Today I worked on the stripes encompassing D's clothing. While working I found it overwhelming, all the lines, turning every which way and started getting frustrated. A few times I had to stop and set the drawing aside for a several minute rest. There were so many and the lines began to blur and I couldn't tell where one started and one ended. Feeling defeated during one such rests I began to think about the book Still.
I attended the book signing/reading of To Linger on Hot Coals (collected poetic works from grieving women writers) to hear Devany (the LeDrew Crew's mama) read her poetry (also a contributor), I purchased an extra copy of To Linger on Hot Coals for a friend that also experienced loss and then realized there was another book sitting there too. I was short on cash to purchase anything else. The woman pulled out a copy and told me it was okay, other people had purchased books and donated copies to distribute as needed. The book is a collection of honest artwork and writings from the heart of a grieving mother, Stephanie Paige Cole. Then somebody else nearby explained she was the founder of the Sweet Pea Project and a contributor to the To Linger on Hot Coals book. The Sweet Pea project does wonderful things for bereaved families. I promptly read Still. As a mother, it was one of the most profound books I have ever read about the loss of a child. Full of love, heartbreak, frustration, sadness, I shed tears almost the entire way through.
I hope by posting about these books that it may help someone else find these wonderful resources out there for grieving mothers, families, grandparents. There is nothing more important than knowing how to support someone after the loss of a child or knowing you aren't alone. I am so grateful there is a whole community of women out there that have paved the way and provide comfort. It restores my hope in humanity.
No comments:
Post a Comment