Saturday, June 8, 2013

life goes on


Life goes on. I've thought or said those words many times. After a disappointment, life goes on. After a failure, life goes on. And, a few weeks ago, after the death of my father in law ... life goes on for the rest of us.



He died at home, as he wanted. Peacefully. No agitation or crying out. One moment he was awake, and the next asleep, and then he stopped breathing. 




Grief is tricky. Thinking about his life brings up feelings of admiration and delight. Or frustration  and regret. Or a thick blanket of sadness. The thick blanket days are the hardest. Life goes on.

Jan Pieter van Schoonhoven, 1926 -- 2013
Years ago, I was playing the Schubert Impromptus (Opus 90, numbers 1-4). My father in law enjoyed hearing me play, and sometimes he would make comments on various pieces. When I played this one (number 3) he said, "Play that one at my funeral." Here it is. For you, Paps.

Vladimir Horowitz, Schubert Impromptu Opus 90, No 3.

10 comments:

Casey Klahn said...

Your art reminded me very much of these. I'm sure you've seen these, but they are so poignant.

Condolences to you and Peter.

http://www.skjoldlodge.com/munch_of_the_month

Ruth Armitage said...

I'm sorry to hear of your father-in-law's passing. Thank you for sharing the Schubert... beautiful. Wishing you peace during the waves of grief.

Roxanne Clingman said...

Hope to see these as paintings soon.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thanks for the comment, Casey. The Munch paintings and sketches are touching, aren't they? Being a part of a death bed scene was beyond description. I think I have some painting to do.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thank you, Ruth.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

I hope to see these as paintings, too, Roxanne.

SamArtDog said...

Peace to you and Peter.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thanks, Sam.

Nancy Van Blaricom said...

Deepest sympathy Katherine. Tough to go through, blessing coming your way.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thank you, Nancy.