"I Love You" - Encaustic on Wood. Available here. This morning I woke up with a tear in my eye, and I lesson in my heart. My Grandma Rose didn't suddenly pass away yesterday at 97. It was more like a slow, subtle, then sudden fading. She was diagnosed with dementia about 8 years ago, and since then she has not really been herself. And this morning, when I woke up, I suddenly realized that I wished I had spoken more with her before the dementia. I wish I had listened more intently and asked more questions when she talked about her youth, her life, politics and advice about everything under the sun. I listened, of course, but I was always in the rush of youth - itching to go to the beach or run away with friends. Now I wish that I had stayed and asked her more questions -- really listened and absorbed her infinite wisdom. Now it is too late for this. Yet it isn't too late for this great lesson about love. We should love while we can - as soulfully and attentively as possible... because you never know when a loved one can slip away (either slowly or without warning).
That said, I want to shout out a BIG thank you for your sweet comments and condolences here on the blog. I know it can be pain to leave comments -- with that annoying word verification, etc. - but I so appreciate you taking the time to write to me. HUGS.
12 comments:
It's been a few years since my grandma has passed and I still get those same feelings. I'll have a question about my family lineage and it will spark memories of grandma talking and storytelling. I don't remember a lot of the facts but I remember the enjoyment of the conversations. I always had a little one so it was hard to pay full attention. Guess we do the best we can. Beautiful art.
Again, my condolences.
My sympathies to you...and a wonderful reminder to us all. My dad used to say, "old too soon, wise too late" ...when we are young, we think we will have our loved ones forever, and one day we wake up and they are gone. Sending you a big hug!
sending you love and peace at heart!
BIG hugs~ jill
Another very wise post, Cathy. We can all love more and better at any age. I know how great this loss is to you and your mom because Rose leaves a very large hole in the world.
Sending hugs.
Wow, I woke up this morning thinking about my wonderful grandmother who died 15 yrs. ago. She taught me to bake, cook, garden, be kind, be of service to others. I wanted to send her a great big thank you for all she did for me, along with a little apology for being a bratty, whiney little teenage girl for a while.
I saw her brother at Christmas, he is now 97 years old and it made me so happy to feel a part of her still alive in him. Thank you for this beautiful reminder to love while we can.
Dearest sweet Cathy, this is soo beautiful and i adore this post so much! I am so so sorry to hear about your grandmama rose. So sorry for your loss...she sounds like a beautiful woman. :) Wishing you LOVE and JOY this new year and sending you lots of love!
Oh Cathy- I am so sorry for your loss, and can empathize with your wishes. The women in my family spent a bit of Christmas day dividing my Grandmother's jewelry between us...we found so many pieces that we just knew had stories, but that none of us had asked her to tell. It's natural to wish for more- to just now start thinking of all the things we should've asked about...But don't lose sight of all the important things and times you were sharing- you were in her present, and maybe just ran out of time to learn all of her past too. I don't imagine there's ever enough time to truly get to it all, because there's just so much to cover- we're all way too interesting! (Does that make sense?) Anyway- you have my sympathies. xo- megan
What you wrote is so true. I didn't spend enough time listening to Grandma's advise and also did not take it to heart too often. She loved you very much and you are the best daughter.
Love,
Mom
Sending you lots of love my friend. Im sure she will be showing you her infinite wisdom somehow eventhough she is no longer in this world. Beautiful piece of artwork and a very heartfelt post. xx
yes, what a lesson it truly is. thanks for the reminder.
Oh Cathy. This breaks my heart. Of course you know how I feel about this sentiment expressed, and that I 110% agree.
love you.
c
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I really enjoyed reading your post about your lesson learned on love. My grandmother is 81 and is still with us. I too want to make sure to get that time in with her while I still can. I want to know her story. Thank you for the reminder.
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