Reflecting today....this date, this birthday. For forty years Shannon and I shared this number, 5/17. This is my third one without her and it still feels so different. We are all learning to navigate a landscape that continues to change, aren't we? Of course we shared alot more than a calendar date. We shared a room, a wedding gown, a family....and very special connection that some sisters are lucky to have.
This art shows a partial peek at an assemblage box I made in her memory. The small deer is a gift from Laure because she knows it's one of my signs for Shannon. It's set inside a matchbox; that's how small it is. Raised above the trees, to symbolize heaven. Set over a paper wing. And there's the pink rose, of course. The red wire - did you spy it? An "x", a secret kiss from me. Another sign we have for Shannon is a snowflake, added in digitally because I couldn't resist.
In the last post Pat shared some wisdom, which I was so happy to learn. It was a perfect thing to focus on right now as I work in my sister journal today. Doesn't it amaze you when that happens? Something is dropped in your path just when you need it. Like this: "The Japanese have a concept "aware" that can't really be translated into English but means something like "the heartbreak of beauty of the moment"--the idea that something so beautiful just hits you in the heart when you realize it will be gone soon." That is new to me. I love that there is a word that captures the ephemeral beauty that is fleeting. Like a snowflake. Like a rose. Like a deer in the woods. Like a little sister who is dearly missed.
What a poignant piece....thank you for sharing it and its meaning with us.
Posted by: Sue | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 01:22 AM
Happy Birthday Michelle, it must be awful to lose a sister, I know how close I am to mine.
xo
Posted by: robruhn | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 03:14 AM
Oh bless you Michelle... She's with you all the days of your life. That's a wonderful sentiment and a beautiful memory box. xo
Posted by: Rosie | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 03:57 AM
Such a lovely post and a beautiful tribute to Shannon. Happy birthday to you-bittersweet though it is.
Posted by: Jane | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 06:42 AM
Happy Birthday Michelle!
May your day be filled with unexpected surprises and delights!
Thanks for sharing the touching box, a wonderful tribute to someone missed.
I hope you enjoy your day!
Until later,
Judy
Posted by: Judy N | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 06:50 AM
Happy birthday, Michelle. I'm sure Shannon is sharing the day with you still. Your box is such a beautiful tribute.
Posted by: Maryanne | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 08:21 AM
Happy Birthday, Michelle ! I love to be celebrating all that you bring to this world ! I am glad to be in it at the same time as you, "Aware One.
Big, squishy birthday hugs and a bazillion sweet wishes for you !
Posted by: Kim Mailhot | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to your sister. *hugz*
Posted by: Carrie | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 12:17 PM
I'm hugging you right now... I love this post... your words expressing this perfectly.... love you...xo
Posted by: Jennifer White | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 07:56 PM
What a beautiful thought, what a beautiful piece, what a beautiful sister (both of you). Hugs.
Posted by: Robin Orewiler | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:27 PM
A beautiful and fitting tribute to your sister. I lost one of my younger sisters 3 years ago this past March and miss her so much too. Prayers and love to you all.
Posted by: suesue | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Happy belated birthday to one of my creative inspirations! We lost my sister to cancer last year. Beautiful thoughts. Thank you!
Posted by: Brian Kasstle | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 07:02 AM
What a lovely concept is this Japanese "aware".
Happy Birthday to you AND Shannon. Thanks for sharing your lovely art tribute and sweet sister Shannon. Peace
Posted by: Donna@soakinginmustard.com | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 08:26 AM
Such a lovely, lovely post and memory box for your Shannon. I hope your shared day was a wonderful one for you and that it was filled with happiness and the best of memories. oxox
Posted by: linda warlyn | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Michelle, Shannon's love is all around you.
Happy Happy birthday to you, one day late.
This peek is really pretty.
Posted by: Chris | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 06:31 PM
Happy birthday you two - keep holding her close in your heart and mind and soul. Now I'll go shed a tear or two for you both. Hugs.
Posted by: Cath S | Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 05:45 AM
Thank you sweet friend, old and new, for sharing your warm words with me. xo
Posted by: michelle ward | Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 07:55 PM