Remember

"Remember," Mixed media, 10x14

Ten years ago my sister-in-law, Terri, lost two dear friends within a week of each other. Leah, her best friend since childhood, an exuberant beautiful mother of three died tragically in a car accident. Four days later, Marc, their close friend lost his battle against cancer. Terri believes Marc was willing to let go when he knew Leah would be his angel. Their obituaries ran on the same day directly across the page from each other.

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Leah and Marc both grew up in the Detroit metro area and touched many people (including me) through their kindness, laughter, and sincere goodness. Terri wanted to send a card out remembering these two remarkable friends. Upon her request and with her feedback, I created "Remember." 

The image of Leah and Marc is from a photograph taken at Terri's wedding.  The quote is from a favorite musical group of Leah's: The Indigo Girls. The painting has been created on a scrap of mat board discarded by an artist friend of mine, Sally, who died unexpectedly two years ago. To me, the entire painting represents lives that were cut short and the importance that we appreciate the beauty of every day - a gift that all three shared. May we always carry their memories with us.
 
"Everywhere I turn all the beauty just keeps shaking me.
Now I'm running to the end of the earth  
And I'm swimming to the edge of the sea - 
And I'm laughing - I'm under the starry sky. 
This world was meant for me.
Don't bury me, carry me."
(Indigo Girls, "World Falls")