Laura Jeanne Grimes, artist
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A drawing from 9th grade

7/28/2012

2 Comments

 
Three weeks ago, my mother died.  She had many health problems, but her death was still unexpected. She died in her sleep, in her own bed, in her own apartment.  My sister was devastated that she didn't get to say goodbye.  But, Mom knew she loved her.  And, she died just as she wanted to, not in a nursing home, not in a hospital.  She just quietly slipped away in her sleep, to be found by her neighbor, who checked on her each morning.  None of us want to think about dying, but, if we do consider it, wouldn't we all rather go exactly as she did?  I choose to think this was a blessing for her

My sister and I went thru her effects about a week later.  Mom was a "messy" -- we found all sorts of random things, stuffed together in grocery bags, in piles, in a drawer marked "Nightgowns".  She still had my kindergarten report card.  None of the others, just the one from kinder.  Perhaps she was still proud that I was "ready for First Grade." 

We also found a drawing I did in 9th grade.  My art teacher that first semester of 9th grade art had a mission.  His mission?  To teach us how to draw.  I remember this drawing vividly.  He took us outside, and we each picked a house to draw.  Looking at this drawing, I realized the project must have taken more than one class period.  In my memory, tho, I remember sitting down to work, completely absorbed in the drawing.  Here it is:
Picture
How amazing that my mother had kept it these many years.  I found it in a pile, in the corner of a room.  She probably meant to hang it on a wall when she moved into that apartment and just never got around to it, even tho she lived there for several years.  

I had a different teacher the second semester of that school year.  Her mission was to help us express our creativity.  She gave us free reign, and I doubt I produced anything of much value. I look at the drawing above, and, despite some clunky details, I see the tools were there.  What I needed was practice, practice, practice.  Our first semester teacher knew this deep truth: teach them to draw, draw and draw some more. Creativity is useless without the tools.
2 Comments
Beckye
7/28/2012 02:13:45 pm

That's wonderful, Laura! Your mom saw your gift all those years ago, and I'm sure she was still very proud of you. Great job on the picture! You've honed that gift very well, and we are all blessed!

Reply
Joel Jones
7/29/2012 10:46:10 am

We sometimes never know the value of what we do. Sometimes what me may consider insignificant, can have a profound effect one someone. That picture seems to have had one on your Mom.

You have been on my heart, and in my prayers. I know this is reality I will have to face at some point, and can only image what you're going through. But I hold fast to two truths:
We will never be tested above our ability to ear it
God loves us, and provides His grace in all things.

I prayer an extra measure for you at this difficult time

Your friend,
Joel

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