Sticking with the topic of charcoal sketches and mortality for a minute

[tivogoddess]

In my 5th life, I dated an artist. There were perks associated with this--namely that I could get him to do custom commissions for me. He did a painting of me and my brother for my mom for Christmas, for example, and for my Grandparents 50th anniversary, he did a charcoal wedding portrait

Comments

[jobeth66]

Oh, babe. I'm so sorry to hear about Nanna. :( You know if you need *anything at all*, you have only to ask.

Yesterday, you wrote about legacies. And here you've named hers. Remember her with joy, sweetie - somehow, I'm thinking that's what she'd want. *hugs*

[_saveferris_]

I am so sorry to hear this...would it be possible to laminate the picture somehow to the marble headstone?
And yes,I know Nana will be smiling down with tears (of joy while smiling)I think this is such great a gesture from you...if the whole family put so much heart into it...
I have missed your entries so much. So sorry for your loss.It sounds so hallow once I've typed it, but not much to say to really help,only time; and knowing they are both doing a great waltz up there upon being reunited.:)

[rustydog]

I'm sorry about your Nanna. She sounds like a neat lady.

My grandfather died this fall, and my grandmother is just... not really there anymore. I'm trying to find an audiotape I recorded of her a couple of years ago. At the time I didn't think it would be a big deal. But over Thanksgiving, my mom brought out an old videotape of just some random Sunday at our house from about 15 years ago. And it was just precious - even the scenery. Seeing what our carpet looked like back then, how some of the trees seemed smaller, remembering our old porch swing. Now I really wish one of us had videotaped Grampa and Grammy's farmhouse while they still lived there.

Can you make a movie of Nanna's house before it's sold? It's not the same as still having the house, or your Nanna of course, but it really could be something.

[justapixel]

Your grandmother looks like a wonderful person in that photo. Dye your hair and cherish the memories.

Try not to think of selling the house as dismantling your childhood. You are only removing the physical trappings of it, not the lessons you learned. Perhaps those swings you took on that tire gave you your first taste of wild freedom; the puddles you splashed in taught you simple delight. Those things are in you and a part of you because of your Nanna, and nothing can ever change that. You can't ever dismantle their lives, because your existence, personality and thoughts are the result of their lives. Possessions are merely material, and while you are understandably sad to see the tangible things surrounding your grandparent's lives go, the ethereal gifts they gave you will last a lifetime. Some of them you will share with others, ensuring they both live on.

I'm sorry for your loss.

I know now what I'm going to get my parents for their 50th anniversary though. A portrait is a wonderful idea.