Sunday, March 27, 2011

Far Away Nearby

9 x 12 on recycled Pastelmat
"Well, my kids decided that it was a good idea for me to live near one of them," my father told me today on the phone from Florida. We have had this conversation many times before. I am one of his kids. He forgets that sometimes. I helped him move last year from Southern California to an assisted living facility in Tampa Bay, to be near my brother and his family.

Dad forgets a lot of things. It's a sad part of dementia. Some days I can laugh off the absurdities. Some days I just feel sad. Today was one of those days. When my tears start, I try to end the conversation quickly.

"I love you, Dad. I'll talk to you soon."

"I love you, too, honey. I always love to hear the sound of your voice." He is completely sincere. But, he will not remember that I called when he talks to my brother just a few minutes later.

11 comments:

Jan Yates, SCA, Canada said...

Katherine my heart goes out to you-it hurts deep i know-but your art helps you get through-this painting to me seems still but beyond the hills hold promise-and the colour juxtapositions are gorgeous-i like the blue that you've put into the oranges in the foreground

Nick said...

*sad face* *hug*

Cmichaudart said...

You are mourning the loss of your dad, I try to keep in mind that, apparently, loved ones in his state are happy, relative to them. It is our loss we grieve...and losing a parent while they are alive is the worst. Prayers for peace. Beautiful piece.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thank you for your comments and support.

Casey Klahn said...

My thoughts are with you. The painting catches the mood.

SamArtDog said...

I'm sad that you're sad, and your dad is happy. This painting is beautiful, and beauty is love. You love your dad, and love balances life. Perfect.

Susan Roux said...

Nice colors.

I agree with Cindy. It's very sad. Wishing you the best.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thank you for your comments and words of encouragement.

The upside is that I have been able to tell Dad several times, each time the "first" time, that he is going to become a great-grandfather! Each time he hears the news, he is thrilled and touched and excited.

Then, he forgets again.

loriann signori said...

I really feel for you Kvan as I know it must be very hard. It's great the way you find the positive side of the situation. How sweet that he can have the joy of becoming a great-grandfather again and again. Take care.
PS When I saw the colors in the thumbnail I was in love.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thank you all for your understanding comments. It is a long road ahead, as Dad is in very good health, but the memory will continue to deteriorate. The road ahead will be difficult. I know it will be.

Suzanne said...

Again, you find just the right music to touch our hearts with the emotion. It's very fortunate that your Dad is now in a safe "home" with the staff around to care for him.