Thoughts from a sister-- both still grieving and forever grateful. Tomorrow marks a year after my brother Michael's death. He was an amazing man in many ways. Of course I think so, I was his "little" sister. Only a year and two days his younger, we grew up together on 31 acres in a small Vermont town. We did everything together. He was, quite possibly, my best friend.
I discovered my art skills through his death. My grief needed an outlet. I will never forget learning the news that he had ended his life. A casualty of Covid. (in my opinion--but that's a blog for another day) If you've never had to experience the moment of being told a loved one has left you suddenly, you are a lucky person. It will be something I never forget. It brings me to tears reflecting on it today. But even in all this heartache, I strive to be grateful. Because my brother brought me to a gift I never knew I had. Sure, I've been told that I am "creative" and I have had artistic "outlets" before, but nothing like the freedom I feel when I create a portrait. It's like I go to my own little tucked away world.
Tomorrow, the one-year anniversary of Michael's death, will be a difficult day for sure. But, I will take a moment to remember the fun we had, the memories I will carry with me forever. I will be grateful for the life I have now. A grateful blossoming artist.
Love you brother.