I have a lot of painting to do but clearly, this has not been the time. I have been staying at a
hospice center with my mom, waiting for my dad to pass. So, instead of painting, I turned to my sketch book to help break up the hours and record memories as my family waited and took turns holding his hand.
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This sketch was drawn as my sister, Barb, gently held his hand. I think she was holding on to more than just his hand. She was holding on to his warmth, his love and sweet memories, |
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Joseph was named after his grandpa. He waited too. The hours were long for this patient 8 year old. |
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Rhyan, also 8 years old, seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. She stood at her great grandfather's bedside and rubbed his arm. Posing for this sketch was a nice break. She sat so still! An ideal model. |
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The flowers in the room added beauty to a solemn situation. |
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More flowers... |
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With lots of other family members coming throughout the day, I took breaks from my dad's room and wandered around the hospice center looking for other things to draw. This graceful green pitcher caught my eye. With permission, I moved it to a sunny window and sketched it there. I also photographed it with plans to create a painting of it someday.
Joseph
20 x 16, Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson
This post is dedicated to my dad, Joseph O. Salazar. An accomplished artist, my mentor and friend. He will be missed by many. |
I love this. Thank you for sharing this and honoring Grandpa in this way. What a beautiful way to live one's last days, holding the hands of the ones he loves.
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