First Touch
5 x 7 watercolor
Most of you who follow my blog know that I write as well as paint, and yesterday I finally did something that I've been dreaming about doing my whole life. I finished my novel. I've started about twenty and I have one other novel that's nearly finished, but this one is the first fully completed book that I've ever written.
I was ecstatic. I felt completely triumphant that I set a goal and then saw it through to the end. It was a good feeling.
And then, about an hour later, I received a phone call telling me that a friend of mine had been killed in a car accident.
Suddenly, things like novel writing and art making seemed of such little importance.
I looked around my house, still in shock that she was actually gone, and saw my family all safe and healthy in my home within arms reach of a hug, or kiss, or a whispered 'I love you.'
And I gained some perspective. A new realization that life is precious and we have no guarantees that the people we love will be around for us to tell them, or show them how we feel one more time.
It's so easy to go through life thinking it will never change, that the people we love will always be around.
But that isn't true, things always change.
Since last night, I've been hugging my family closer to me, trying to imprint in my brain everything I never want to forget about them, trying to live without regrets. Letting them know that they are my life, showing them that I am so thankful that they are mine, and that they are still here.
Timeless Remedy
10 x 14 watercolor
"We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until it is too late for us to express that gratitude. . . The loss of loved ones almost inevitably brings some regrets to our hearts. Let's minimize such feelings as much as humanly possible by frequently expressing our love and gratitude to them. We never know how soon it will be too late."
Thomas S. Monson
Crystal, I am so sorry about your friend. It is so true; we do take for granted what is here around us. You wrote a very beautiful and emotional piece today, and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated it.
ReplyDeleteDearest Crystal,
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you in this bittersweet time in your life. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your friend at what should be a triumphant moment for you. I understand the inadequacy one feels trying to express that depth of emotion that you must be feeling. You are in my thoughts and prayers as is your friend's family.
Prayerfully,
Carol
Crystal...I am so sorry to be reading about your loss, please know I am thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI too found your writing so emotional, and tugged at my heart. Thank you for helping us to remember what really is important in life.
I hope your heart starts to heal a little soon
Take care
Stephie
xxxxx
I am sorry about the loss of your friend. I feel that my words are inadequate except to let you know that I am thinking of you. I hope that in some small way that helps.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, I am sorry!! News like that really does make you so thankful and grateful for the loved ones in your life. My deepest thoughts and prayers are sent out to you and the family of you friend. On a different note, Congratulations on finishing your novel, that is an epic accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteSono stupito da tanta bellezza! Sei un MAESTRO,degna dei grandi di un tempo!
ReplyDeleteComplimenti!!!
Ciao!
Francesco
I am very sorry for your loss. Indeed situations like this make us realise the value of everything and everyone that we have. My deepest condolences.
ReplyDeleteHearty congratulations on finishing your first novel. When are you planning to publish it?
Oh Crystal, I'm sorry about your friend, so sorry. Thank heaven for loved ones who give comfort during these sorts of experiences.
ReplyDeleteSincere condolences on your loss *hugs*
ReplyDeleteYour artwork and writing bring joy around the world - and that is not of little importance - but a blessing. Life has many and you are one.
take care xx
So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, my deepest condolences to you. Congrats on your first novel!
ReplyDeleteCrystal,
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to say! Till I got to the point about your friend, I was perhaps feeling as ecstatic as you, about your first novel. But then, life's just a jumble of crazy things :(. So sorry about your friend. And you are right, we don't realize the value of things until we lose them. In India we say - as long as you have eyes you don't see the value of sight !
I began reading this post with wide eyes and exitement at the news that you have finished your novel - and then came the next sentence...
ReplyDeleteThat must have hit you incredibly hard. It's true that we don't know what's around the corner and you are right in everything that you say - We should never be afraid to express our love for the people closest to us. Your family are very lucky to have you. There is no need to tell you to live life to the fullest because I think you already do that. Best wishes to you Crystal xxx
First Touch is such a precious piece!
ReplyDeleteMy your thoughts and memories of your friend be enough to get you through the tough part.
ReplyDeleteLove you watercolors! wonderful lilght and drawing.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your friend...how heartbreaking! You seem a gentle and sensitive person and I can only imagine how hard this is for you. And, as someone else commented, "a bittersweet" time since you finished your novel and have another one well on the way. I would be interested in reading your novel (I am an avid reader) someday. I am sure your friend would want you to continue with your creative works and tell you that, yes, family and friends are the most important things in the world, but that doesn't take away from the importance of the beauty you create for others to enjoy. If you have some good photos of your friend perhaps you could honour her by doing a painting of her? I hope you are ok.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your loss, Crystal. A poignant reminder for all of us to make every day count. Hang in there my friend.
ReplyDeletecrystal, i am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. i checked in a few days ago and read the first part of your post regarding your book and thought i wanted to write a long congratulatory comment so i'd come back and do it when i had more time. i was shocked to read the remainder of your post. my thoughts are with you. i always search for something to say that will ease the pain. it's hubris to think anyone could do that. i hope it helps to know that others have you in mind and i guess that has to suffice. stay strong and try to focus on the joy that person brought into your life instead of the pain of missing her. it's a bittersweet occasion to be sure but well done on the completion of your book. take good care and again, my thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your loss. And congratulations too on finishing your novel. What a roller-coaster life is. Yes, change is the only constant and its so hard to accept the fleeting nature and the uncertainty of life -isn't it? take care!
ReplyDelete