I shared this mixed media art piece I made last summer. It was my way of working through some thoughts and feelings about my Mother In Law as she was dealing with Alzheimer’s and we were cleaning out her house.
No one really expected her to finish out the year. But she did.
She finally passed away Saturday evening.
I feel kind of selfish when I feel sad about it. She fought so long and hard. She deserves the rest that has finally come.
I highly recommend creating something to work through feelings of loss. Weather you create something WITH the belongings of your loved one or you create something with them in mind, it helps to sort out some of your thoughts and feelings. There is something very therapeutic in it.
And then you are left with a lovely piece of artwork to either keep or share with another family member.
Be sure to let the people around you know how much you love and appreciate them. She was only my Mother in Law for 12 years, and the last 5 of those she was ill, but she was kind to me and I felt like I earned her respect early on in my marriage to her son… and THAT meant the world to me.
Vicki, I am so sorry for your loss. I am behind on reading blog posts and just came across this one. Now I realize why you had such a long week. I apologize for not reading this post first.
I am sure your husband really appreciates that beautiful piece that you did last year of his mother. What a treasure to have.
I started collecting some bits and pieces for a collage to make of my father in law who passed last December. I think this is always a great way to preserve memories of our loved ones.
Hugs,
Joan
Hey, Joan, no need to apologize. I realize that you MIGHT have something to read besides my blog. LOL! I’d love to see a photo of your finished collage if you feel like sharing it.
Enjoy your weekend. 🙂
Vicki
thank you for this, my mom just passed away last week, she too had dementia. I know what you mean I am happy she is at peace and not suffering but I miss her terribly. MY mother in law passed away the day before and her husband has dementia which is truly heartbreaking. I am collecting some photos and mementos of them both to collage
I’m so sorry Mary Lee.
It’s even harder when you are dealing with so much loss all at once. I hope that creating a collage will help you sort through some of your thoughts and feelings and I also hope that you will be extra kind and gentle with yourself while you are grieving.
My heart goes out to you and I wish you peace and comfort.
Vicki
Oh sweetie, my thoughts are with you. I totally understand the loss and mixed feelings. I spent the last 20 years taking care of first my father who had dementia. Then three years ago I finally had my mother diagnosed. She passed last July and I was so happy to see her out of pain but so distressed by the loss. I also sat down afterwards and made an album with a picture of my mother when she was a younger care free girl…
Thanks for sharing this beautiful picture
Dawn, Thank you for your compassionate and understanding comment. It’s always good to know that someone else out there has an idea of what you are dealing with. It makes you feel less alone. 🙂 On to happier things in life now… 🙂