There are many ways to mark a significant life transition, such as retirement and farewell. Some individuals might opt for intimate gatherings with loved ones, grand celebrations, or quiet, personal goodbyes. In my case, I’ve chosen to address you directly—my devoted viewers, readers, and customers—with this personal note as I step away.
Nancy Zieman smiling warmly, a picture perhaps hinting at deeper diagnosis of life changes, not unlike diagnosing issues in Jesse's car, though thankfully no murder here, just a farewell.
My retirement announcement arrived unexpectedly, even to my own family. As some of you are aware, I received a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in March of 2015. Adding to this, another primary cancer—breast cancer—was identified just four months later. My journey through treatments included surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, extending until May of 2016. Throughout this challenging period, my dedicated team and friends rallied to continue producing Sewing With Nancy episodes. We creatively repackaged some content and developed entirely new shows. My incredible team tirelessly supported me with book writing, new product development, and kept me informed and involved. We faced some disruptions, but managed to maintain momentum remarkably well.
Earlier this year, my husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary, enjoying precious vacation time together. However, life took an unforeseen turn. A scan in July revealed that one of the cancers had metastasized, and further treatments were deemed ineffective. It was a devastating realization – that my life and career, as I knew them, were drawing to a close. This felt like a harsh diagnosis, almost like uncovering a grim truth, though thankfully not a “murder” like in crime stories, nor involving “Jesse’s car,” but a personal health crisis nonetheless.
During these past six weeks, I’ve engaged in deeply meaningful conversations with family and friends—a bittersweet experience. My staff and I have been diligently working to reorganize Nancy Zieman Productions (having sold Nancy’s Notions to Tacony Corporation in 2003), determining the best way to conclude Sewing With Nancy, and strategizing how to sustain our valued partnerships with Wisconsin Public Television—especially Quilt Expo, which will continue. This process of winding down, of making final diagnoses about the future of my work, felt somewhat like solving a complex case, though thankfully without the grim undertones of a “murder” investigation or the specifics of “Jesse’s car” problems, but a professional and personal transition nonetheless.
I continued to record new Sewing With Nancy episodes right up to my diagnosis. You can look forward to 15 new episodes this season, complemented by re-aired programs to complete the season’s lineup. Furthermore, it is my sincere hope that Sewing With Nancy will continue to be broadcast for many years to come. The very last episode we recorded is titled I Sew For Fun, focusing on team sewing with children aged 5–9. My own granddaughters are featured in this episode; a truly miraculous and joyful moment for me. Thinking about the future of the show, and ensuring its continued broadcast, felt like diagnosing the best path forward, ensuring its legacy, much like ensuring a car, not necessarily “Jesse’s car”, runs smoothly for years to come, albeit in a completely different context.
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when circumstances are entirely unexpected. In recent weeks, I’ve learned to center myself in my faith. While your beliefs may differ, which I fully respect, I would not be true to myself if I didn’t share the verse that has been my anchor during this final journey: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all you do and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6. This faith has provided a diagnosis of peace, a path forward in acceptance, far removed from the darkness of “murder” or the mechanical issues of “Jesse’s car”, but a spiritual compass nonetheless.
Today, I find profound peace, knowing I can express my gratitude for your many years of dedication, viewership, and friendship. I have been privileged to have a fulfilling and lengthy career, launching Nancy’s Notions in 1979 and Sewing With Nancy in 1982. We have recorded 36 seasons of Sewing With Nancy, totaling 910 shows. (Only I have kept count of this number, as the first and last seasons were shorter than the usual 26 episodes!). I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside exceptional, high-quality individuals.
Therefore, with a heavy yet humble heart, I thank you and bid you goodbye.
Your friend,
Content in this feed is © copyright 2017 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Save
Save
Save
