The week has subsided and this Sabbath I’m finding myself particularly nostalgic. I explored my old college hard drive, finding many old photos to use for future face sketches. For tonight’s subject matter, I’ve landed on one of the most fondly familiar faces. I’ve painted her before, a couple of years ago, from piecing together a few different images but I wasn’t completely satisfied with the results, so I picked a new single image to try again tonight.
So here is my grandmother. This is a blurry old photo I took at my grandparent’s 50th anniversary party– when I was a sophomore in college and lacked superior camera gear. So this is a good example of how I can salvage a sketch from a less-than-ideal reference image. I did this sketch quickly, but I did have a cathartic intermission. Some sentimental songs playing on Pandora did not help my in my focus. Especially Aerosmith’s “I don’t wanna miss a thing”. I do miss her dearly– I was blessed to have had her.
Below the pictures, I’ve posted the poem I wrote and read at her funeral around a few years ago. I’ve been meaning for quite some time to share this poem.
Childhoods consist of memories, some greater than others,
but few are more cherished than those with grandmothers.
And while all grandmothers are blessings and good,
I’m certain that the grandest was Rosemary Wood.
Her garden seemed to always have something in bloom
And there was good conversation to be had in the patio room.
So through the woods and over the levy
To Grandma and Papa we sisters would journey.
Every visit began with smiles and bright faces
After Grandma opened the door for embraces.
That may be what I’ll miss the most:
the comfort of her hug and warmth of our host.
Our Grandma filled her position wonderfully,
with movies, baked treats and cups of tea.
She was always interested and always a delight
Especially on the occasion we’d spend the night.
We would talk and play a board game or two
Or go through the toy chest that we outgrew.
Some nights Grandma read Mother Goose or pioneer stories
And often we stayed up late watching new movies.
In the early mornings I would wake
to the aroma you couldn’t mistake
for anything less than happiness
in the form of pancakes, biscuits, bacon and eggs.
When the very first thought of the day
was that someone loved you and went out of their way
to prepare a warm meal especially for you
You are happy to get up, even if it’s before noon.
At the close of each summer until I was grown
Grandma and I would prepare a party that was thrown
for my younger sisters and me and a few friends
to enjoy the last summer freedom before school began
It was a challenge to keep secret each year as before
with a new theme, new menu, party favors and decor.
My sisters kept guessing, full of curiosity
About that years manifestation of Grandma’s generosity.
My favorite part was making the cake the night before
with creative arrangement and candy galore.
One year a hippo cake, one year a castle,
No matter the shape, no matter the hassle.
We would spend the time to make it right.
Enjoying each other’s company into the night.
Those hours together are now quite treasured.
As it was a special tradition we held together.
When I left for college, my sisters helped plan,
But at each summers end we all got together again.
The meals were fantastic, the costumes were fun,
And we enjoyed Grandma’s garden under the sun.
Mommy planned games and we made sure Papa and Daddy could attend.
Our friends were impressed at all the effort we put in.
I took pictures of festivities and flowers.
And all would enjoy the party for a few hours.
Each years back to school party was another success
But I’ll tell you the part I really liked best
The planning together, time spent.
Now I wonder where the time went.
She was there for birthdays, mother’s days, and graduations
And many other countless occasions.
Now I know how fortunate we were
to have a person in our life as supportive as her.
Childhoods consist of memories, some more meaningful than others.
Among my collection, my favorites include my grandmother.
While it’s hard to accept that she is gone, it is understood
how much I will miss my Grandma, Rosemary Wood.