Ascension - Memory is one of the Most Beautiful Realities of the Soul

 

"Memory is one of the most beautiful realities of the soul." - John O'Donohue (from Anam Cara)

 

Monday a week ago, (at the end of December), it was so warm here in Connecticut, another gorgeous balmy day (ok in the mid 40s not bad for a New England winter). I was determined to get as many sketches in as I could before cold weather came. My phone rang on the way out to the painting site. Then I got a text....and another phone call. My friend's son had passed away the day before. He's just a year younger than my own daughters. My heart felt like I had a brick on my chest. 

I was determined to sit and paint...and capture the sky-scape that I had come to paint. My intention is to paint this quite large, in oils on canvas. My thoughts were on my friend, my brush went on automatic. That beautiful sky....his new home....but here on earth, our hearts deeply crushed. 

Over the many years that I have painted, there are always some that are a struggle, others that fall off the brush in ease, some that fill your heart when you see them, some you remember every bit about the day at the moment you painted the scene. I will always remember this one. 

It's difficult to start the year with such a post. This weekend, we celebrate the life of this young man. It will be a hard day. Yet my heart is hopeful that we will bring some comfort to this family. There will likely be a lot of friends attending, grieving with the family. 

I've been reading "Anum Cara - A Book of Celtic Wisdom" by John O'Donohue, and found this quote really resonating with me, "I like to imagine that death is about rebirth. The soul is now free in a new world where there is no more separation or shadow or tears." 

I'd like to share a reading by Mr. O'Donohue, reading his poem Beannacht - A Blessing for the New Year (it's lovely to hear that Irish lilt in his voice, but the poem is exquisite). http://www.dailygood.org/story/1189/beannacht-a-blessing-for-the-new-year-john-o-donohue/