Emerge
This past month has been a bit overwhelming. While I was preparing for my father’s death, I was not prepared. Loss feels like swimming at the bottom of heavy water. But each day I feel more of myself emerging, rising to the surface.
I spent the past week in Orlando, Florida where I presented teacher training at the National Head Start conference. That was great! I love folk who love kids! We explored the ways that children (and grown ups) learn through playing. My idea of fun! So, I’m back. My days are starting to take shape again and I’ll be back to blogging! Simeon started driving classes this week. He thinks this means he’ll have free access to the car this summer. I don’t think so…..
The painting, “Emerge” is from a gallery show I had with other artists at ArtWorks. It’s the 3rd in a series. This is the piece I sold!
Gullahmama Now 
beautiful piece. you’re a beautiful soul.
First of all, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Please know our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. Shannon, Levi and myself did arrive home safely and had a wonderful, adventurous time getting there! On this last Friday we rode out the “inland hurricane” and survived with much less damage than most of our neighbors. As cleanup continues and power is restored we are thankful for our blessings and pray for those who are now without a home. Levi is putting together a thankyou packet for you. Is the PO Box on your web site current? Feel free to e-mail me and thanks again for making my little boys dream come true!
So nice to hear from you! Glad you made it home and safely through the bad weather. I will certainly pry for your family as well as those who are without homes. There are some things you can’t prepare for. Yes, Lori, the P. O. Box is fine. I’ll look forward to Levi’s package!
Take it one day at a time . Also , a little off subject but had to take time to say it though big fan of the show I watched it as a kid and now I’m 18 going on 19 and I have it recorded on my Tv.
I am so sorry, as many people will tell you …you are never prepared for that loss……….You paint with so much feeling Ms. Nat. The spirit lifts us up with time.Thoughts are with you…….
Gail
Thank you Gail. Ready to pick up my paintbrush again. Just not sure where to start. I may just go into the studio and see what happens…
wow – we were just recently reacquainted with gullah gullah island – we watched it when my 19 year old was little and now my “surprise” 4 year old is loving it – i was amazed to read that Simeon is starting to drive – I was watching him half hour ago and James was feeding him in his highchair – how times fly
Hi Kim,
Time does fly! Most of the time I still can’t believe it. I look at Sim and I keep seeing the little guy in my arms. Seems just a minute ago. He went to the prom a few weeks ago. Wasn’t up to blogging then, but I think I’ll post the pics in my next blog!
Hi Natalie,
I am glad to see you back on your blog. I enjoy it very much. As you might remember my Mom passed away on the same day your Dad did. I am starting to get back to normal but still have some crying spells. Guess it is to be expected. I understand your loss and I hope you continue to feel better.
Susie
In 2005 I lost my grandpa. He and my gran raised me and even though I am married with 2 children, it was as if the center of my universe had went dark and silent. I don’t know if Im any better but taking care of my grandmother and my children help. My daughter’s favorite show as a younger child was Gullah Gullah Island. I bet she could still sing all the songs. My son watches the re runs on Noggin. We have to Tivo it because it comes on very late, but I was curious about where you all had went and were doing and that was how I came across your site. I think another thing that has helped is that I see my grandfather in everything! It’s not as if he is totally gone. Sometimes it makes me sad,but other times when I see some funny face my son makes or something as small as a milk white butterfly flutter across the yard, I see him. He was a wonderful man and loved nature. He always taught me to appreciate the little things and it’s those little lessons that keeps him close.
Dear Natalie ~
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of mourning. Please be comforted by your many wonderful memories of your father and know that you now have an angel watching over you.
B
dear MRS .Natalie i am so sorry for your lost i just recently lost my grandfather he died on his birth day he had just turned 90yrs old. i cry for a little bit but then i thought about it god brought him on this earth when he was born (which was on his birth day) and then he took him back with him on his birth day were he knew that he lived a long life and it was time for him to go to heaven were he would be safe and nobdy could harm him in any kind of way and that he wont get sick any more either so may all my preys be with you and i hope you and your family will be alright about your lost. PS: i used to watch your show when i was a little kid and now i am 13 and even though i am big i still watch it when ever i get the chance it comes on noggin.
Thank you for your kind note. It’s a nice thought to be watched over by someone who loved us so well! I laughed when you said you still watch Gullah Gullah Island. A lot of folk do, even when they’re grown! Take care and thank you again.
I want to thank you all so much for your kind words and caring during this challenging period. I thought I’d “bounce back” sooner, but grief takes its own sweet time. I know I’ll miss my daddy forever, but each day I’m feelng more myself and I have such wonderful memories of him. The caring you all have shared has been such a big part of my healing. I am grateful for all of you.
Hi Mrs. Daise,
I am sorry about your loss! I can understand how you must feel. I do love your positivity about the whole situation, even though your heart is heavy. I will pray that God heals your heart soon, and that you will continue to stay positive at such a rough time! I am a big fan of you and your husband, and have been since a little girl. I’m so happy that I found your blog. I still watch Gullah Gullah Island at 3 and 3:30 in the morning! My daughter was up one morning and saw it, and has been talking about it just about everyday because she’s wanting to watch it! I need to find it on tape so she can! Also, that painting is beautiful! Stay Blessed!!
Bridget