First, thank you, everyone, for such kind and supportive comments yesterday. It was very very nice. Even though grief is something we must do ourselves... it's comforting to know people understand.
I did something for Toon Tuesday that is more symbolic to me, than anything else. This is a photo of me and Dad, from 1954. I was 3 years old, and Dad was 32.
Design: a complicated design, for a complicated relationship.
After my parents divorce when I was 10, my relationship with Daddy got complicated. Also, the busy design was like Dad... energetic and always busy living a full life.
Sunrise: symbols our renewed relationship, when I turned 25. I met Jesus for myself, and learned about love, forgiveness, understanding, and appreciating Dad for who he WAS. As an adult myself with my own flaws, I could finally understand and accept that my Dad was human, and did the best he knew how, and loved us.
Flowers: for the high points, the good memories
Hearts: obviously for the Love
Spiral design and woven lines: Daddy is forever woven into the fabric of my life; never ending
Sharp points: the rough times in our relationship; yet there are dots over those points; love and forgiveness softening the sharp points, protecting
Sepia tone colors: the original photo was black and white, here:
With time and love, our memories are softened, choosing the good times to treasure; the harshness of black and white softens into a sepia glow.
Stars: Dad was a great example of one of my favorite quotes: "Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss at least you'll land among the stars." It took him until his seventies, but he finally made it to his "moon"... and was appointed a Judge.
Loretta
Daughter of Frank Ray Brown
1921 - 2011
DAY 592
10 comments:
Wow what a great post. I love the picture of you and your dad. I lost my dad in 2007 and still miss him every day.
What a beautiful picture of you both together...and lovely to spend time right now on such a positive task of remembrance of your dad.
Take care
Dawn
Beautiful picture. Memory Eternal!
You are still a cute little bugger. :)
Fill your life with meaning. It's constructive and healthy. It's healthy to grieve and express it. I envy you your outlet.
What a great post Loretta. I love your attitude. I think all parental relationships challenging.
Take care of yourself.
Sandy
This is lovely, Loretta. Both the words and the art. Truly.
I'm sure that the doing of it was therapeutic in and of itself. How wonderful that the product of that therapy turned out so well.
Thanks for sharing this. I think it is an object lesson that should be publshed somehow. I wonder if your church has a newsletter that could carry it. There's such a healing teaching in this. A growth opportunity for us all.
Deb
Beautiful picture Loretta! You are so creative.
Wonderful story - lovely art - I love it all!
I adore.
This is great. What an honor for him. :)
Post a Comment