Scrap and Stamp Saturday (and life and death)

Hi everyone. The challenge at Scrap and Stamp is up. The challenge this week is to use a non-traditional scrap item on your page. This basically means you use something that you would not buy in a scrapbook section or store. Oh and don't forget the stamping, you must use at least one stamp on your layout. Our sponsor this month is Gauche Alchemy and they provided the DT with an awesome package of goodies to use. Here's my layout for the challenge:

That large butterfly is a stamp from Tattered Angels. :) Here are the close up's:

And now on to the life and death part of my post. Last week a dear friend passed away, Jan...I was going to post something on here about it earlier because she was a stamper and scrapper friend. But then I didn't. I used to live on the same street with her and we would get together regularly to stamp. But I haven't seen her in awhile. When we moved, we just didn't seem to make the effort anymore. That makes me a bit sad. I regret not visiting her in forever.

And then last night my friend PJ, who is also marrying my sister, had his father pass away from a heart attack. I know his father and have talked with him several times. My heart hurts for PJ. I also find it extremely scary. PJ is my age. I can't imagine losing a parent. And there really seems to be nothing I can do to help...I can be there for PJ and Kim (my sister) but they are not going to ask for anything. So I just sit here sad...sad I can't do anything to help...sad for their loss...

Please tell me these don't come in three's...like celebrity deaths.