Wednesday, September 23, 2009

As irrigators lead water where they want, as archers make their arrows straight, as carpenters carve wood, the wise shape their minds.


~The Dhammapada

First of all, let me say Thank you for all the thoughts and hugs.  They are appreciated and they helped me remember I'm not alone.  My family is wonderful and so are all of you.

This has been an interesting week.  I called my HR person on Monday and was told I was entitled to 5 bereavement days and they encouraged me to take them.  So I did.  I have been home all week.  At first, I was reluctant but now I'm glad I did.  I find myself drifting off in the middle of whatever I'm doing and staring into space. 

Today's Buddhist Inspiration seemed apt.  I have been trying to guide my mind (not that I consider myself wise) down soft paths of memories.  And thus the drifting off. 



I've been spinning. The whir whir of the wheel is hypnotic.  I've finished a skein of alpaca and it's pretty good.  It's a little thicker than fingering and that's what I was aiming for.  Since it's for a sweater for Pk, I want it to be thin (since it'll be so warm).  I know it's going to be a challenge to make the plain roll neck stockinette sweater he wants but I'm hoping working with my own handspun will take some of the boredom out of it.





I've finished one Bayerishce sock.  Sorry, no finished sock photo 'cause it's raining here today and I can't get a decent one.  Here it is halfway finished.  I love it.  The yarn makes nice crisp stitches and the color variations are so subtle they let the pattern shine through.  The color is true in this photo so you can see the vividness of the red. 

Today, Kate and El and I are going to go through the photo boxes and albums to put together a collage of photos of my mom.  I've organized a memorial of sorts on Sunday.  My immediate family will all gather at a local diner for brunch and memories and Mary Jane stories. I want to make a photo board to take with us.  Hopefully, the photos will spark some long forgotten memories.  It will give us a chance to say goodbye and offer each other comfort.  Isn't that what families are for?  We will remember her and smile and laugh through the tears.  And we'll find healing.

11 comments:

roxie said...

Love and healing are among the many things you're good at. The photo collage is a splendid idea.

Geek Knitter said...

Laughter through tears can heal so many things.

Holding you in my thoughts.

Galad said...

That is what family is for - sharing life's experiences together.

Will be thinking of you all.

amy said...

Taking the bereavement days is a good idea. We need space and time after a death; it shouldn't be life as usual right away. Thinking of you. xo

DrK said...

those photo boards are great. glad you took some time off, and that 'packy is just gorgeous. take care xx

Bezzie said...

I'm glad you're keeping busy!

Sheepish Annie said...

I'm so glad you took the time. I think it's important to sit and reflect and do all those other things that memorialize a life. It's important.

Thnking of you...

MadMad said...

Oh, hon! I'm just catching up and am so sorry. It is always hard to lose family - whether we are close to them or not, they are still a part of who we are, and losing them is a loss of some part of us. I'm glad you took some days off, too.

Rose Red said...

I'm so glad you've had the week at home, that's so valuable I think.

Your alpacky looks just lovely, I think you are very clever being able to spin it just as you wanted it!

Thinking of you.

Bells said...

i'm so glad you took the week off. It's so important. Who knows how grief will affect us and we need to be in a safe place for that to happen. Spinning, photos and family sounds perfect. Hope you are ok.

Amy Lane said...

You are so emotionally healthy, Donna Lee--I'm glad you took a soft, quiet week too...

Happy Sunday!  I am sitting here working on my sweater made with the cashmere yarn my husband gave me for my birthday last year. I’m further...