Loss and balance

I had a long tiring day yesterday with an early morning take off to go to Port Angeles with my daughter Lew to meet with famed poet Tess Gallagher to have her sign a book for Humanities Washington.  Lew is working on this project and graciously invited me along.  This trip included of course a stop in Sequim to visit my father and take some new items to brighten his room that I had made.  The time with Tess was frankly amazing.  She took the time to share the amazing photos and art that grace her home, including a cartoon of herself by our friend David Horsey.  She was so charming and engaging that it was truly a gift to have time in her home.  When we arrived at my dad’s rehab facility, my brother, his wife, my niece, a cousin and her husband were all there and much to my surprise there was an early birthday cake for me, a little celebration of family love which included the pup Fernando who was a sweet visitor for my father.  It was interesting to watch Fernando discover and carefully study with his nose my dad’s missing leg.  We drove home fulfilled but exhausted.

The hours after our return were filled with news of great loss.  Our little friend Elliott Benson had lost her battle with Tay Sachs and now has her angel wings.  I had the pleasure of meeting Elliott and her family for the first time in October of 09, they returned for updated photos a year later.  I also had the absolute pleasure of attending and photographing a spectacular party to celebrate her life on a beautiful sunny day.  There were pony rides, a jumpy house, wonderful puppets and great food.  Elliott and her family have attended each Artist Sale since I met them as well as the 5th Anniversary Party and the NTSAD family conference in Boston.  Becky, Elliott’s mom is a gifted writer and has written for our newsletter and recently agreed to write for this blog as a special guest and to speak at our yearly photographers meeting here at Soul Ballard.  They have become friends and I have so enjoyed each of them.  Elliott’s sister Skylar is a great kid and is so thoughtful in sharing art and her words in gift form.  I am so sorry about this loss and I send all my heartfelt sympathy.  I share Elliott here today in tribute to her lasting beauty and to the way she helps so many think of life in a new and more open way.

After hearing of Elliott’s loss I joined Doug and Lew for a meal and to watch a movie.  I have developed a bad habit of staying up late to work my art projects so after Doug and Lew went to bed I was still up for a while making some little wreaths.  As I checked my email one more time before going to bed I read that my good friend Leah’s dad had died.  Leah and Kurt are special friends.  Kurt was one of our first Soul photographers and he and his wife donate many greens from their farm each year for our wreath making event.  They are also favorite mushrooming pals when I am at our cabin.  I send them my sympathy and much love as they move thru the days leading to the memorial.

I had some clean up to do after my little creative project and it took a while longer to really head to bed so I clicked the email button one more time to discover our friend and board member, Pat Fallon had lost her wonderful mom.  Of course that means her two children who have meant so much to the work of Soul have lost their grandmother.  My heart is with Brenna and Sawyer as having a special grandma is a gift that was one of the highlights of my childhood so I know the loss cuts deeply. 

This morning’s sunrise heralding more beautiful NW days ahead which brings beauty and a sweet beginning to a new day.  Finding the balance to move forward thru loss is aided by this sight.  I will travel to the cabin tomorrow and will build memorials to these friends while I am away.  I will savor the solitude and the time to be quietly alone.  Tonight I celebrate with dear friend Monique the 88th birthday of her father.  “Tito”  is a special friend so his day will also help bring joy to this time of loss.  In love, peace and sorrow, Lynette