08/19/2026
AN UPDATE FROM THE BIG SHOT BEREAVEMENT DEPARTMENT
First, I would like to thank everyone for the kind words, condolences and encouragement following the sudden passing of my faithful Big Shot.
Your support during this difficult time has meant more than you know.
After more than 11 years of faithful service, she received a proper dumpster burial today.
It was emotional.
There was a moment of silence.
A final look back.
A few words were said.
And then the dumpster lid closed.
She is really gone.
I considered keeping a gear or perhaps the handle as a remembrance, but after yesterday's unsuccessful open-heart surgery, I decided it was best not to prolong things. Besides, I'm fairly certain the number of leftover screws confirmed that my career in die-cut machine repair was over before it began.
But as I stood there mourning, I realized something...
She wouldn't want me to stop die-cutting.
No. She would want the cardstock stacked high, the dies lined up and another machine cranking away.
Die-cutting must go on. So, in her honor, I will carry on.
There will be cards to make.
There will be scrapbook pages to create.
There will be Creative Pals projects that require approximately 487 tiny pieces to be cut. And there will undoubtedly be another machine someday wondering exactly what it has gotten itself into.
To my beloved Big Shot:
Thank you for the thousands of projects, the countless turns of the handle and more than a decade of never asking for a vacation, a raise or even a little appreciation.
You simply showed up and cranked.
Your replacement will have some very big rollers to fill.
Please continue to keep me in your thoughts as I navigate this difficult transition.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you remember to tell your machine that your love them because one day they will be gone.
And somewhere beyond the craft room...
I like to think she's rolling freely now.
No warped plates.
No complicated sandwiches.
No one forcing “just one more layer” through her rollers.
Rest easy, old girl.
Your work here is done. Ours, however, is not.
Die-cutting must go on. She would have wanted it that way.