Hey bloggers!
Today I am sharing a page out of my art journal and
I am curious, do you share emotions in your art journals?
It wasn't my intention when I started my page to make my girl look so sad
and so small in comparison to the page. I guess it was just a reflection of what
and so small in comparison to the page. I guess it was just a reflection of what
I was feeling at the time. I tried several times to draw her differently but she still
came out looking so sad.
Why so sad? Well for the past year and a half my mom has been struggling with Alzheimer's and Dementia, but lately things have gotten way out of control and we had to move her to a place with Assisted living with memory care. We tried everything else but recently we realized we had no other choice to keep her safe. Sad times for the Barakats.
Even when you know you are doing the right thing it is so hard, especiallywhen the person affected does not know or understand what is happening.
I thought once we moved her I would be relieved and not as stressed - but I guess that will take some time. Right after it happened I was so stressed and had lots of self doubt panic. But God knows what we need when we need it, a lady in her old building came to the door as I was cleaning out her apt. She was surprised when I answered the door not my mom. She asked where we had moved her and I told her. She was so relieved, said she was so worried about my mom. She said that my mom was forgetting more and more everyday and was afraid for her with the way she was acting. She reassured me that I did the right thing and that this made her so happy because this is what she needs.
Please understand, this is a horrible disease - the forgetting is one thing; we have the same conversations every 10-15 minutes- asking the same questions over and over because she doesn't realize we already talked about it. The paranoia taking over her mind- accusing people of stealing her things when nothing is missing. She stopped eating and told the doctor she wasn't going to - it was a waste of food because she was never hungry. She also refused her meds, the list goes on and on...
I could probably write a book on all the madness.
I would not wish this on anyone.
It's horrible for the person and it's just as devastating for the family.
She has been there one week and she has already gained some weight.
My mom averaged 110-120 most of her life was down to 85! She is now at 87.
She is confused- sometimes she asks what she is doing there and how she got there,
sometimes she thinks it's her old apt as if she's always been there,
sometimes she just wants to go home. She is eating and taking her meds.
We all still have some adjusting to do.
Enjoy your loved ones while you can, I'm just sayin'.
I used the 1950's Diner set of Gelatos®
I mixed Gelatos® with modeling paste and used a Clear Scraps stencil.
I used the peach & blood orange Gelatos® mixed with gesso for the skin color.
I used PITT® Artist Pens for journaling and facial features.
The puffy metallic paint is from Viva Decor.
***
I used the peach & blood orange Gelatos® mixed with gesso for the skin color.
I used PITT® Artist Pens for journaling and facial features.
The puffy metallic paint is from Viva Decor.
***
In all of this I forgot to post for a giveaway yesterday
so I am doing it today.
Leave me a comment to win a box of supplies.
( If you are new to my blog click on the pic for details.)
*This will be my final 10 and 20 RAK giveaway*
There will be some cool things in here as after 6 months
of doing these giveaway I have finally given away all my excess
scrap booking supplies!
Not to say I wont have giveaways- you know
I always have something up my sleeve but it will be the last 10 and 20 RAK giveaway.
That being said I will announce a winner on WED since it is later in the day
and I don't want anyone to miss this post.
28 comments:
I think your art journal page looks lovely. I love all the beautiful details. Thanks for the chance at another wonderful 10 and 20 RAK. You are so generous.
Hugs, Rosalee
Wonderful pages Rita. Beautiful details and lovely expression on hernface.
lovely greet Marja
www.marjascreativity.blogspot.nl
I am also dealing with aging parents and my Dads demintia.So hard to see our loved ones get lost in their own minds.I can feel your pain and love you can put it down in art.My Dads still at home with my Mom and he will be 84 this year.Glad your moms doing better.I also put alot of feeling down in my art it helps some how to get the feeling of stress out and on paper.Good luck with your mom !
your page is beautiful! best wishes with everything that goes along with your mother's disease/s. hugs,
Your art journaling is awesome! I think it helps when you capture a true moment. Thanks for the inspiration and the opportunity to win!
Hugs, Rita. I am a nurse and have worked in geriatrics for almost 28 years, it is my passion. There is nothing like being able to figure out what someone with dementia needs or is trying to say, and be able to make them feel safe and valued. Finding her a safe kind environment was the best thing you can do for her
I love your page.
My heart aches for you and your family- it is so hard to go through this journey. Treasure the moments and memories in your heart always.
I'm so sorry about your struggles with your MOM. These decisions are very difficult and stressful for those who ultimately and reluctantly end up "in charge" of their parents' care. Bless you for doing what's best for HER even though it's not easy for you...like loving parents do...so sometimes must loving children make these choices for their ailing parents.
Your journal is also lovely and probably very healing for you...in process as well as expression of your feelings. KUDOS!
Oh Rita, I know that you struggled with the decision. It's SO hard when our family members have health problems, especially Alzheimers!! That is THE worst disease as far as I'm concerned. It becomes impossible for the family to take care of the person, no matter how much they want to keep the family member at home. I wanted to take in my Grandma, but my family talked some sense into me (she wouldn't have been eligible to be put back into a home if I needed to if I took her out). But it was so hard. She had a VERY hard life, and I wanted to make her last years as good as possible. But my mom and I visited her every week (my mom went every day for the first year or so--while going through chemo and radiation!), which made it easier on her. It's nice to think about your good memories....I bought a vintage Barbie purse to remind me of her (her name was Grandma Barbie, and she collected Barbies from the time they were released). It helps....Is there something you can have around that will remind you of her in "the good ol' days"? It really does help.
I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this. You are such a nice person, I'm sure it's really hard for you to deal with making hard decisions about your mom. Even when it's the right decision, it's still hard. Crafting helps us to forget our troubles, don't you think? I'd like to win your prize because I'm new at crafting, and could really use some supplies to get started. Thank you for being so generous.
Rita, your journal pages are so beautiful & you always seem to use my favorite colors. I know what you are going through with your mom as I went through the early stages witty my grandmother, then my mom was her caregiver for nearly 10 years. The best change my mother ever made was to move my grandmother to assisted living. She was able to be her daughter again, not her caregiver, which helped them return to their mother/daughter relationship. It is a rough road & I will pray for you & your family.
Beautiful art journal page and I can understand your sadness. I could talk to you for hours as both my mother-in-law and my father suffered from this terrible disease. My MIL died several years ago but my dad just died this past August and it was so hard on my mother when we had to place him in a facility. She suffered guilt too but it was where he needed to be. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I love your journal page, especially because it includes emotions. Thanks for sharing. I also wanted to say that I admire you for sharing your life with the rest of us. My prayers are with your family and your mom as she adjusts to her new environment. That's always and adjustment, no matter your age! Blessings to you and yours.
I love your blog and your art and I appreciate you sharing your struggles. As hard as it is, the tough times and the pain are a part of our lives and it is just as important to put those feelings on paper as the good times.
Remember, no one loves your mom (or you) more than our Savior, rest in His promises and in the certainty that she will be whole,with you in eternity.
Like my mom always says: Keep your chins up!
Rita,
You can see from all the comments that unfortunately the situation you are in all too common in our society today. You can also see how loved and supported you are! I am very sorry for what you and your family are going through. Not only am I going through having to put my own Mom in a nursing home right now, but it will also mean that I will have to move to another state just to have a chance to survive financially (and still make face homelessness anyway). I also used to volunteer with Alzheimer's patients so I know a decent amount about how difficult this disease is for both patient and family,
You are all in,y thoughts and prayers.
Big hugs,
Maureen
Rita - I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. It sounds really frustrating and heartbreaking...I will pray that things get better for you all!!
Thank you for the generous give away. Praying that ypu will have peace in moving your mom, and that she will do well in her new surroundings.
Julie S.
jstoller@ameritech.net
Hey, friend! Hugs to you!!! I went through the same thing with my dad and the assisted living folks were so good to him. You did the RIGHT THING! Love you! xo
It sounds like you made the right decision for you mom. The right decision isn't always easy but I'm glad you Mom's neighbor could help you feel a little better. I love your drawing. The emotion you were feeling is evident and gives it more depth. I also love this color palate. Gorgeous!
Rita - I am so sorry to hear about your mom. We went through the same thing with my grandmother a few years ago. Alzheimer's is absolutely heartbreaking. We visited her regularly and gave her lots of hugs and love. It was very therapeutic for me to scrapbook photos of her in past years....as we were losing her in the present. Praying for the God of all comfort to be right there for you, your mom and your family through all of this!
It doesn't seem fair, does it? We have had to do the same with my mom, and while she is safer, she isn't happier. I keep reminding myself that she wouldn't be happier anywhere, even in her own home. I know we did the right thing, but it will never feel right. My prayers are with you.
Love your "sad" girl, she is beautiful.
Hugs for you my friend. Somewhere inside your Mom knows she is loved, and You know she is loved, and every decision you have made is based in love. That is the truth, and that is all that really matters.
Take care of you
Pam
I know how hard is on the family when somebody in that family has Alhzeimer, I had a very close friend in that situation and our pastor told us "Be patient becuase it is a long good bye". I know you trust in the Lord and I want to reassure you he is holding your hand.
Don't enter me in the giveaway, just wanted to let you know that you and your mom are in my prayers.
Hugs.
I feel so bad thinking you have to face the self doubt and the wondering... I am sure you did the right thing and it must be so painful when your parents reach the point where they need to be taken care of as if they were children... or worse. I can see that day approaching and it is scary, indeed. I hope you know you did the right thing and feel reassured as you see your mom being taken care of and being safe!
Oh I am so sorry you had to go through this. My Mom just suffers from age related dementia and heart problems etc, but even this brings days where she doesn't remember anything. We had to move her into assisted living after years of her going downhill and it was not an easy decision. Hang in there and try to love yourself even when you get no appreciation. Hugs to you.
This is a beautiful page! Hugs to you and your family.
I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through with your mother. My husband's father just passed away last November at 93 and his mother, who is also 93, is showing signs of dementia. She is now living in a facility in the memory care section and will probably be there the rest of her life. I has been a very difficult time for my husband and his siblings in making these decisions, so I know how you are feeling. God bless you and your family and may you have comfort in knowing that you have made the right choice for her and your family. I think your sad girl is very beautiful.
This is so pretty!!
I have jouranled a couple of emotions in my journal art book.
Glad your mom is slowly adjusting.
I cant relate in seeing a family member( your mom) on a every day basis but my grandmother went through this and she would forget our names and forget where she was and talk and ask for her mom who has been dead for many years.
Its frustrating and sad to see them go through this and when they dont remember who you are.
I continue to pray for her.
Post a Comment