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| Dad & I Figueres 2012 |
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
(Anon)
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| Pencil in A5 sketchbook. |
On January 12th I flew to UK and on arrival discovered that dad was in hospital. When I got to the ward in the afternoon he was unconscious and never regained consciousness. He died peacefully ten days later.
From the 23rd, whilst staying in his house, I found comfort through sketching. I tried to record details of dad that would be lost in a photo, but are the little things that show his everyday life.
From the 23rd, whilst staying in his house, I found comfort through sketching. I tried to record details of dad that would be lost in a photo, but are the little things that show his everyday life.
Dad stopped smoking when he was 60, but kept the ashtray as it was given to him by his mother-in-law (my nan). Unlike the stereotype, they had a very good relationship.
I never understood how dad could get his dictionaries and encyclopedias in such a tatty condition. I guess putting them back to front on the shelf didn't help.
When I went to the hospital for the doctor's certificate, I was given dad's things. The following day, I drew his wedding ring, watch and glasses before giving them to mum.
Then, I drew his cufflink box, which contained another watch, minus strap, and his hearing aid - I'd wondered where it was.
When I went to the hospital for the doctor's certificate, I was given dad's things. The following day, I drew his wedding ring, watch and glasses before giving them to mum.
Dad loved hats, and throughout the house there are caps, trilbies, straw hats and others. I
struggled to sketch over the days after his funeral and this hasn't come out as I
wanted, the cold hallway didn't help, but it does show some of dad's many hats.
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| An in situ shot. |
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| Dad & I in Barcelona 2012 |
