Daily Artsy Figurative Photography

Temporal. Bill Armstrong.

This is my first blog post since my mom left this earth.  It has been seventeen days.  We were lucky in that we had time to prepare, time to say goodbye, but it still doesn’t seem real.  I can still hear her voice in my head, that musical little “Hi Les!” that always greeted me on the other end of the phone line.  I still see her in my dreams, but she is never sick, always whole, always the way I most remember her, the way I want to remember.

Bill Armstrong | artsy forager #art #artists #photography Bill Armstrong | artsy forager #art #artists #photography Bill Armstrong | artsy forager #art #artists #photography Bill Armstrong | artsy forager #art #artists #photography Bill Armstrong | artsy forager #art #artists #photography

 

It was a harrowing, heartbreaking experience, to watch someone you love so much slowly slip away.  The hospice nurses marveled that she held on as long as she did– that she must have had some sort of unfinished business to tend to.  But those who knew her well knew that she would let go of her tortured body in her own good time.  Always the boss, always organized and in control, she would decide when.

If there is anything I’ve taken away from this last year of my mom’s life, it is that we have no guarantees. She never should have been gone at only sixty seven.  There were still plans to be made, life to be lived, grandchildren to watch grow up.  If my mom could be gone, then so could my husband, so could my brothers, so could I.  I’ve been left with a resolve to follow my passions more fully, bask in each day more completely, love more abundantly.  I have today and for now it is enough.

These photographs by Bill Armstrong reminded me of the fleeting nature of our lives on this earth.  To see more of his work, please visit his website.

Artist found via Dolby Chadwick Gallery.  Images via the artist’s website.

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  • Paula Watters Jones
    July 13, 2015 at 9:32 AM

    Oh sweet pea…I feel your pain. Sending hugs.

    • Artsy Forager
      July 13, 2015 at 10:22 AM

      Thank you, Paula!

  • Elaine S.
    July 13, 2015 at 9:40 AM

    God bless your Mom.

    • Artsy Forager
      July 13, 2015 at 10:22 AM

      Thank you, Elaine <3

  • Denise Choppin
    July 13, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    So sorry for your loss, Lesley. You have expressed your feeling for your Mom so beautifully.

    • Artsy Forager
      July 13, 2015 at 12:20 PM

      Thank you so much, Denise.

  • Alexandra Suarez
    July 13, 2015 at 12:35 PM

    So sorry to hear about your mom Lesley. When you first posted your mom was ill, I was going through chemo, I always followed your posts and hoped your mom would recover. You’re right, there are no guarantees in life and it changes so quickly that we can only live for today. Best of luck to you:)

    • Artsy Forager
      July 14, 2015 at 2:23 PM

      Thank you, Alexandra. I hate to hear that you’ve been going through your own battle– I hope that you are doing well and winning the fight!! Love to you!

      • Alexandra Suarez
        July 16, 2015 at 10:07 AM

        So far so good! Hope you’re doing well:)

  • Pippin Schupbach
    July 14, 2015 at 5:09 AM

    So sorry to hear about your mom. It’s so difficult to lose a parent, as I lost my dad at a young age. I realized that losing my parents is a rite of passage. Take care of you.

    • Artsy Forager
      July 14, 2015 at 2:24 PM

      Thank you so much, Pippin. I’ve had so many friends share how losing a parent has effected them. I don’t believe we are ever the same again. Love to you!

  • Nadya Sagner
    July 15, 2015 at 5:49 PM

    I’m so sorry. I’ve been a longtime reader who never commented, but I admire you so much–your writing, your taste in art, your strength in helping your mom go through her illness. Take care and all the best.

    • Artsy Forager
      July 16, 2015 at 9:19 AM

      Thank you so very much, Nadya <3

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