
Thank you dear Lisa! You are a gem of a friend!
OH my heck, how am I supposed to see all of your beautiful pictures with tears pouring from my eyes. That was so thoughtful, so wonderful. We really do have the worlds strongest mother!
Indeed we do! Sorry to make you cry 😉 But kind of happy that I did 😉
Thank you for sharing your story. I lost my sister at age 11 and my Dad at 19. I agree with everything you’ve said, especially a strong Mother.
I was wondering also if you’ve ever done the headboard tutorial?
Peace
Oh I can’t even imagine! Your poor mother! She has to be strong to loose a child and a husband. On another note, I have tried to convince my hubs to do a tutorial for that headboard, but he seems less than motivated! So sorry!
Thank you for sharing. As I was reading your story I found it was very similar to mine. 6 kids, family business, strong mother and my father passing when I was 14. Even thought it was many years ago it’s still feels like yesterday….I love your bedroom, it looks beautiful and it looks like a great place to rest and relax. Have a great day; we’ve got a big snowstorm headed our way so it’s time to cozy up and keep warm.
Oh wow! That is very similar! Isn’t it funny how you never forget and those memories seem so close no matter the years that pass. Thank you so much for reading and leaving me a comment. All my best Lynn!