Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Animal Wednesday: Thoughts of Spring


This is an ancient illustration. You can tell by all the faults but I still wanted to post it. The three cypress trees in my landscapes (as some of you know) represent my 3 cats we drove cross country with 16 years ago. I miss those boys every day. The girl in the grass with her little companion represents new life as well as memories of days gone by.

My father-in-law passed away suddenly yesterday. He was a terrific man and he's one of the reasons we wanted to move back to the east coast, so we could be closer to him in his last years. I want to close this post by sharing something my husband wrote about him last night as a lead-in to a tribute he'll be writing on Bleacher Report.


"In memory of my father, James M. Gaylord (May 18, 1924-March 10, 2009), a decorated World War II foot soldier, a D-Day Plus 6 man who stormed the beaches of Normandy, a man who nearly froze his feet off at the Battle of the Bulge. Dad, ever since I can remember I could outrun you but in the ways that mattered I could never keep up."


Happy Animal Wednesday my friends! Now go hug someone you love ;)

23 comments:

  1. Although your lovely painting has all the elements of gentle celebration, LoLo, I do detect a quiet melancholy as well?

    My heart reaches out to your husband and to you on the death of his father. When my husband’s father died, a wise old Zulu friend of ours said to Guy, “Son, you are no longer the child, you are the man now. You take the leadership from your father’s hands and wear his crown.”

    ReplyDelete
  2. My heart is touched by the news of the passing of your Father in Law...and your husband's words. My FIL who I never met had the same war experiences,(I wonder if they knew each other?) he unfortunately only lived to be 50.
    I am sorry for your loss.

    The painting is lovely and heartfelt too. Three cats in a car?
    Wow. What a ride that must have been.

    Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am saddened to hear of your loss, what endearing words your husband wrote. What a sacrifice his father made at such a terrible event in history. It is never easy to give a loved one up, at any age. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lovely illustration and with such wistful meaning.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am saddened to hear of your loss, what endearing words your husband wrote. What a sacrifice his father made at such a terrible event in history. It is never easy to give a loved one up, at any age. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lovely illustration and with such wistful meaning.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so sorry about your father in law. This is sad and will take some time to process. Your husbands words give us a mini portrait of his dad. Blessings to you and many kind thoughts.

    I love the painting. I agree it seems a bit melacholy. Yet hopeful with spring in the air.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Laurel please take my heartfelt sympathy for you and your husband.

    And could you let him know, if you don't mind, that his tribute has touched me so much, maybe because he could be speaking of my Dad who was a young soldier too.

    Love you.

    Renee

    ReplyDelete
  7. oh lo, that painting is lovely..and oh lo, that tribute has brought tears to my eyes. what a fine thing to say of a father. heartfelt sympathy to you and bri and everyone,will be thinking of you in the next few days. lots of warm fuzzies here for you both and may he r.i.p.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh lolo such nice words written by your husband!
    He was a real hero and so to see from your husbands words in every sense.

    You will both be in my thoughts and you are so right about hugging someone! Make every moment count! And show the ones you love you love them, you never know when it is the last time!

    Love your painting and the symbolism in it!!!

    HAW dear Lolo!!!!
    Big warm hug from me!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so sorry for your loss! What a wonderful thing to write!! Truly beautiful! Hugs to you both, Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  10. That is a lovely drawing.
    I hope our loved ones are all hanging out together somewhere, talking about us "young whippersnappers still among the living".

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love this illustration faults and all. The butterfly is a symbol of the soul to some cultures. Maybe your FIL is the big butterfly in this picture going his way. Please give your husband a hug from me. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the illustration. So sorry to hear about your sudden loss.

    ReplyDelete
  13. it is a lovely painting Lolo...filled with hope.

    I am so sorry to hear about your father in law, it sounds very sudden. Your husband wrote such a lovely tribute,it really does show the wonderful relationship between the two.

    And how are you doing? When my dad died, Tony gave the eulogy (his dad died when Tony was 17). He said "I had a father for 17 years, but I had a father-in-law for 35 years". He was hit almost harder than me with this death. Somehow we often don't think of the spouse as having as much, or more grief than the child.
    I know I'm rambling, but I feel so bad for the two of you and hope that you will call on your friends for whatever you need.
    Much love, mim

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very sorry to read your sad news today. What a beautiful tribute your husband has written - seems your Father in Law was a great fellow and will be sadly missed.
    Your picture is very moving. Am sending a hug from Malaysia.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for all of your sweet comments and condolences. We're doing fine here. My husband had a good relationship with his dad even though it was long distance. He has no regrets, just sadness.
    He'll go back this week to see his dad's wife and to link up with his sister who lives in Germany. I think just being in his dad's surroundings will be enough closure for him. I've forwarded your comments to him and he's deeply touched.
    XX

    ReplyDelete
  16. Now Laurel give him three extra kisses for no other reason than that he may be a little sad today and need some extra loving.

    You can do it with the saran wrap on or off.

    Love Renee

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a beautiful writing. Very thoughtful and wonderful! I am sorry for you and your husbands loss. Take good care of yourselves!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Laurel you are perfect and happy.

    I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis but so happy that you are here.

    In Canada when you are Stage 4 there is no cure because it means the cancer had moved from the original site. Was that the same with you. Because here Stage 4 is basically a death sentence even with all kinds of treatments.

    What I meant about the birthday was that I absolutely celebrat now, it is a big deal, but when it was my 50th and there were plans to do a big party, I was like no, not now.

    You have been through so much, I am always blown away by your strength.

    Love Renee

    ReplyDelete
  19. peaceful and serene...


    a very impressive tribute...
    may his soul rest in peace...

    ReplyDelete
  20. I, too, have tears welling...your husbands words so powerful and loving...Sending you both thoughts of serenity and comfort. God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
  21. OMG, such beauty and profoundness in a time of sorrow.

    Big hugs to you and your hubby.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I adore the painting and send healing and warm thoughts for your grieving. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I was deeply touched by your husband's tribute. It really made me stop to take time honor my mother and her gifts.

    Peace and blessings.

    ReplyDelete