Life is a bowl ...

Bowl #2

gouache and encaustic medium on plaster 5x7

This piece was inspired by two stories.

"This is a giant block

of whatever is most difficult

for you to carry

and trust me on this,

you'll carry it more times

thank you can count

until you decide that's exactly

what you want to do most

and then it won't weigh

a thing anymore"

from The Story People

&

"...each day a monk goes out

with his empty bowl in his hands.

Whatever is placed in the bowl

will be his nourishment for the day."

Everyday Sacred by Sue Bender

~~~~~

These two stories have been rolling

around and around in thoughts that are

deep and scattered.

I've been resisting difficult situations.

Easier to try to run and hide

than to (wo)man up and face them...head on.

Denial runs within a deep vein.

Taking on my mother's burden

has been at once painful and tender.

My bowl is full to the brim (enough, I cry)

with work, visits, seeking help, searching for assisted living,

calls to nurses, doctors, social workers...on and on..

I think about how difficult this is to carry,

I come to the realization

that this is exactly what I want to do most.

~~~~~

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

My mom has turned a corner, she's doing much better.

She'll be leaving the ICU behind soon.

Sweet relief.

She's got a lot of work to do ahead.

Her will has become strong.

Grateful daughter am I.

Have a wonderful weekend!