Friday, December 30, 2011

Wintry Landscape

Wintry Landscape by linfrye
Wintry Landscape, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I painted this wintry landscape before I left to be with my mom. I was playing with some of my friend Doris' techniques (www.flickr.com/photos/djr-aquarelle/) and this was the result. It wasn't what I had hoped to post at the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, but it sort of fits with the experiences I've had this week with my mom's illness.

She's suffering from Parkinson's disease, had a bad fall, a hip replacement, infection. Her condition seemed to be improving, but the roller coaster ride we've been on this week continues, and the optimism we felt yesterday, has been dashed today.

If I can use this painting as an anology, my sisters and I stand in the foreground, aware of the snow and the trees and the winter, and mom, sadly, stands in the magical light away from us - much like the etheral forest of this painting. At times, she joins us, othertimes, she's across a chasm ...

It's mighty sad, depressing, frightening, for us ... and more ... for her. We all deeply appreciate your prayers thoughts, encouragement. We'll all need the strength to endure this until the end, whenever that comes.

We know that we are not alone in this kind of challenge as we watch our beloved parents age and decline, and we lose them bit by bit ... physically and mentally.

Thank you for your patience as my family and I work our way through this...

I'll come home in a few days time to pick up the threads of my own life and my sisters try to fit this new challenge into their daily routines. I imagine I'll be making more frequent visits to see my sisters and mom and lend what support, encouragement and relief I can.

It's going to be quite a different new year than we had hoped for ...

But we're strong, we've got some wonderful support, and like many others, we'll come through this ... and we thank you for being with us through the long, journey ahead.

May 2012 be bright and surprise us all with miracles!

5 comments:

Penny said...

Thinking of you, we (my sisters and I) are thankfully about 14 months further on, never a good time.

Lorraine said...

Such a lovely painting Lin -- the details are incredible. It's one of those paintings where I see something else each time I look at it.

I am so sad to hear about your Mom. This is such a difficult time for all of you so please you and your sisters take good care of yourselves and enjoy whatever time you can with your mom. My heart goes out to you and I will continue to keep you all in my heart and thoughts.
Big hugs,
Lorraine

Joan Tavolott said...

Lin, I will keep your mom and all of you in my prayers. Your mom's condition is difficult for all of you, especially for you who doesn't live close. May you all have the strength to handle what lies ahead. Stay strong, and give her all the love you can while she is still with you. Wishing you a peaceful, happy, and healthy New Year!

annie said...

A beautiful painting to express where you and your sister stand during this difficult days. Thank you, again for sharing your moments with us along with the lovely pictures.

Hope and prayers,
annie

Pamela said...

Sorry to hear all that you are going through, such difficult time. Lovely painting, and good to help right now. Will be thinking of you.