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| 5/18/14 Cannon Beach |
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| 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.
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| 5/23/19 Photographing the viaduct |
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| 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.)
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| 4/28/26 One of my biggest fears was that the day would eventually come when Greg would not recognize me. I believe he knew me all the way to the end. |
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!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteTina, 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.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your thoughts, Cathy!
DeleteSuch sadness to lose your spouse twice. Sent with sympathy and love and celebration for all the parts of life that are not lost.
ReplyDeleteThank you, David!
DeleteOh, Tina. He will always be with you through your sketches. Sending you love.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteI'm so sorry, Tina.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Veronica.
DeleteOh, 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Joan! I'm glad you have memories of him from our symposiums together.
DeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It's the hardest journey... I wish you well.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts!
DeleteTina, I’m so very sorry for your loss. May the many good memories comfort you. Sending you a big virtual hug
ReplyDeleteI can feel the hug! :-) Thank you!
DeleteVery sad news. Glad your drawing brings you solace. ♥️
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThank you so much! I know you do know what I'm going through, and I appreciate your compassionate thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWith tears and a breaking heart I read this post. I wish I could ease your pain. Just know I am thinking of you often. The stories and insight you have shared in this blog have been such an inspiration for me and the pictures of you and Greg always warm my heart. May you find peace, my friend. Anne HwH
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Anne. <3
DeleteWe were so sorry to hear this news, Tina, and are thinking of you and Greg. I’m with you: the act of drawing and then the drawings themselves can be such a support at times like this. I know this from experience. Sending love and strength to you. James x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, James. I do know that you've had the same experience and understand the comfort and affirmation of drawing.
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