In Passing

Gorgeous landscapes, detailed flowers, delightful sculptures, collages of pictures are just a few ways in which my Grandmother expressed her depth of character. She passed away this week and I was able to observe the beauty she provided our family in ways I didn't see before. It got me thinking about her paintings that adorned her home. Each painting meant something different in each stage of my life. Sometimes I would pass by them and think, that's pretty, other times I would notice the colors, soft and light. Other times I would sit and stare at them imagining myself in them breathing the air and then there were times when I walked right passed them forgetting their elegant presence.

Well, a month before her passing, Grandma wrote a letter to her family. She had five incredible boys and many grandchildren. Her words were heartfelt and endearing, with many words of wisdom and love. As I read them, I could see the brush stokes that guided her life's painting. I could see the love she had for her boys and ultimately those around her who loved her. In words, she painted her last piece of art.

There will be times in my life where I will read that letter and notice that it was nice or times when I will notice the colors of kindness. There will be times when I notice the spirit of what she said and the friendship she held with me. And there may be times when it sits in a drawer unnoticed. But I know that when I pay more attention to the joys and the humor and love I will find myself in a much happier place, like in one of her landscapes.

I know that it is the way we treat our husbands that make us better women. It is when we are truly calm and listening that we can see our husbands for who they really are. Grandma wrote this, "I want you to treat your husbands well and love them and be kind and considerate." She also wrote, "A man has such strength, courage and such a strong desire to take care of his wife and family."

We can truly paint a masterpiece when we love and support our husbands and I am so grateful that Grandma taught me that.

Challenge: Write a heart-felt letter to your husband.