In memory of a beautiful soul

 ​I was working in my studio today and looked up to take in a drawing that is behind my desk. It is by my lovely friend Randy of his beautiful wife Amy after she had passed. Today marks the day of her passing. This loss brought many to their knees. Through their volume of love for her, it has brought them back up to standing again. The sheer love for her and each other became the strength to live life fully.
I considered how each second of each day marks the passing of beautiful souls across the earth. When you think of it, there is someone in grief every second of every day. There is also joy, love, laughter and birth rippling across all time and all places. Souls are entwining in space and time floating in and out of awareness. Spirit is within the ripple in the grass, a song of a bird, the sighting of a hummingbird or a lyric that won't stop playing in your head.  All connecting and reconnecting.
I noticed the flow of the pencil within the picture of Amy and saw how art in itself can connect you to emotion, memory or a loved one. As the brush or pencil flows, you are giving birth to something new. Something has become where it didn't exist before. As the shape of the movement becomes the face, your hand is touching that face once again. The outline, the texture and the feeling of the person comes alive for a time. A sparkle created in the eye can bring a smile to your own face and the tilt of the head can bring warmth to your heart.
Part of the gift that our loved ones leave behind is an awakening within our own spirit. A depth we didn't unlock before.
The drawing of Amy brings joy to my studio. I have had the honour of sharing some of Randy's art of Amy over the last two years in my work and exhibits. Amy is still helping others through Randy. The love and journey doesn't end just because your loved one has left their physical body.
As we allow our healing, pain and love to flow, so will their spirit and growth around you. At any time, you can reach them, whether it's when you are cooking a favourite meal, stroking your cat, throwing a stick for your dog, catching falling leaf or feeling the first snow of winter. Time entwines time, and love never ends. Rest in peace is often said to our loved ones who have passed, and I feel they are saying that right back to us.
"Rest and have peace.  Know I am always here."

​Written in honour and respect of Amy and her beautiful family.
Shared with permission by Randy Stiles - drawing of Amy by Randy Stiles