A Short Break from Drawing

I was just writing a note to a favorite who seemed to me to be apologizing for HER reactions to her husband having no job at the moment. Y’know, I think there is nothing wrong and nothing to apologize about when one writes one’s own reaction to something like divorce or loss of a job or death.

I have been thinking a lot about this lately because of my sister’s condition. If she dies before me, I find myself thinking that this is not what I expected. I am the older one by two-and-a-half years and I expected that she would be mourning me first. It will be —well, odd is the only word I can think of–to be the only one left in my immediate birth family. My parents died about 50 years ago, and though I have at least one cousin I can remember, I will truly be an orphan when she  dies. But I also believe that as long as my sons and their children and their children’s children are on this earth, there is a part of me that will be always alive…

Incidentally, I never say "passes on." People don’t pass on, they die. I would like to believe there is "that door beyond the grave *" but I think that what we have here now is all we are going to have. Mind you, I will be utterly delighted  and the first to profusely apologize for not believing if I find I am wrong!

Back to the drawing board…

* "Sand and Water " Beth Neilsen Chapman

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June 8, 2005

You know its weird, writing here. Because its like we sometimes feel the need to apologize for feeling what we’re feeling, or more importantly, putting it down in print.

June 8, 2005

🙂 O.k. you made me feel better. Is that morbid? Just some perspective and I appreciate it. Be well,

Shi
June 8, 2005
June 8, 2005

I think we live on in our children. I surely am looking forward to if/when you post more of your drawings. You are very talented!!! Josh

June 8, 2005

Interesting point and very, very true.

I suppose you’re right – tell it like it is. I use the expression ‘passed away’. Now that you mention it I’m thinking that it sounds a bit silly. I’m going to edit my recent entry about the neighbor’s death.

June 8, 2005

I figure that as long as someone remembers me, I will live on, no matter what happens…. And I LOVE Beth Nielsen Chapman! She’s one of my favorites!!!!!!! Love ya! ~M

June 8, 2005
June 8, 2005

I think we live as long as someone remembers us and tells our stories. And a bit longer too, when someone looks at our gravestone or sees our names in old records. I agree that die and dead are better, more honest words than pass on or passed on or gone. It’s hard for some people to use them though. Their strength frightens some of us. Sorry about your sister, so sad.

June 21, 2005

Well I don’t often wish people were wrong but in this case I really hope you are! And if you are can I come over to you wherever we end up & say “Told you so”?!!