Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Thank you one and all


I always feel uplifted and a deep sense of gratitude when I share the personal side of my life and you respond with such heartfelt support and love. It has been a difficult week coming to terms in my own way with my Mum's health. Grief takes many forms and what I feel is difficult to explain even to myself.

What I do is retreat to the studio because in the silence of making I find the space in my mind to come to terms with the things I have no control over. I can let go. This week I made boxes out of sheet brass. Each was created with a specific person in mind. Each are reflections of what I feel for them. All people I love. Each a person that has made a difference in my life. Little acts of making ground me to the here and now, and pull me out of the conflict of emotions I feel around my mother's last days.



Mum is doing well. She is comfortable. She has said that she is at peace, that she is ready. We have no idea how long she has. But that she is ready is something that gives me great comfort.

Once again, thank you all for your very kind support and well wishes. It's not all sadness here. While I look at closing one door, I look at the future too. We've got wonderful plans for the holiday, welcoming our newest members into the family and building new traditions on the foundation of our old ones.

13 comments:

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

Beautiful post! So glad to hear your Mum is comfortable.

My goodies arrived safely and they are little treasures. Thank you for sharing them with ME.

mairedodd said...

those boxes are treasures for so many reasons... i am glad that there will be balance in your holidays... life seems to be like that, doesn't it?

Unknown said...

The boxes are beautiful, LeAnn. I'm glad that you are finding time to keep your hands busy and solitude for your mind to find some semblance of peace. I continue to pray for you (and your Mom) to have strength and grace.

Gardanne said...

LeAnn your boxes are amazing, Stephanie would be proud.
Since I am the medical person in the family I spent a lot of time with my Dad in his last days, he said he had a great life and was not afraid. You are right, this has always been a great source of comfort to me whenever I miss him.
Thinking of you and your family over the Holidays.

TesoriTrovati said...

You are dealing with this life milestone with grace and dignity. And it sounds like your mom is too. I am so glad that you can find solace in the act of creating something, bringing to the world that which was not there before. And such beauty you are creating! I am so in love with each of these boxes and thank you for sharing your personal story with us.
Find your 'something good' today.
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Spirited Earth said...

your boxes are beautiful,it's a wonderful thing you can find some peace in your work

Laura Twiford said...

LeAnn It is good to hear that you and your Mom are both finding peace through this difficult time. It is reflected in the beauty of your work, the boxes are amazing! I will pray for your continued srength, God Bless!

stregata said...

I am sooo glad to hear that your mother has shared with you that she is at peace and ready. I wish I had had that comfort when my mother's time came.
Your boxes are absolutely stunning.

Unknown said...

The boxes are gorgeous! It is not hard to see why your work brings you such comfort. God Bless your family and your Mum, that you all will have peace during this difficult time.

Mellisa said...

It's so hard for those of us who mourn the loss of a loved one but the most we can ask is that they pass peacefully and that we can have the time we need to say goodbye. I'm thinking of you and your family.

Beautiful boxes that will have so much meaning.

Cindy said...

LeAnn, I've been thinking of you and your Mom. I can only imagine how difficult things are for you right now. I will continue to pray for your Mom and for your family.
Your boxes are amazing!! They look like true labors of love. The amount of time and care that went in to each one is evident. They will surely be treasured!

sharon said...

Beautiful boxes!

I am praying for you, your mom, and family LeAnn, and hoping everyone finds lasting peace.
Sending hugs to you.

Pretty Things said...

Oh gosh gosh gosh. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Please email me any time, ok?