Friday, July 10, 2026

The Most Direct Path

 

5/18/14 Cannon Beach

3/1/16 Cannon Beach

On July 2, I lost my beloved spouse guy of 37 years. Loss is not new to me; I have been losing Greg a little more each day for many years. After walking with him on the long, hard road through dementia, I am relieved and grateful that he is finally free.

5/23/19 Photographing the viaduct

9/30/16 Greg watching as our skylight is reinstalled.

My heart is broken.

Even when I knew the end was close, I kept drawing. The day he died and every day since, I have continued drawing. It heals and sooths me as nothing else can. The world may feel like it has stopped, but in fact, it goes on, and I’m still part of it. Drawing is my most direct path to all that I love about life, even when the biggest part of it has gone.

(Shown here are a few sketches I’ve made of Greg, mostly from my early sketching years. I’ve also practiced a few portraits from photos, and I think I got him to sit for me briefly just once. I made my last drawing of him two days before he died. That one’s just for me and won’t be shared.)

4/28/26

18 comments:

  1. Love to you - you have been so generous sharing something of what you are going thru and leaving a path for others who may face the same. May your heart be eased and your memories sweet!

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  2. Tina, my heart goes out to you losing your beloved spouse guy. I echo the thoughts of anonymous, thank you for sharing your path that you went thru. The last photo says it all, true friendship and love.

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  3. Such sadness to lose your spouse twice. Sent with sympathy and love and celebration for all the parts of life that are not lost.

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  4. Oh, Tina. He will always be with you through your sketches. Sending you love.

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  5. Oh, Tina. I had to go back and read the beginning of your post again because I thought surely that wasn't what you meant. I'm so sorry and am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I hope your sketches of him will bring you comfort. I think of him with his camera around his neck like he had been at the symposiums. I am so sorry for your loss. He is free now but he will always be with you.

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    1. Thanks so much, Joan! I'm glad you have memories of him from our symposiums together.

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  6. My condolences. I so appreciate you sharing your journey. It’s been a godsend to me as I navigate my father’s dementia. Peace be with you.

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    1. Thanks so much! It's the hardest journey... I wish you well.

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  7. I am saddened to hear of your loss Tina. Thank you for letting us know. I live a few blocks from Ageis memory care. I always think of him when I walk or drive by the facility. Condolences.

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  8. Tina, I’m so very sorry for your loss. May the many good memories comfort you. Sending you a big virtual hug

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