Reflections of Grandma
Just as you decide to commit to something regularly life has a way of getting in the way. About a year ago I decided to update my current website after finding out Squarespace upgraded their site templates to be more user friendly. I switched over thinking it wouldn’t take too long and quickly realized there was more to it than I originally thought. Now almost a year has passed and I’ve been paying for a website that wasn’t complete or even live.
My plan in the new year was to start writing a weekly account of what I’ve been doing creatively in my painting studio but since my Grandmother started ailing just before Christmas, I haven’t seemed to find the time to do a whole heck of a lot of artsy stuff that has been worth writing about.
My Grandmother and I have always been very close and became even closer as I became an adult. She has now passed and it’s safe to say I have lost one of my best friends. Over the years I have shared many memories with her and even shared some of my creations with her which she loved dearly. I’m sure she annoyed the heck out of anyone who came to visit showing them over and over again the artwork I gave her.
Reflections of Grandma
Given to my Granny on her 94th birthday. The lady in front is her in her early 90s and the lady in the mirror is her in her 20s. The portrait picture hanging on the wall is her on her wedding day and the other one is her with her 3 sisters.
My grandmother loved pink flowers! I gave this oil and cold wax painting to her on her 95th birthday. Her eyesight was starting to fail so she couldn’t see it very well but she could feel the texture of it.
In stead of painting these last few months I’ve been reflecting on my time spent with my grandmother and decided to write a poem to help me say goodbye. It goes as follows…
Grandma,
I thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
I miss you more and more each day,
Though I know I should not feel blue.
You loved life more than anyone,
Cherished family and friends like gold.
Living a long 98 years,
Is something to behold.
Now that you've gone to heaven
My world will never be the same.
All I have now are my memories
And your picture in a frame.
I consider myself extremely lucky
To have many times we shared.
So many laughs and so many tears
All showed me just how much you cared.
My memories, I have many.
Your phone calls, card games and butter tarts
And of course I can't forget
Our countless heart-to-hearts.
You lived life to its fullest
And from you I have learned so much.
Let your emotions flow freely
And never be afraid to reach out and touch.
Your secret for staying so young,
We may never know.
You seemed to age so gracefully
Nary a wrinkle would even show.
Your kindness was felt by all.
Your presence, such a bright beam.
One beauty secret you did share with us
Was of course the use of your Ponds Cold Cream.
You have been a huge part of my life
And throughout have brought much joy and pleasure.
How much I will miss you
There simply is no measure.
I don't know if there is a heaven
But if there is, I'm sure that's where you'll be.
Up there with our loved ones who have passed,
Enjoying a cup of tea.
Your last few years were long and difficult,
Though only a few knew just how tough.
Although I didn't want you to go,
I knew you had had enough.
I am blessed to have had you for so long.
As a child, I remember times you did my tending.
And all the years we had together,
Made it possible for me to do the same for you at your ending.
I now think of you at peace
And without pain.
I will think of you this way
Until we meet again.
Love, Kerry
I would have loved to be able to read this at her celebration for life but I felt I would not be able to get through it so I ask my sister to read it on my behalf and she did an amazing job!
Now that this dreaded website is near completion, this up coming week I plan to get some serious painting done!!
HAPPY PAINTING!
