Sunday, January 27, 2013

Sketching in church



I sketch Joseph today.  He has just recently started attending our church.

I have to admit my thoughts were not entirely on the sermon this morning.  I was having lots of life and death thoughts instead.  Yesterday I sat with a woman from our church who has terminal cancer.  She has chosen not to have any treatment of radiation or chemotherapy.  There are caregivers who come into her home during the day, her daughter tends to her in the evening, but on weekends they have asked for help from others, so several ladies from the church are providing care.  I was with her from 7:00pm to about 12:15 am.  She was having a good day, was relatively pain free and was very chatty.  We talked about her kids, grand-kids and death.  She is positive and facing her upcoming departure from this world very calmly and with grace. Her peace comes from knowing her eternal future is with God.  I hope I can respond the same someday when it is my turn.  When she did get choked up it was over her struggle with not having the time or ability to do all the things she wanted to do before her death, specifically writing letters to each of her family members. I know her daughter has gotten her a recorder though so she can record her thoughts to her family.

7 comments:

marianne said...

I know it makes you think and think ......I lost my friend in December and she also refused any kind of therapy and was in peace with her death. She arranged her whole ceremony herself. I don't think I will ever be able to face death the way she did as I will never be that special as she was.
What a great idea about the recorder! And so nice everyone is helping out.
I wish you strength in this process Patty.
Here we had 2 weeks with freezing temps and snow. Nothing compared with Alaska I know. Yesterday it started raining and the snow is nearly gone. Now we will have rain all week. I guess I like snow better (when I am home)
Hope spring will come soon for both of us but I know how long your winter can be. So nice you will make a trip to escape the tail of winter :)
Have a nice week and I love your sketch!
♥M

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Situations like this make us realize how precious life, family and friends are. It reinforces love.

Your sketch is good. Have a great week.

A Lady's Life said...

Oh gosh. What a nice group of people you have to help out at this unfortunate time.
My prayers are with her .

Your sketch turned out wonderful esp the shirt part. That must have been hard.

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

Nice sketch. what a lovely thing everyone is doing, you included, for this Friend. Its always sad at times like this.. take care of you too.

Kellie said...

I think it's wonderful that you and the other women can take the time out of your busy lives to help her out in this time of need.

Aunt Krissy said...

Patty, I don't know what to say. I read this awhile back and got all teary. I love you.

Mim said...

it's tough to do that kind of work but very rewarding in the end. Bless that lady for her strength, so glad she has family around. Maybe she can dictate her letters to someone.

take care Patty