Kris's Feather.
6x8 aquarelle graphite on paper NFS
I have a remarkable friend called Kris
under Hospice care at home, and I
am one of a group of women friends who
were regularly scheduled to visit so her
devoted husband could attend to his business.
Never complaining and totally unselfish,
Kris would always ask me how "I" was doing,
and when she found out I was
painting a feather series she directed me to
a place where she kept this rather large feather
...hawk or owl?
I sat and drew this as we chatted quietly
in-between her drifting in and out of sleep.
Several of my other feather drawings have been
worked on while sitting with her.
Kris passed early this morning with her loving
husband holding her hand.
Kris had breast cancer.
She put up a long and magnificent fight against
this stranger in her body, inspiring a whole
lot of us with her grace, strength and good
humor through some rough times. She will be
deeply missed and will always be in my heart
...until we meet again.
Words are hard to come by on this one Julie but blessings to Kris, having family and friends and especially to you for being there. I call this another beautiful dimension of Julie.
ReplyDeletethank you dear Blanche
Deleteto anyone interested...
Because of the very personal nature of some of these beautiful replies I will be replying to the comments privately.
what a wonderful community of bloggers we share.
thanks to all.
Amazing the grace and beauty of this one.....and it is alone. Just one feather. Messages galore. You gave so much and you got so much. Lovely painting.
ReplyDeleteCondolences to you and your friend's family.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a remarkable woman.
One topic that touches me deeply, because I'm in it for years, but I was lucky,
ReplyDeleteuntil now. As a feather, our life can change in an instant ... live with cancer as a companion, requires so much love to those around us.
Loving thoughts for you, Kris and her family.
Very touching story. The feather has a deeper meaning that I don't understand. Perhaps someone else does.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful drawing and serves as a great metaphor for your experience with your friend. A feather is both strong and fragile. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and powerful feather this is. You have a heart of gold and a passion that has made its way into aspects of your life...this drawing lives on for Kris!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about your friend Julie. My thoughts are with you.My best friend passed away this year after a battle with cancer. She was very brave too and with her sense of humour made things easier for me. I miss her every day!
ReplyDeleteI love your feather series...so delicate!!
Ah, Julie. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Kris. Cancer is such an evil menace. I love that you honored Kris with this drawing of her feather.
ReplyDeleteThis story touched my heart and has been a part of my life also. Wonderful painting. They are never far away when they are in our hearts. So very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful feather-so simple against that buff colored background.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about your friend. You just never know how your life is going to criss cross with someone else's life. Nice of you to be there with her.
Hi Julie, this is such a beautiful drawing with a touching story. I said a prayer for your friend's soul as she floats up to heaven like a feather. You are a wonderful friend! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your friend, Julie!!! Thoughts and prayers to you and her family!!!
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to the family and you, Julie. You and Kris were a blessing to each other.
ReplyDelete"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
2 Corinthians 5:8 New International Version
So sorry about your friend Julie. I am glad you got to spend time with her.
ReplyDeleteYour story touched my heart. Your beauty always shines on others and that is why people are drawn to you and your art. My condolences to you and your friend.
ReplyDeleteDear Julie - immediately I had tears in my eyes...first for Kris's family and for you too my friend. I am sure she is honored with this feather you painted in her memory. I am sure you were such a blessing to her and there is no doubt you will meet again. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this sad news. I'm sure this drawing will hold a special place in your heart and will always remind you of your wonderful friendship with Kris.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely in all ways; your spirit shines bright, my friend.
ReplyDeletenice sketch!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful treasure to remind you of your time with your friend. Beautiful in all ways!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sentiment and drawing, graphite can be so soothing and quiet. Peace to you Julie.
ReplyDeleteFeathers are interesting, a balance between complexity and simplicity, an you do that so well.
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching post about your friend. I imagine you will always think of her now every time you see a feather. How beautiful you got to be there during such a hard time for her and her family.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute in art and words.
ReplyDeleteso sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to your friend, Julie. I'm so sorry to read of your loss. I'm sure it gave her family much comfort to know she had such caring friends. Best wishes to you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a feather of beauty in more ways that one......... I am sorry for the loss of a close friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog and the lovely comment.
Sweet Julie- have just seen this and my heart goes out to you. I lost my very best sister friend about 5 years ago and totally understand how you feel. You were so lucky to get to be there and love and support her. I know you were a great comfort to her. She would want you to paint freely and with joy and celebrate that she is at peace. I always feel that when the tears came that it wasy sister poking at me and saying hello. Hope this helps. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteDear Julie; my heart breaks for your loss. My brother passed away over a year ago, and the pain stays near the surface for a while. The good memories are so cherished though. I know you brought great peace and comfort to her while sharing quiet times with her - the feather is a beautiful tribute to her (& your) thoughtfulness and your friendship. May peace return to your soul again soon.
ReplyDeleteSweet Julie...I just saw this today and tried a few times to comment from my iphone and it would not go through. My heart goes out to you...You were a true treasure and comfort for your friend when I am sure many could not just sit and "be" with her for company and comfort. That is a hard thing to do...to watch knowing your are losing that friend. I lost my very best sister friend about five years ago and know exactly how you feel. I was a primary caretaker along with her husband and we just couldn't win that battle we were fighting. Took me a while to begin to accept and learn that when the tears came- it was my sister poking at me to remind me she was thinking of me. That made all the difference to me. I turned the sad grief into a positive and knew she would want me to have those sweet good memories and to carry on with the things I needed to do. I love that you have that painting- oh so special....treasure that and know that you will paint again and with joy...Take care- Hugs too!
ReplyDelete