So sorry for the long absence! For those of you who know me through this blog, the title of this post and this new little piece in the MissouriBendStudio shop will come as no surprise. Always a quest for balance in life. We've had some turmoil and sadness in our lives of late, as we've lost my husband's father rather suddenly, only a very short time after a cancer diagnosis. Besides dealing with the loss, there are any number of practical issues that must be taken care of in these situations. And for me, the death of a loved one, inevitably brings up the larger issues that we like to keep rather hidden away. It's a time of reflection....about how one lives out a life, the interconnections of family and friends, as well as coming to terms with the inevitable passing of the elder generation. I don't know about you, but I still find it disconcerting that, in my own family, I am now part of the elder generation. Our time is fleeting and this dance we call life is so precious....it's a call to live life fully, to care and to be present in the here and now. I've missed the conversation here....how is everyone?!
Hello Patti. I really understand what you are talking about in this post. I have had year of 'elderly parents' - failing health and the death of my father etc. It really does mess with your emotions, and my head actually, for quite some time. It brings up all those issues as you mentioned we like to hide, and sometimes they are just hard to put back in their box. I think most creative souls are also emotional ones and we really FEEL these times. Sending a big hug across the miles. I have been thinking of all my USA blogging friends today as Sandy wreaks havoc. Hope you are all safe. x
ReplyDeleteHi Susan...Thanks so much for the hug and sending one back to you. I know also what it is to deal with failing health in an aging parent, as we went through some real trials with my father. It can be very worrisome and taxing. We all come to terms with these things in our own way, but it certainly helps to have friends (including online friends, of course!) along the path. Good to hear from you Susan.
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss and your difficult days. Sending all my best to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSuzie....many thanks for your kind thoughts!
DeleteI relate so much with this post. My mom passed away just 7 weeks ago today, suddenly. It has as you say brought up issues that we like to not think about, but it is life and I think it is a time to reflect and to pay attention to the important things.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Hugs. xoxo
Hi Annie....I know you are still grieving over your mom's passing....I hope you are finding peace in your reflections. Thanks so much for taking time to comment and share your thoughts and kind words. Hugs in return!
DeleteDear Patti, and Susan and Annie, I send you and your families my sympathy/empathy. Each one of us must watch the shoreline of what is known eventually recede. The only thing that begins to make sense is embracing certain truths like love, kindness, the brilliance of each moment of our own miraculousness.
ReplyDeleteLorraine....how are you?! Thank you for your thoughts and reflections on the difficult times we all must face. It does provide an opportunity to grow and learn....hope you are well.
DeleteBest wishes!
Patti, I'm so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. So much sorrow is woven into our days. I'm trying to come to terms with a life change that should bring nothing but joy, but my father's decline is such a part of my life that I can't separate the joy from the incredible sorrow. I'm hoping your artwork will be a great source of comfort for you.
ReplyDeleteKim....I'm sorry to hear about your father's decline....it's very difficult to watch and to deal with an aging parent. I know you lost your mother not long ago too, so this is all still a huge part of your life. Hope you are able to find some joy and that you, too, are able to let your work inform and comfort you! Thanks so much for taking time to write....best to you!
DeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss. I had a similar experience earlier in the year - nothing ever truly prepares you...
ReplyDeleteVery best wishes.
Thank you Hedera....it's always good to know there is a community of care out there....returning the warm wishes for healing to you, given your own loss earlier this year. Life is full of both joy and sorrow....sometimes not even easy to separate them. Thanks so much for your comment.
DeleteDear Patti, I am saddened to hear that your father-in-law has passed. You and your family have my sincere and deepest sympathies. As you may know, I lost my momma in August. No one can tell you how to mourn. You are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteChristine
Thank you so much Christine....I've thought of you often, knowing how close you were to your mom. Hope you are doing okay and taking care....thank you again for your kind words!
Deletepatti, so sorry for your loss; the passing of the elders is sorrow, indeed. christine echoes my thoughts exactly.
ReplyDeletepatti, i am so sorry for your sudden loss. it is too bad we generally require tragedy or a loved one's passing to truly recall our fleeting nature and stop taking every new and precious day for granted. i hope you are surrounded by loving community in this difficult and introspective time. and i hope you are fully alive to each new day, savoring and celebrating the heartbreaking beauty of life.
ReplyDeletelove from chicago,
-anca.
My mother died suddenly last Xmas, it meant that I became the top generation. Peculiar feeling. Nieces have become engaged, bought their first homes, you realise the circle goes on, just as it should.
ReplyDeleteRecently one of my very dear friends lost her husband to cancer. It was so tragic to go through this with her. As you said it certainly brought to life a lot of things -- my own mortality and that of my husband -- the 'shortness' of life, etc. Sending you hugs as you go through this time.
ReplyDeletepatti - so sorry to hear of the sadness in your life. good that you're taking the time for reflection, so that good comes of the bad. big hugs from denmark!
ReplyDeletePatti, I'm so sorry to read about your recent loss and hope you are finding enough quiet time to come to terms with it. Yes I know the feeling.... it is certainly disconcerting to realize we are now the elder generation. Thinking of you. xox
ReplyDelete