I got a call this week from a woman asking me if I would be able to print about 50 copies of one of my greeting cards for her.
Of course.
The past weekend was her husband’s funeral. She wanted to send a hand written card to the people dearest to both of them. After hearing this, I wanted to make her the most beautiful card, one that would have meaning and might lift her up in some small way.
She told me a few of the things he used to say all the time like, “Love is the way. I walk in gratitude,” and “Teach only love.” He sounded like a man who lived with an open heart.
I thought about my mother and how hard it was for her when my dad died. I have a vision of her at the funeral with people on either side, each holding an arm, holding her up. I remember thinking that when the one you love dies, it is too hard to even stand up. I was 15-years old.
As I was listening to this lovely woman telling me about her husband, I felt such deep compassion for her. I believe this is the gift of pain and heartache. It makes us more compassionate, more understanding and able to connect deeply with others. I’ve never lost a husband to death, but I have grieved the death of my father and my first husband who left our marriage. Loss is hard. I remember hearing Byron Katie say that grief is love. We think we are grieving, but really we are feeling deep love for the person who died. That makes me want to cry just thinking about it.
I believe her husband was right. Love is the way.
beautiful, lori. beautiful post, beautiful painting. xo
That was my “Wow” moment for the day. Simply beautiful. Thank you!
Ms. Lori, your artworks are amazing as always. Thank you for keeping love alive in your colors.
What a beautiful story and a beautiful card! I’m totally inspired!
Lori
This message goes straight to my heart. Thank you for sharing. I’m sending love to you and to the sweet woman who is going through such a loss.
such gorgeous light
and your art fills my eyes with tears
and my soul with thanks
for the hands that took the time
to pour out
from such a tender heart.
-Jennifer
This is beautiful. Thank-you for sharing this heartfelt story!!
so beautiful. thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart.
Oh, goodness me. My heart. This touched me way down deep, Lori. I walk away with a fuller heart. Thank you for reminding me of what really matters.
Sending you love,
Julia
your paintings have that healing quality. How wonderful that you and this woman found each other.
this was achingly insightful.
I so enjoyed reading through your blog. I think your heart is just about the sweetest I’ve seen. As your beautiful paintings pulled up, it was just like the sun coming up and it really brightened my soul and my day. THAnks!
This woman found just the right artist to convey her hubby’s legacy. GORGEOUS!
This was a wonderful post. My own husband passed away two and a half years ago, at the age of 31, and I am touched by your explanation of grief — it is truly deep, deep love.
Also, your choice of artwork makes me smile. My husband would always tell me when I left the house to “watch out for deer.” Every deer I see now is a reminder of him and his love.
Love…and kindness, indeed. And what an honor that she chose you artwork to mark the day and her gratitude, wow.
Beautiful post! One that resonates deeply. It is amazing how saints and prophets have always said that love is the way. They say this even as it could lead to grief. Such a mystery!
Anjali, your comments mean a lot
Thank you!