Art can ease the pain–temporarily.

A few months ago, our family entered a time of deep sorrow. My nephew suffered an accident at the work site, and died roughly two days later. In the hours immediately after his departure (which was actually a home-going), I spent time with his children, K-Y and K-A and another little niece, J-A. The children were ages 5, 6, and 7. I had brought a bag of art supplies.

We sat at the large coffee table in the den and spread out the supplies. Soon we were all working on one sheet of paper. Everyone just applied whatever they wanted to apply. I think an older nephew walked by and added the word, “dog.” The whole process was like a soothing balm, albeit a small and temporary one. We were deep in grief and in many ways we still are. I have posted the picture below.